Brow Lift

Wrinkles and frown lines often first appear in the brow and forehead area. A brow or forehead lift can smooth out the wrinkles and correct dropping brows and heavy lids, helping you shed years from your facial appearance without any visible external scars. Minimally invasive, endoscopic techniques ensure very small incisions that are easily hidden in the hairline.

Common Techniques Procedure Recovery Results Risks Associated with a Brow Lift
Common Techniques

There are two techniques used for performing brow lifts. The classic lift requires a long incision that runs across the top of the head, at the hair line, and down to the ears. However, for a woman who has a high forehead, a coronal incision, which is made behind the hairline, may be used. The endoscopic lift requires three to five small incisions that are made across the forehead, at the hairline. These shorter incisions mean a shorter recovery time and less scarring than those from a traditional brow lift.

Which technique is chosen depends on the thickness, texture and elasticity of the skin, the bone structure of the face, the overall appearance of eyebrows and eyelids, and the position of the eyebrows.

Brow-lift surgery usually takes about one to two hours to perform, and takes place at a hospital, an office-based surgical suite, or an ambulatory center. Either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation is used. Depending on the surgical technique used, one long incision or a series of small incisions is made.

Tissue and muscle underneath the skin are moved or repositioned as necessary. At the end of the procedure, the incision(s) is closed with sutures, screws, adhesives or surgical tape; a drain may be put in to collect excess blood and fluid. Post surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery area for observation.

A patient typically returns home on the day of the brow-lift surgery, although an overnight stay may be necessary for some. Swelling may be pronounced for the first day or two after surgery, although most swelling goes away within 2 weeks. To prevent post-operative bleeding, bending and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few days. It can take up to 6 months for swelling to fully subside and scars to fade.
Depending on the patient’s presurgical appearance and goals, a brow lift’s results, which can be seen immediately, can be either subtle or dramatic. Eyes will appear more “open,” and creases across the forehead, bridge of the nose, and between the eyes will be much less prominent.

Please contact us to discuss possible risks and complications associated with a brow lift. Our team of plastic surgeons are happy to discuss and consult the entire medical procedure process including risks.

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Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Have questions? Call us to schedule an appointment. We’d love to answer your questions and talk about developing an individualized treatment plan to help you look and feel the way you’ve always wanted to. Now offering in-person and video telehealth consultation for select procedures.

714-446-5180