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Brow LIFT

A brow lift, otherwise known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure to rejuvenate the upper third of the face. With aging, the forehead and brows can droop due to the effects of gravity. The use of the forehead muscles can also cause wrinkles to form. Together, this can give not only a tired but also a more stern or saddened appearance. The descent of the forehead can also cause excess skin in the upper eyelid to sag, which can affect vision.

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Brow Lift OVERVIEW

A brow lift raises the eyebrows back to their normal position and relieves deep creases that may have formed, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The procedure is usually minimally invasive and performed with small incisions hidden behind the hairline. It is commonly performed with other procedures to correct age-related changes in the face.

Is A Brow Lift
RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you have noticed sagging of your brows or upper eyelids along with deepening of wrinkles in your forehead, you may be a candidate for a brow lift. The heaviness of the brow can cause someone to look tired, angry, or sad.

  • Who Is A Candidate For A Brow Lift?

Healthy patients who are bothered by brow heaviness and forehead wrinkles can greatly benefit from a brow lift, which restores a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Patients with natural asymmetry of the brows are good candidates for surgery, which can improve the symmetry.

  • Why Is Brow Lift Done?

A brow lift is a cosmetic surgery done to improve the signs of aging in the upper third of the face. It restores the brows back to their youthful position, improves skin hooding over the eyes, and smooths wrinkles in the forehead. Patients often seek correction because they are tired of others commenting or asking if they are tired or worried. It helps them look like they feel on the inside.

How Common Is A
Brow Lift?

Brow lift or forehead lift surgery is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure. It is frequently combined with other procedures for facial rejuvenation.

ENDOSCOPIC BROW LIFT

The endoscopic brow lift technique is the most commonly performed way to lift the brows. This technique utilizes up to 5 short incisions behind the hairline. Because they are shorter and in the hair, they heal almost imperceptibly. An endoscope is used underneath the skin to allow visualization of the elevation of the forehead’s soft tissue. Sutures or other fixation devices are used to elevate and reposition the forehead and brow. Recovery from this approach is typically faster as it is less invasive than the coronal approach.

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TEMPORAL OR LIMITED INCISION BROW LIFT

This procedure utilizes even fewer incisions than the endoscopic approach. Using only an incision in the hair over the temple on either side, this technique addresses lateral descent of the brow and lateral hooding of eyelid skin.

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CLASSIC OR CORONAL BROW LIFT

This procedure involves making one incision across the top of the scalp extending from ear to ear. This incision may be placed in the hair for better camouflage or at the hairline to help correct a high forehead. The skin and soft tissue are lifted while the excess is trimmed appropriately, and the incision is closed. Today, the classic or coronal brow lift is primarily performed in patients with a high hairline that also desires correction.

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DIRECT BROW LIFT

This procedure removes skin above the eyebrows. The incision is hidden in or at the top part of the eyebrow. It is best performed in patients with thicker or bushy eyebrows. This procedure can also be performed with the patient awake under local anesthesia (numbing shot).

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MIDFOREHEAD BROW LIFT

This procedure involves removing skin in the middle of the forehead to elevate the brows. The incisions are hidden in the horizontal creases of the forehead. It is best for men who already have deeper forehead furrows and want to avoid going to sleep, as it can be performed while awake with local anesthesia.

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Is There A Nonsurgical
BROW LIFT?

Neuromodulators can be used to accomplish a nonsurgical brow lift. These injections temporarily weaken or paralyze the forehead muscles and reduce wrinkles. When placed precisely near the outside of the eyebrows, these injections can also cause a subtle lift of the brows.

However, these injections are not permanent and need to be repeated every three months or so.

Brow Lift Vs. Eyelid Lift
VS. FACELIFT

These are all plastic surgery procedures to address age-related changes in different areas of the face.

A brow lift addresses age-related changes in the upper third of the face. It improves the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead, elevates the brows, & reduces hooding over the eyes.

An eyelid lift or blepharoplasty addresses redundant skin and excess fat in the upper and lower eyelids. In patients whose primary problem is excessive upper eyelid skin but who do not have significant drooping of the brows, an upper eyelid lift is an excellent procedure to rejuvenate the eyes.

A facelift addresses the lower part of the face. It will improve the jaw and neckline and reduce the appearance of jowls.

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BENEFITS OF A BROW LIFT

Risks / BENEFITS

The benefits of a brow lift include correcting age-related changes in the upper third of the forehead. As with all surgery, there are risks.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A BROW LIFT PROCEDURE?

