What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is a cosmetic surgery that repositions the forehead to raise the eyebrows, reduce wrinkles, and give a more youthful appearance.

As we age, the skin loses elasticity. Sun exposure weakens the skin, and gravity pulls the brows downward, causing wrinkles. You may develop frown lines between the eyebrows or horizontal lines on the forehead. The outer part of the brows can droop, giving a sad or tired look. If you wish to correct these natural changes, a brow lift may be the right choice.

Other names for brow lift include:

• Forehead lift
• Forehead rejuvenation
• Brow aesthetic surgery
• Temporal (lateral) brow lift

What Does a Brow Lift Help With?

A brow lift can address:

• Horizontal forehead lines and wrinkles across the nose bridge
• Vertical frown lines (the “11s”) between the eyebrows
• Drooping brows that cause a tired or aged appearance

Will a Brow Lift Change My Eye Shape?

No, a brow lift will not alter your eye shape or fix drooping eyelids. It focuses only on the brows and forehead area.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You're physically healthy
• You don’t smoke
• You have realistic expectations

Your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history and goals to determine your suitability for the procedure.

Can I Combine a Brow Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, you can undergo multiple cosmetic procedures alongside a brow lift, including:

• Facelift
• Mini facelift
• Neck lift
• Skin resurfacing
• Upper or lower eyelid surgery

How Common Is a Brow Lift?

Over 88,000 brow lift procedures are performed annually in the United States. While it’s more common among women, men account for less than 10% of these surgeries.

What Are the Types of Brow Lift Procedures?

There are three main types:

1. Classic (Coronal) Brow Lift: Involves a single continuous incision from ear to ear across the top of the head. If the forehead is high, the incision may follow the hairline. Hair may need to be trimmed or grown out depending on length.
2. Endoscopic Brow Lift: Uses small incisions in the scalp. A scope with a camera is inserted to view tissues, and adjustments are made with instruments via other incisions. Anchors or sutures hold tissues in place. It’s less invasive with quicker recovery and minimal scarring.
3. Limited Incision Technique: Combines elements of both methods. No camera is used, and incisions are smaller. It doesn’t target the central forehead but helps with crow’s feet around the eyes.

Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable option based on your needs and expectations.

Are There Non-Surgical Brow Lift Options?

Yes. Botox or similar injections can be used to temporarily smooth wrinkles and lift the brows without surgery. It's ideal for those avoiding scars or long recovery.

The benefits may include:

• Reduced wrinkles
• Elevated brow position
• Enhanced brow contour
• A younger, more refreshed look

However, results are not permanent and require repeat treatments several times a year.

What Happens Before a Brow Lift Surgery?

Before your brow lift procedure, your healthcare provider will:

• Evaluate your forehead area.
• Ask you to make various facial expressions to assess all wrinkles and lines.
• Discuss your brow lift options to help you achieve your goals.
• Review your general health condition.
• Take photographs of your brows and forehead.
• Discuss the expected results, potential complications, and risks of the surgery.

Questions to Ask Your Specialist Before a Brow Lift

Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your consultation so you can be 100% confident about what to expect. Consider asking some or all of the following:

• How can I achieve the best results?
• How will you perform the procedure?
• How long will recovery take?
• What are the risks?
• How will I look one year later? Five years? Ten years?
• What happens if I don’t like the result?
• Where will the scars be?
• How should I prepare for the surgery?

Preparing for a Brow Lift Surgery

Your surgeon will give you all the necessary information beforehand. These preoperative instructions may include:

• Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Avoid certain medications like aspirin.
• Let your hair grow to help cover potential scars.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
• Have someone stay with you during the first night and day after surgery.

Is a Brow Lift Performed Inpatient or Outpatient?

Brow lift surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you likely won’t need to stay overnight at the hospital.

What Happens During a Brow Lift Surgery?

During your procedure, anesthesia will be used so you don’t feel any pain. Depending on the type of brow lift, you may receive local anesthesia (numbing the forehead area) or general anesthesia (you’ll be asleep).

Once the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make incisions in the hairline. They’ll reposition tissues and remove muscle or skin segments that cause deep wrinkles or frown lines.

The incisions will be closed using sutures or staples, and the area will be bandaged to protect the stitches.

A brow lift usually takes between one to three hours.

Is a Brow Lift Painful?

You won’t feel pain during the procedure due to anesthesia. Afterward, you might experience bruising, tightness, and swelling. The surgical site may be tender or sore during recovery.

What Happens After a Brow Lift?

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off and it’s safe to go home. You’ll need someone to drive you.

Your surgeon will give you aftercare instructions, including:

• How to care for the surgical area.
• Medications or pain relievers to use during recovery.
• How to reduce swelling (elevate your head, apply cold compresses — not directly on the forehead).
• How long to rest and avoid physical activities.

They’ll also explain signs of complications and schedule follow-up appointments.

Risks and Benefits

Benefits of a Brow Lift:

• Enhances the appearance of your forehead and overall face.
• Lifts your brows for a more youthful and alert look.
• Reduces wrinkles and sagging skin on the forehead.
• Minimizes a tired or angry expression.

Possible Risks or Complications:

• Scarring.
• Infection.
• Limited eyebrow movement.
• Itching in the scalp.
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
• Pain.
• Hair loss around the incision sites.
• Asymmetry.
• Numbness.
• Bleeding.

Will There Be Scars After a Brow Lift?

Yes, brow lifts result in some scarring. However, your surgeon will try to hide the scars within your hairline. If scarring is a concern, discuss non-invasive alternatives with your provider.

Recovery and Results

What to Expect During Recovery:

• Recovery varies based on the type of brow lift you undergo.
• Stitches or staples may be dissolvable or need removal after 1–2 weeks.
• Bruising and swelling are common.
• Keep your head elevated for at least two days, including while sleeping.
• Swelling will decrease within two weeks but can take several weeks to fully disappear.
• Use cold packs on the sides of your face (not directly on your forehead).
• Bandages are usually removed 1–3 days after surgery.
• Temporary numbness or tingling is common and should subside over time.

How Long Is Recovery?

Most people return to work or school within 10–14 days. Avoid heavy lifting or intense activities for several weeks.

When Will I See the Results?

It can take up to six months for your forehead to fully heal. Once healing is complete, the final results will be visible. Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups to ensure everything is healing correctly.

How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?

Brow lifts are permanent cosmetic procedures and can last a lifetime. However, aging can affect the results over time. Use sunscreen to protect your skin and help preserve the effects longer.