
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation, is a popular surgical procedure used to correct sagging or asymmetrical eyebrows by raising the forehead. The surgery is also effective for smoothing forehead lines and wrinkles, depending on the type of brow lift.
There are many different techniques for brow lifts. While results are long-lasting, they are not permanent. Your skin continues to lose elasticity as you age. Some techniques are more invasive than others, and the right choice will depend on your specific needs. The procedure is helpful for those with deep forehead lines, as well as for people with low-set brows.
Brow Lift FAQs
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What are the different types of brow lifts?
Surgical brow lifts tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, and make your eyes look larger to help you look younger. There are different types of brow lifts to consider, and the best choice will depend on the type of results that you want, as well as your hairline.
Coronal Brow Lift
A coronal brow lift is the longest-standing technique, and it is still used by plastic surgeons. The procedure involves a single incision that made from ear to ear along the hairline along the top of your forehead. Coronal brow lift is a good option if you have a smaller forehead. There is a risk of nerve damage with this technique that may cause facial numbness. This risk is why plastic surgeons prefer endoscopic lifts over coronal brow lifts. The technique, though, is more effective for correcting asymmetrical eyebrows, adjusting the length of the forehead, and for correcting deep frown lines.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift is the procedure that is favored by most surgeons. It is less invasive and requires only a series of small incisions. The surgeon makes four to five incisions behind the hairline. A small endoscope with a camera allows the surgeon to evaluate the forehead tissue and determine the best location for another incision. This subsequent incision is used to gently pull the skin taut and lift the forehead area. The endoscopic brow lift technique allows the surgeon to avoid the nerves that are close to the eyebrow area. Incisions are minimal, so patients experience less discomfort and have shorter recoveries. The technique also reduces the risk of numbness after the procedure.
An endoscopic brow lift can’t be used for treating horizontal wrinkles or asymmetrical eyebrows. It is not a good option if you have skin laxity.
Temporal Brow Lift
Also referred to as a lateral brow lift or limited incision lift, a temporal brow lift is a technique that only targets the outer third of the eyebrows (not the full brow area). This is the area where drooping tends to be most significant as we age. The procedure is often combined with an upper eyelid lift. The same incisions may be used to lift the area between the brows to smooth out frown lines. The incisions are slightly larger than with an endoscopic lift, and they are placed immediately behind the hairline. This is a low-risk procedure with a shorter recovery time, but the results aren’t as dramatic as other techniques.
Trans-Blepharoplasty Brow Lift
A trans-blepharoplasty brow lift is similar to a temporal brow lift. The brow is lifted through a blepharoplasty eyelid incision. This is considered a minimally-invasive technique, and it typically requires a shorter recovery time.
Trichophytic Brow Lift
A trichophytic brow lift is a popular option for patients who have higher hairlines. It involves removing part of the skin in the forehead area to lift the eyebrows. The incision is made behind the hairline to camouflage the scar.
Browpexy
Browpexy is a relatively new technique. It is used to raise the brow slightly, and it is usually performed in conjunction with an eyelid lift. There are two types of browpexy.
- Internal browpexy: Small incisions are made in the upper eyelid. Excess tissue and muscle is removed from the brow bone to lift the area.
- External browpexy: The incision is made over the eyebrow and excess tissue and muscle is removed.
As part of browpexy, the brow tissue is secured in place with sutures. Scarring is minimal, and a browpexy offers a significantly more affordable alternative to other brow lift techniques.
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What can I expect from the surgery?
Your surgeon recommends the best brow lift technique based on your facial structure and your aesthetic goals. Factors that are considered include any asymmetry in the brow area, depth of horizontal lines, forehead height, and your hair color and type.
All brow lift techniques involve incisions and lifting the skin, although the size and location of the incisions vary. Therefore, you are sedated for the duration of the surgery. Most brow lift techniques take under two hours. You go home the same day after a short time in recovery, but you will need someone to drive you home.
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What is the recovery period like?
After brow lift surgery, you will need to take approximately two weeks off from work to recover. The pain associated with a brow lift is typically minimal. Your surgeon may recommend non-prescription pain medication or prescribe a pain medication.