A brow lift addresses age-related changes in the upper third of the face. It improves wrinkles in the forehead, restores and elevates brows back to a youthful position, and improves skin hooding over the eyes. Frown lines can also be improved. Together, the patient looks younger and more refreshed. Additionally, it reduces or minimizes the appearance of looking tired, angry, or sad.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS OF A BROW LIFT PROCEDURE?

The risks associated with all surgeries include pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, need for further procedures, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Specific to the brow lift, there can be numbness of the forehead or scalp, hair loss near the incisions, asymmetry of the brows, and paralysis of the eyebrow. You should discuss these risks in detail with your surgeon prior to surgery.

DOES A BROW LIFT CAUSE SCARS?

Yes, the procedure will cause scars. Depending on the technique used, the location, number, and length of the incisions can vary. The endoscopic and temporal approaches are the most commonly performed because they use short incisions hidden in the hair and are less invasive than the traditional coronal approach.

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STEP-BY-STEP THROUGH BROW LIFT

What Are The Steps Of
A BROW LIFT PROCEDURE?

The following details the steps of surgery.

1

Anesthesia

In general, brow lifts are performed under anesthesia for maximum patient comfort. They can be performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

2

The Incision

Incision placement depends on the technique that will be utilized. With an endoscopic approach, small incisions are placed in the hair to allow an endoscope to be used to visualize the surgery underneath the forehead. With a temporal lift, only an incision in the hair in each temple region is used. With a coronal approach, an incision is made from ear to ear, either in the hair or just at the line of the hair. The incision for the direct brow approach is at the brow, and the incision for the midforehead approach is in the middle of the forehead. The forehead and brows are then lifted and fixated in a higher position.

3

Closing The Incisions

The incisions are closed. This can be performed with sutures or staples.

4

See The Results

The improvement in brow position is seen immediately after surgery. Initial swelling and bruising may mask some of this, but as they go away within the first few weeks of surgery, a more rested and rejuvenated appearance emerges.

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What You Can EXPECT

Brow lifts are usually done in an outpatient setting and typically take about an hour.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY PROVIDER BEFORE MY BROW LIFT PROCEDURE?

It is important you ask all the questions you need so that you are comfortable with your surgeon and moving forward with surgery. The following list can be used as a guide during your consultation:

  • What is your training and experience with this procedure?
  • Would I benefit from this procedure and am I a good candidate?
  • What surgical technique would you recommend for me?
  • Where will the incisions be placed?
  • How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  • What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  • How are complications handled?
  • How long do the results last?
  • What can I do if I don’t like the outcome?
  • Do you have before and after photos of other patients who have had this procedure?

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE A BROW LIFT PROCEDURE?

Before a brow lift, you will consult with your surgeon to discuss your goals. Your surgeon will take a comprehensive history, perform a physical exam, and take photographs. Your surgeon will then discuss your surgical options and recommend the best approach to achieve your goals. You should ask questions and thoroughly discuss recovery, risks, and complications of the procedure, as well as expected outcomes.

  • What Kind Of Anesthesia Is Used During A Brow Lift?

Most brow lifts are performed while the patient is asleep. Intravenous sedation is preferred by most plastic surgeons as the recovery is faster and better for the patient than general anesthesia. In some techniques, such as the direct or midforehead approach, it can be performed awake with only local anesthetic.

  • What Should I Do To Prepare For A Brow Lift Procedure?

Patients should optimize their lifestyle and be as healthy as possible prior to surgery. This includes stopping smoking at least 6-8 weeks before the surgery and limiting alcohol. Patients should also avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, herbal supplements, and any other medications that thin the blood to decrease the risk of bleeding. Every patient undergoing anesthesia should have a preoperative medical clearance by their primary care physician, which may include lab tests, EKG, and chest X-ray.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

During the procedure, you will be given anesthesia so you are asleep and do not feel any pain. The surgeon then performs the procedure using the technique that is best for your surgical goals. Afterward, a dressing is placed around the head to protect the surgical sites.

  • Is A Brow Lift Painful?

During your procedure, you will not feel any pain under anesthesia. Afterward, there is expected to be some mild to moderate pain. This usually only lasts the first 2-3 days and is controlled with pain medication.


AFTER THE PROCEDURE

After the procedure, you will go to the recovery area to be monitored as you wake.  This is to ensure you do not develop any complications from the surgery or anesthesia. Once you are awake, you’ll be discharged home. After anesthesia, you won’t be able to drive, so someone needs to take you home.

