Forehead (Brow) Lift

About This Procedure

Forehead or brow lift is a delicate plastic surgery procedure. Too much or not enough correction can result in an unnatural facial appearance. For this reason, you should choose a skilled plastic surgeon with experience in performing brow lift.

The facial rejuvenation surgeons in the Franciscan Health network have years of experience performing brow lift procedures. Patients who want to restore a relaxed and pleasant appearance to the brow and forehead area trust these doctors for natural-looking results.

What is a forehead (brow) lift?

A brow lift is a surgical procedure that reverses the signs of aging on the forehead and brow area. A plastic surgeon removes loose, heavy skin that droops below the brow bone and smooths out creases and wrinkles on the forehead. The procedure can restore a youthful and well-rested appearance to the upper facial area.

A qualified plastic surgeon can determine which treatment plan will achieve the best outcome based on your unique facial features, aesthetic concerns and goals. Your surgeon can combine brow lift with another facial rejuvenation procedure such as:

• Eyelid surgery
• Facelift
• Botox®

Forehead (brow) lift techniques

Plastic surgeons perform brow lift surgery on an outpatient basis so that you go home the same day. Some people have general anesthesia (you're asleep during surgery), while others have local anesthesia (you relax while the surgeon uses local numbing). Because no two patients are exactly alike, our team customizes each brow lift procedure to match your specific needs.

Your surgeon can choose between two basic incision techniques for a brow lift. Your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons as you decide which is right for you. The two types are:

• Endoscopic brow lift: This technique is the most commonly used for brow lift. It involves making three to five one-inch incisions within the hairline. Your surgeon inserts an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) into one of the incisions to provide a view of the underlying muscles and tissues. The surgeon inserts another instrument in the other incisions to lift the skin and reshape the muscles and tissues. In the process, the surgeon corrects creases and furrows on the brow. The surgeon removes excess forehead skin while gently tightening the remaining skin for a softer yet firmer look.
• Coronal lift: This procedure involves one long incision from ear to ear across the top of the head, slightly behind the natural hairline. The surgeon lifts the skin and reshapes the underlying muscles and tissues.

Recovery from forehead (brow) lift surgery

The initial recovery from a brow lift can take one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and should subside over time. Resting with your head elevated on pillows will minimize the swelling. You'll be able to ease soreness and other discomfort with prescription medication.

Your plastic surgeon will remove the bandages and staples or sutures within a week after surgery. The surgeon will tell you when it is okay to shower and wash your hair. During the first week of recovery, you'll need to avoid vigorous activity, including exercise. Most visible side effects of forehead lift fade within the first three weeks after surgery.

Who is a candidate for a forehead (brow) lift?

Suitable candidates for brow lift:

• Are bothered by the appearance of horizontal creases and lines across the forehead and frown lines between the eyebrows ("elevens")
• Have loose, excess skin on the brow that hangs so low it creates a hooded upper eyelid appearance
• Have realistic expectations of surgery
• Are in good overall health
• Do not smoke