Brow Lift

Raises a drooping brow, smooths forehead lines, and opens the upper eye area — the operation that fixes a heavy brow rather than heavy lids.

What is brow lift?

Brow lift, or forehead lift, raises eyebrows that have dropped with age, softening horizontal forehead lines and the vertical lines between the brows, and opening up the upper eyelids. It is frequently confused with eyelid surgery: when the brow has dropped onto the lids, operating on the lids alone will not fix the heaviness, and a brow lift (or a combination) is the correct operation. The goal is a refreshed, natural brow position, not a surprised look.

How is brow lift done?

Depending on technique, incisions are made in the hairline, behind it, or through small endoscopic ports. The surgeon releases and repositions the brow tissues, weakens the muscles that pull the brow down and create frown lines, and fixes the brow in its new position. Surgery is usually outpatient under general anesthesia or sedation and takes about one to two hours. Hairline incisions are hidden in or behind the hair where possible.

What are the options for brow lift?

Endoscopic brow lift. Small incisions behind the hairline with a camera, for most patients, with minimal visible scarring. Coronal brow lift. An incision across the scalp from ear to ear, for significant brow descent, with the longest recovery and a risk of scalp numbness. Hairline (trichophytic) brow lift. An incision at the hairline, suited to patients with a high forehead, since it does not raise the hairline further. Direct brow lift. An incision just above the brow, reserved mainly for older patients or specific functional cases, since the scar sits on the forehead.

What affects the cost of brow lift?

There is no single fixed charge for brow lift, and this guide does not publish prices: the written quote you receive at consultation is the binding figure.

Factors that commonly move the total include the surgeon's experience, the facility type (office procedure suite, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital), the type and length of anesthesia, the complexity of the surgical plan, whether other procedures are combined in the same operation, garments and follow-up visits, and the revision terms. Ask for an itemized written quote that states exactly what is included, and what would cost extra if a revision or an overnight stay became necessary.

What is recovery like after brow lift?

Expect swelling and bruising of the forehead and around the eyes for about one to two weeks, with the forehead feeling tight and sometimes numb or itchy as nerves recover. Many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks and to full activity in about four weeks. Brow position settles over weeks to months, and scalp numbness, where it occurs, usually fades over months.

What are the risks of brow lift?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry (the two sides of the brow rarely move identically), temporary or, rarely, permanent brow weakness or numbness, hair loss near incisions, and an over-raised or surprised appearance if the lift is too aggressive. Patients with a high hairline should discuss how each technique affects hairline height before choosing.

What should I ask at a brow lift consultation?

• Is my heaviness from the brow, the lids, or both — and what combination do you recommend?
• Which brow lift technique fits my hairline and degree of descent?
• What is the total quote, broken down, and what are the revision terms?
• Can you confirm your board certification? (Check the badge on each profile in this directory.)

Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons patient information and procedure guidance; U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance where applicable. General information only, not medical advice. Confirm details with a board-certified surgeon at consultation.