Brow Lift Procedure (Forehead Lift)

Learn How Brow Lift Procedures are Performed


A brow lift procedure, also known as a forehead lift addresses the early signs of aging that emerge in the upper region of the face. As we age, horizontal lines and furrows (frown lines) form over the brows and the brow descends de-emphasizing and even shrinking the appearance of the eyes. These changes make a person appear aged, weary, worried, and even angry.

The brow lift procedure elevate the eyebrows relieving brow heaviness, reduces frown lines, and smoothes the forehead. The eyes appear more open and the complexion appears smoother resulting in a younger and more refreshed visage. The brow lift procedure may be performed through a conventional-incision method or endoscopic method.

For conventional brow lift surgery, your surgeon will make one long incision. The incision usually begins at one ear, and crosses the forehead region along the hairline and ends at the other ear. The skin is then lifted, excess tissue is removed, muscles are repositioned and the eyebrows lifted. Any extra skin will be trimmed. Once completed, the incision is stitched up and bandages are applied.

With an endoscopic brow lift procedure, three to five small incisions (about one to two inches in length) are used instead of the traditional ear-to-ear incision, the hairline remains unaltered, and the procedure can be performed with or without elevation of the brows. On advantage of the endoscopic brow lift is that is offers a faster brow lift recovery time and inconspicuous scarring.

These procedures maybe also be performed alone or in combination with a face lift, mid-facelift, eyelid surgery, or other desired procedures.

Before Brow Lift Procedure


  1. Do not color your hair for four weeks before or after surgery.
  2. During the two weeks prior to surgery, avoid taking any medications that contain aspirin or ibuprofen.
  3. Eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet. This will help speed recovery.
  4. Do not eat or drink the night before your brow lift surgery, unless instructed differently by your doctor.
  5. Do not wear make-up, contact lenses, jewelry, etc.
  6. Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery and stay with you that evening.

The Procedure

Depending on which method used, brow lift surgery typically takes one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure is performed in a hospital or state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. Patients are given general anesthesia during this procedure. The following is a very basic overview of an endoscopic brow lift procedure:

  1. Hair is cleaned with a medical soap and tied back where the incisions will be made.
  2. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes three to five short incisions (each about 1-2 inches in length) along the scalp. An endoscope (a tiny camera) is inserted into one of the incisions allowing the surgeon to view the muscles and tissue beneath the skin.
  3. Through another incision, the surgeon lifts the forehead skin and adjusts or removes the muscles to produce a smoother appearance. (Optional: eyebrows are lifted and secured into a higher position with sutures beneath the skin’s surface or behind the hairline.) A small drainage tube may be inserted for one day.
  4. The scalp incisions are closed with stitches or clips and the area is cleaned. Incision sites are dressed with gauze and elastic bandages.

After Surgery

After the procedure, patients may experience some numbness, swelling and/or discomfort at the incision sight. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication if necessary. Swelling is minimized with a light compressive wrap and drain, if one is placed.

By the next day patients should be up and about, although he/she should continue to take it easy. Also within the first twenty-four hours, bandages and drainage tubes are usually removed. Afterwards, you should be able to shower and shampoo your hair. Within one week, stitches or staples are removed.

Brow Lift Recovery

Most patients are back at work within five to ten days following surgery. Within three weeks most visible signs of surgery should be gone. Although patients are ready to return to work, they should plan to limit rigorous activity for several weeks. Prolonged heat and sun exposure should be limited for several months.

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