Once you get home, you should rest and take it easy as much as possible the first week after surgery. The dressing can be removed in one to two days. After removing the dressing, you can shower and wash your hair and the incision sites. You should ice the forehead and eyes frequently to minimize bruising and swelling and, ideally, sleep with your head elevated. Over-the-counter medications such as Advil and Tylenol will help with pain control. Your surgeon may also prescribe a pain medication for you to take as needed. Sutures and staples are removed one week after surgery at your postoperative appointment.

  • What You’ll Need At Home After A Brow Lift

Ice packs are very effective at minimizing bruising and swelling after surgery. Taking arnica orally and applying it topically to the forehead can also reduce bruising. Gauze is useful for cleaning up any oozing that may occur in the first few days after surgery. Finally, having pain medication readily available is important.

  • What Can I Do To Speed Recovery After A Brow Lift?

You should follow your surgeon’s instructions to maximize your recovery. This includes resting, icing, taking and applying arnica, and elevating the head. Avoiding physical activity for at least one week after surgery is important as it decreases the likelihood of bleeding, bruising, and pain.

  • What Is The Typical Recovery From A Brow Lift Using Dr. Chen’s Technique?

For most patients, the effects of anesthesia are gone by the night of surgery or the next morning. The typical patient has bruising and swelling of the forehead and eyes that develop after surgery and peak around three days after surgery. Most of this resolves by two weeks after surgery but will vary from person to person. Most patients will experience some pain in the first 2-3 days that should be well controlled with pain medication. After that, there is usually little to no pain. Many patients start enjoying their results within the first two weeks, but for some, it can take up to a month.

Outcomes and
LONGEVITY

A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure with excellent longevity, but since you continue to age, the results may lessen with time.

  • Will The Results Of Brow Lift Surgery Last?

The results after brow lift surgery are expected to last for years to come. However, it is important to remember that nothing is permanent, and the normal aging process never stops. The forehead tissues will slowly settle due to the effects of gravity and aging. Living a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding smoking and wearing sunscreen daily, will help extend your results. Additionally, neuromodulators can also keep wrinkles from returning.

When Should I See My
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

Patients should contact their surgeon if they experience signs of infection, such as fevers, increased pain, swelling, drainage, chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in mental status. They should also call for any persistent bleeding from surgical sites that is not resolved.

AFTER A BROW LIFT, CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF:

  • You have a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  • You have excessive swelling that does not resolve
  • You have persistent bleeding from a surgical site
  • You have severe pain that does not respond to pain medication
  • You have any visual changes
  • You have any chest pain, shortness of breath, or change in mental status

Choosing A Cosmetic Surgeon
LIKE HENRY CHEN, MD

Dr. Chen is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has spent his entire training and career operating on the head and neck and has intricate expertise and understanding of the anatomy, as well as advanced surgical techniques to achieve the best outcome. Having performed hundreds of brow lifts, Dr. Chen can confidently deliver exceptional results for his patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will A Brow Lift Change My Eye Shape?

No, it will not change the shape of the eyes. It will elevate the brow position and improve the appearance of the forehead.

What's The Difference Between A Brow Lift And Blepharoplasty?

A brow lift addresses aging in the upper third of the face. It improves the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead, elevates the brows, and can also reduce some hooding over the eyes.

A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift addresses age-related changes in the upper and lower eyelids. This can involve removing sagging skin and sculpting excess fat to remove heaviness and bagginess.

What Is A Thread Brow Lift?

A thread is a barbed suture that is placed underneath the skin to pull it back and tighten it. When used to tighten and elevate the brow, a similar result can be achieved to surgery. However, unlike surgery, the results go away very quickly.

Is A Brow Lift An Inpatient Or Outpatient Procedure?

A brow lift is an outpatient procedure. Patients can go home after surgery, even if it is combined with other procedures at the same time.

Can I Get Multiple Cosmetic Procedures Done At The Same Time As A Brow Lift?

Yes, other cosmetic procedures can be performed at the same time. Brow lifts are commonly performed as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure, often combined with eyelid surgery and a facelift.

How Long Does Surgery Take?

A brow lift typically takes 1 hour or less.

Can A Brow Lift Fix Hooded Eyes?

A brow lift will improve the hooding of the upper eyelids to a certain degree. If the hooding is more severe, it is best to perform a brow lift with an upper eyelid lift to achieve the best results.

How Much Does It Cost To Lift Your Eyebrows?

This surgical procedure can cost between $6,000-12,000.

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Brow Lift RESULTS

Before and After photos
View Brow Lift Gallery

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Dr. Chen is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

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