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 FL 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
I would highly recommend Dr. Kirk and her staff. They are very kind and really care about their patience. I have been to other Doctors who really do not listen to what you need, but Dr. Kirk listened to my concerns and made me feel very comfortable about the procedure I was having done. Definitely a 5 star Doctor and staff.
Jeanne Spegal on Sofia Kirk, Dr via Google Reviews
Amazing experience here! Doctor Kirk is very friendly, down to earth and you can tell she wants every single client to have a great outcome and to look and (more importantly) to FEEL beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
Anna was also amazing and friendly - explained all the financial options available to me and was there for any questions I might've had.
The women at the front desk were also always friendly and very sweet.
There was only one specific person I had a bad experience with, she argued back and forth with me, was obviously not wanting to be helpful towards my experience. She didn't seem to want to be there at all really, The moment I talked to her on the phone for the first time she was just sort of argumentative and hateful. Just not kind at all. But I understand we all have bad days, so I didn't hold it against her whatsoever.
I then also met her in person and she went over the details of post and pre op details. She again had that same attitude of just not wanting to be there and have to talk to me at all. Very "fake nice" type of personality, but not very efficient at it.
She would "correct" me on things even though she's the one who gave me the information that was not correct to begin with. She would just always want to treat me like I was completely incompetent for asking any type of questions.
The last time I met with her she had that same attitude again, and went to show me how I was doing my massages incorrectly.
Well she grabbed me and ended up hurting me - in which I responded to her "I remember the instructions stating clearly it is not supposed to be painful, though."
It really rubbed me the wrong way, because I'm trusting this office to take care of me, do surgery on me and walk me through something I have never been through before. I'm not the one who went through med school, she was. So I just wanted the business to know how that experience was for me. (Just that one person was a bit of a red flag for me.)
Absolutely everything was above and beyond, I didn't have many questions about anything really. Just being able to feel like I don't have anything to be nervous about and they were there for support if I had needed any was beautiful.
They didn't see me as a patient or a check - they saw me as a human being just like them.
The only bad part was that one person with the nasty attitude, but even despite that I give this a 5 star rating because thats not necessarily under their control or maybe they were just not aware of the persons mental state yet.
Anyway, I hope things are okay with her. I won't mention her name but, I hope she gets the support she needs. There's better ways of taking out stress or anger than on innocent strangers.
Thank you and I will be forever grateful,
Alyssa
Alyssa Mednick on Sofia Kirk, Dr via Google Reviews
Top notch service. Had large, painful keloids removed from both earlobes. Dr. Sofia and her assistant did a stunning job and treated me with the utmost care when performing my procedure. 5 months down the line and my ears look and feel brand new, it’s such a relief. Both Dr. Sofia and her staff are unparalleled in their practice and bedside manner. Thank you guys!
Meenan Jermaine Williams on Sofia Kirk, Dr via Google Reviews
If I could give Dr Kirk and her amazing staff 100 stars I would. What an awesome experience from the start until end.
I am beyond happy with the results of my face and neck lift as well as liposuction of my entire back, and today is the first day after surgery. I can't express my gratitude for these outstanding women, that took such great care of me. Absolutely love it. This is the place to go if you want to do any procedure.
R. A. on Sofia Kirk, Dr via Google Reviews