Expect to have some swelling and bruising. Your surgeon may recommend using cold compresses to manage the swelling. You may have bandages over the area that your surgeon may remove after one to two days. The sutures may be dissolvable, or you may need to return to the surgeon’s office to have them removed approximately seven to ten days after the surgery.
While you are healing, keep your head elevated. Avoid moving around too much for the first week. Avoid exercise for the first month.
Recovery from a brow lift takes approximately two to three weeks. As the incisions heal, you will see scars start to develop. Initially, the scars will be slightly pink. Over the next 12 months, the scars will change to closely match the natural color of your skin. Once the area is completely healed, the scars are slightly darker than the surrounding skin, yet barely noticeable due to the location.
You will see the initial results of your brow lift immediately after the surgery. The skin will be slightly tight due to swelling, so the results may look a bit too dramatic. After a few weeks, the tissues relax and swelling subsides. This is when you can start to see the final results of the surgery.
If you have had a coronal lift, you may experience some numbness on your scalp for a few months.
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How long does a forehead lift last?
An endoscopic browlift lasts approximately five years or less. The results of an endo-temporal lift may last five to seven years. Coronal brow lift surgery offers the longest-lasting results of more than ten years. Your skin continues to age, even after a brow lift. You may need a secondary brow lift to maintain the results. Your surgeon explains how you can maximize the longevity of the procedure.
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Are there any risks?
The risks involved with a forehead lift are considered low. There may be some visible scarring, temporary or permanent numbness, brow asymmetry, and hair loss at the incision site. Brow asymmetry typically resolves during the initial healing period. Other potential side effects include hematoma, nausea and vomiting from the anesthesia, and higher risk of infection or nerve damage.
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What is the best age for a brow lift?
Most people opt for a brow lift between the age of 40 and 65. The procedure is also performed on younger patients who have heavy brows or pronounced furrowing between the brows.
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What is the cost of a brow lift?
In TX the average cost of a forehead lift is approximately $4,000. The total cost depends on the cosmetic surgeon you choose, the technique, fees for the anesthesia and medical facilities, and other factors. Brow lifts are elective cosmetic procedures; therefore, the cost is not covered by health insurance. Because of this, many people consider the cost of the surgery as a high priority when choosing a plastic surgeon. While finding an affordable option is important, balance quality of care and results with the cost.
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Are there alternatives to a brow lift?
Brow lifts are performed in conjunction with an upper eyelid lift and/or a facelift to maximize the anti-aging benefits of the surgery. You may save money by having these procedures in the same surgical appointment, but the downtime and recovery will be longer.
Botox® is an alternative to a brow lift. The injections work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause lines in the forehead and eye area. The results are more subtle than a brow lift and last only four to six months. Your plastic surgeon may determine that your lines and wrinkles are too severe for Botox® injections and recommend a brow lift to correct a sagging brow and forehead area.
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Patient Testimonials
Read real reviews from the Anzolo community
My last review of Dr. Kridel was about 8 years ago when he did an amazing job on my saggy eyelids. I went back to Dr. Kridel a few years ago and had a full...
Steve K. on Russell Kridel, Dr via Yelp
It’s finally been a year since I had my nose worked on!! Almost a little over a year ago I found this place online after doing lots of research about plastic surgery facilities close to my area. The doctor I wanted my nose to be done by, was in New York, and I was sure I’d have my nose done by that surgeon, but it was set in stone in my mind that I was NOT going to travel 1,648 miles across the country to get a nose job. (i am scared of New York) So initially, i had NO idea who was experienced and no idea if there was a place close to me….but, I am SO glad I chose Facial Plastic Surgery Associates.
After looking at pretty much everything on their beautiful website and plenty of reviews, I finally sent the email with my information, practically kicking my feet. I was so excited to change my life.
