What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure performed to correct a sagging appearance of the brow that can occur with facial aging.
Many people choose to have other procedures at the same time as a brow lift, including eyelid surgery, or a face or neck lift.
How a Brow Lift Works
Brow lift surgery can be performed either awake using local anesthesia; during sedation or “twilight anesthesia”; or while asleep under general anesthesia. During your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be best for you.
Most surgeons perform what is known as an endoscopic brow lift, which uses several small incisions hidden behind the hairline and a camera, or endoscope, to see the tissues that need to be adjusted. Small instruments are used to reposition the brow in a more youthful position, and either sutures or clips are used to secure the brow in place.
If you are having eyelid surgery at the same time as your brow lift, slightly longer incisions are made behind the hairline above each temple. The brow is then lifted and secured in a better position.
The incisions are closed with sutures or staples that are typically removed after about a week.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Brow Lift?
Although it takes a few weeks for bruising and swelling to completely go away after a brow lift, you should be able to resume normal activity within a week or so — but as with every surgery, recovery is highly individual. During your consultation, your doctor will speak with you about what to expect.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift
These two procedures are often done at the same time, because they complement each other: A blepharoplasty improves the appearance of the upper eyelid; a brow lift improves the appearance of the forehead and eyebrow area.
Yes, other approaches are sometimes used that involve incisions placed in different locations. You and your surgeon will discuss the technique that will achieve the safest and best results for your unique case.
Brow lift incisions are typically made behind the hairline, which allows the scars to be hidden within the hair and invisible. Other strategies, such as hiding incisions within naturally occurring skin creases or wrinkles, are also used so that scars are not visible after surgery.
