Brow Lift


A brow lift (forehead lift) is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area of the face above the eyes. The procedure addresses drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired. The results; a smoother, more relaxed an pleasing looking forehead and brow position.

A forehead lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range to reverse signs of aging, however it can also be performed on someone younger who has low, heavy brows or furrowed lines above the nose to achieve a more alert and refreshed look.

Brow lifts can be performed in conjunction with a facelift or eyelid surgery if there is excess skin in the upper eyelids. Sometimes, patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find out that a brow lift better meets their goals. At times, a brow lift will follow eyelid surgery by a few years.



This surgery may be provided endoscopically, through a small scope or more conventionally with an incision made in front of the hairline. Advantages of each approach will be discussed at time of consultation.

Complications are rare and usually minor when a brow lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.


The Surgery

The classic brow or forehead lift:

Typically, an incision follows a headphone-like pattern, starting at about ear level and running across the top of the forehead and down the other side of the head. The incision is usually made well behind the hairline so that the scar won't be visible.

Working through the incision, the skin of the forehead is carefully lifted so that the underlying tissue can be removed and the muscles of the forehead can be altered or released. The eyebrows may also be elevated and excess skin at the incision point will be trimmed away to help create a smoother, more youthful appearance.

The endoscopic forehead lift:

Rather than making one long incision as described above, three to five short scalp incisions are made, each less than an inch in length. An endoscope, which is a thin, tube like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Another instrument is used to alter the underlying muscles and tissue, revealing a more relaxed, rejuvenated appearance.


What about after the surgery?

The recuperation period is different after each type of surgery and details will be discussed at time of consultation. You should be up and about in a day or two, back to work in 7-10 days, sometimes sooner for patients that elected to have the endoscopic approach. Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about two to three weeks.



A forehead lift can smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids, and minimize the frown lines that come with aging.

Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast it's new contour.








In preparation for a forehead lift, the hair is tied back with rubber bands in front of and behind the incision area. An incision is usually made across the top of the head, just behind the hairline.





Forehead skin is gently lifted and portions of facial muscle and excess skin are removed. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips.

The result of a forehead lift is a younger, more rested look.