What Is a Brow Lift?
With aging, gravity and loss of skin elasticity, the eyebrows may shift downward. This can result in forehead wrinkles, deep frown lines, upper eyelid heaviness, and a tired or stern facial expression.
Brow lift surgery repositions the eyebrows to their anatomically ideal location, restores upper facial support, and enhances overall facial harmony. The surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and natural facial expressions.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Brow lift surgery may be suitable for patients who have:
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Drooping eyebrows
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Prominent forehead wrinkles
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Deep glabellar lines
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Upper eyelid heaviness related to brow descent
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Good general health and realistic expectations
Final candidacy is determined after comprehensive clinical evaluation.
How Is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?
The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical plan.
Different surgical techniques may be used (endoscopic, limited incision, or traditional approach). Incisions are typically placed within the hairline or natural skin creases to minimize visible scarring.
Through these incisions, the forehead and brow tissues are carefully released, elevated, repositioned, and secured. Excess skin may be removed if necessary. The procedure is completed with fine sutures.
The average operative time ranges from 60 to 120 minutes.
Postoperative Recovery
Patients are usually discharged on the same day.
During the early recovery period, patients may experience:
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Swelling
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Mild bruising
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Temporary tightness
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Temporary numbness
These effects typically improve significantly within 1–2 weeks.
Sutures are removed within 7–10 days unless absorbable sutures are used. Most patients return to daily activities within 7–10 days.
Final results become more apparent as swelling resolves over several weeks.
Possible Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, brow lift surgery carries potential risks, including:
Bleeding
Infection
Temporary sensory changes
Asymmetry
Hairline changes (technique-dependent)
Delayed wound healing
Careful surgical planning and execution by an experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon help minimize these risks.
