Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift)

Do you feel that your facial appearance makes you look tired, angry, or older than you really are? If so, you may benefit from a brow lift. A brow lift or forehead lift is a surgical procedure in which the appearance of the brow line and forehead are improved through the elevating of droopy eyebrows and the relaxing of forehead wrinkles and creases between the brows. Brow lifts focus on the appearance of facial skin above the brow line, smoothing the effects of aging, gravity, and heredity.

What You Should Know about a Brow Lift

Both men and women in good overall health can undergo a brow lift. Most frequently, patients between the ages of 35 and 60 choose a brow lift to counteract the visible signs of aging, though this procedure may also be performed on younger patients, particularly when heredity has caused an aged or tired appearance, as well as on patients who are over 60. If people think you are frowning or upset when you are not, you may benefit from undergoing a brow lift.

Find out if you are a good candidate for a brow lift.

How is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?

During brow lift surgery, the first step is the creation of an incision to allow the surgeon to access underlying muscle, fat, and skin. The incision lines required vary depending on the type of brow lift being performed. The most extensive procedure, an open forehead lift, requires an incision behind the hairline from one ear to the other. Less extensive brow lifts, such as an endoscopic brow lift procedure, require only an incision in the forehead creases, in front of the ear, or a shorter line behind the hairline. Once the incisions have been made, the surgeon removes excess muscle, fat, and skin before sculpting remaining tissue into a smoother appearance. Following this repositioning, the incisions are closed with sutures.

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Brow Lift Recovery

The type of brow lift procedure you undergo will affect your recovery period, as more extensive procedures require a longer healing time. Following a brow lift, patients must keep their head and neck elevated for several days. Common side effects include soreness or tenderness, swelling, bruising, itching, tingling, and numbness. The bruising may cause you to develop temporary “black eyes.” Along with the other side effects, this should subside in about a week. During this time, it is important to wear surgical dressings or compression garments over the forehead as directed by your surgeon to promote healing and reduce swelling. Most patients return to work and other activities in about a week, although rigorous exercise, including any activity that causes an increase in blood pressure, should be avoided for about six weeks.

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How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

Surgeons’ fees for a brow lift average $3,092, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This price does not include the anesthesia and the surgical facility, which bring the total brow lift cost to about $5,000. Before undergoing a brow lift, it is important to understand the various charges, as well as the factors influencing brow lift costs. If price is an issue for you, ask your surgeon about affordable financing options.

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