Brow Lift

The brow and forehead are typically the first parts of our face to show visible signs of aging. Wrinkle lines may appear on our forehead, frown lines can develop between the brows, and our eyebrows can droop, hooding our upper eyelids and obstructing our vision. All of this can make us look tired or angry. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure designed to elevate the eyebrows and upper eyelids and enhance the overall appearance of the upper face for a more youthful and relaxed look. Additionally, a brow lift can raise sagging eyebrows to improve vision obstructed by drooping eyebrows.

Why is a Brow Lift Done?

 A brow lift is performed to address a variety of concerns, including:

• Sagging eyebrows that create a tired, sad, or angry appearance.
• Horizontal forehead wrinkles (often in combination with botulinum toxin)
• Frown lines between the eyebrows (often in combination with botulinum toxin)
• Vision obstruction due to drooping eyebrows.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Most healthy people with no significant medical conditions are appropriate candidates for a brow lift. Ideal candidates for a brow lift are individuals who:

• Have visible signs of aging in the brow and forehead area, such as sagging eyebrows, deep wrinkles, and frown lines (typically people aged 30 and older).
• Are physically healthy and do not have medical conditions that can impair healing.
• Have a positive outlook and specific, realistic goals for improving their appearance.
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for a significant period before and after surgery.
• Experience functional issues like hooding in upper eyelids that impair vision.
• Are bothered by the signs of aging in the brow region.
• Have inherited conditions such as a low, heavy brow, or furrowed lines above the nose.
• Want to reduce excess skin of the upper eyelids.

Patients who are not good candidates include people who smoke or those with complex medical conditions that can impair healing after surgery.

What Happens During the Surgery

The goal of a brow lift is to carefully elevate the brow and upper eyelid and resuspend it to create a more youthful appearance. In women we recreate a “peak” at about a third of the eyebrow and in men we place the eyebrow at, or just above the level of the brow bone. There are different methods of brow lift including a classic brow lift (done under anesthesia), endoscopic brow lift (minimally invasive), and a temporal or direct brow lift (minimally invasive and can be done under local anesthesia in the office). Your consultation with the surgeon will allow us to select which procedure best suits your unique needs. Depending on the procedure that is right for you, you may be given general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure your comfort. Small incisions are made behind the hairline or in natural forehead creases to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon will reposition the tissues, remove excess skin, and secure the new position of the brow to the frontal bone. The incisions are then closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or clips.

Recovery after a Brow Lift

Recovery usually takes two to three weeks and involves several stages, with swelling and bruising typically peaking within the first few days and subsiding over the next few weeks. Activity restrictions include avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for several weeks. It is important to keep your head elevated while lying down to minimize swelling and to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. If you have been prescribed some medications, it is important to take them as directed. Possible short-term side effects of a brow lift include numbness and discomfort around the incisions, and numbness/itching on the top of the scalp.

FAQ

How painful is a brow lift?
Pain is typically minimal and can be managed with prescribed medication. Most patients report discomfort rather than significant pain.

Will there be visible scars?
Scars are usually well-hidden within the hairline or natural forehead creases and fade over time. Dr. Dorafshar uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring. If scars persist, makeup can minimize the appearance until healing is complete.

How soon can I return to work?
Most patients return to work within around 2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job and their individual healing process. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or strenuous activity may require a longer recovery period.

How long do the results last?
While aging continues, the results are long-lasting. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposure can influence longevity. Skincare can also affect your results.

Can I combine a brow lift with other procedures?
Yes, a brow lift is often combined with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a facelift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

What should I avoid after surgery?
Avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and limit sun exposure. Avoid smoking as it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Follow all post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. It is important to contact our office should anything unusual occur.

Complementary Procedures

Complementary procedures that can enhance the results of a brow lift include upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess skin and fat, facelifts to address sagging and wrinkles in the mid and lower face, and botulinum toxin or dermal fillers to smooth fine lines, enhance facial contours, and add volume to areas that have lost fullness. Combining these procedures can provide more harmonious results and a more youthful overall appearance.

For more detailed information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office to get started with your brow lift.