It wasn’t long before I got a response from Ashley, (sorry if I misspelled) one of the many wonderful associates who work at the facility. She was so kind and made scheduling consultations, post op appointments, and even my surgery so easy. One of the more difficult choices of this journey was choosing the right doctor. To me it was very importing this person wasn’t going to mess up my face. I had two choices of experienced doctors, Dr. Kridel and of course, Dr. Delaney. I had heard great things about Dr. Kridel and how he was the one who trained Dr. Delaney. It was a hard choice, but Ashley guided me through the process and answered all my questions with grace. Ultimately, I chose the wonderful Dr. Delaney. Best decision everrrrr- and before I knew it, I was having my first appointment with him.
Walking into the office the first day was pretty nerve racking. They were cleaning out the building because they were getting ready for a move to a new place. Even though it looked pretty empty, I was greeted with smiling faces and cheerful voices that made me feel welcome and safe. When I met dr. Delaney, it felt like we we’ve known each other for a long time! Very professional, but also very welcoming and pretty laid back. The conversation was easy and I didn’t feel nervous to be seen by him with how well he carries himself. He is extremely educated and well taught. He was able to answer every question and every concern with adequate knowledge. Once the surgery was scheduled, he made sure to tell me everything about it. What to expect during each step of the process. He didn’t sugar coat anything and made sure that I knew when things were going to get painful/difficult during the recovery. I highly respect his honesty.
The surgery day came and I was as excited as one can be. My life was going to be changed FOREVER. My biggest insecurity was finally being corrected. As I was getting strapped in for the procedure, Dr. Delaney showed up and calmed my nerves. (besides telling me about the catheter) Soon, I was put under and OUT! It went quick and when I woke up, dr. Delaney was the first to tell me that the surgery went perfectly!
A year later and I cannot tell you how happy I am with my results. Even after the first few months I was so thrilled about the way my nose looked. When Dr. Delaney first revealed my nose to me, I cried. I was a new, more confident person. To this day, all I can be, is thankful for Dr. Delaney and the wonderful staff at facial plastic surgery associates. Sorry for the long review, but I could not have chosen a better place to put my trust in changing my life forever.
Courtney Garcia on Russell Kridel, Dr via Google Reviews
I had revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Kridel in March of 2023. It has now been 1 year since my surgery and I am extremely pleased with the results! I originally met with Dr. Kridel in 2017 to discuss my initial rhinoplasty I was contemplating. I loved Dr. Kridel during our first meeting. However, I allowed other people’s (family & friends) opinions of what the procedure should cost and what I needed to have done influence my decision. I had rhinoplasty done in 2019 with a different doctor. 4 years later I had a large divot on one side, the opposite side had multiple subtle bumps, I had to pull my airway open on one side to breath through both nostrils, among other things. When I made the decision to have a revision done in 2023 I started my research over and found a couple doctors who specialized in revisions. At the end of the day I knew in my heart who was the right choice and, based on my previous experience, I decided to go with the doctor I trusted, Dr. Kridel. I was very nervous at my first consultation because I was embarrassed that I was coming back 6 years later asking him to fix what another surgeon did. He was extremely kind, professional, understanding and non judgmental. I was so relieved and happy, I knew right away that this was the right choice. From my initial consultation, my surgery, the follow ups, interactions with the staff and fellows, to a year later… I can’t say enough nice things about Dr. Kridel and his entire staff. Their professionalism is top notch. One thing that I really appreciated was the detailed information packet Dr. Kridel gave me before my surgery. I read every page and by the time I was done I felt like I had an understanding of the entire process, the healing process and what I should expect in the years that follow my procedure. I could go on and on about how wonderful my experience has been. I LOVE my results! Dr. Kridel, thank you for your attention to detail, listening to me, being kind, professional and most of all, my results!
Ashley Thaxton on Russell Kridel, Dr via Google Reviews
Dr. Delaney is warm, insightful, and an excellent facial plastic surgeon. I have recently seen him for tear trough fillers; he took the time to explain the process, the tools he was using, and had no qualms with addressing any of my concerns before he began the procedures. He is passionately invested in the aesthetics and the quality of his work, while being equally concerned with his patients' well-being and their satisfaction with the overall outcome. A wonderful doctor with comprehensive knowledge in his field, he is someone I highly recommend if you are looking for superior results and exceptional care.
Whitney Emberton-Jones on Russell Kridel, Dr via Google Reviews