Brow/Forehead Lift

Although you may feel young and vibrant, a heavy brow may send a different message. Candidates often tell us that others perceive them to be tired or grumpy. Some have noticed that their brows have gotten lower or flatter with aging. This change is believed to be due to a combination of increased tissue laxity and volume loss.

The brow lift procedure, also referred to as a forehead lift, elevates the brow to a more youthful position and improves the shape of the brow. Good candidates for a brow lift have low or flat brows, heavy upper eyelid skin, prominent forehead wrinkles, and deep frown lines. By elevating the brow, we pull the upper eyelid skin tight. Some individuals will get the best result from combining a brow and forehead lift with an upper eyelid skin excision (or blepharoplasty). The forehead lift also softens frown lines and forehead wrinkles.

"After consulting with two other plastic surgeons, I consulted with Dr. Patel regarding my much needed browlift with forehead reduction. I’m so glad I saw his ad on RealSelf because he was the best fit for my needs. I also decided to get Permalip implants at the same time because aging was taking a toll there as well. My surgery and recovery went well. I am very pleased with my results."

"Dr. Patel performed a brow lift and upper blepharoplasty and my results were absolutely beautiful. The two procedures erased ten years of age and the constant look of being tired all the time. His before and after computer pictures helped me understand how I would look after the procedure and his explanation of what to expect after the surgery was very helpful. I am thrilled with my results."

"Had a mini lift and brow lift. The outcome was fabulous. It’s been two months and the incisions are hardly noticeable. No more jowls or saggy neck. Brows are quietly higher. Dr. Patel and his staff are very pleasant and professional. Highly recommended. Dr. Patel has been blessed and gifted in the art of facial plastic surgery."

Types Of Brow Lifts

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive technique used to elevate the brow and relax forehead lines. Previous to this technique, the brow and forehead lift was performed using a long incision that extended from ear to ear across the scalp. Technology and surgeon innovation now allows the procedure to be done with tiny cameras through small incisions. All incisions are well-concealed within the hair-bearing scalp. This technique is best for patients with a normal-sized or shorter forehead as it does make the forehead appear slightly taller.

Hairline Brow Lift

For patients with a taller forehead, the hairline brow lift may be a better option. This procedure raises the brows while shortening the forehead. The incision is irregularly made along the frontal hairline to mimic the natural hairline.

Temporal Brow Lift

The temporal (or lateral) brow lift is a smaller brow lift procedure that allows elevation of the lateral brow only with incisions concealed in the temple hair. This procedure is ideal for patients who have adequate positioning of the medial brow but the descent of the lateral brow (often leading to upper eyelid hooding).

Planning Your Procedure

Pre-Operation

The Consultation

During the consultation, we want to get to know you. We will review with you the changes you would like to make and their potential impact on your brows, eyes, and life. We will also discuss your medical history and your current concerns. We will examine your scalp, brow, and eyelids to determine the optimal combination of procedures for you.

After the consultation, there is a second visit before surgery called a "pre-op." At this visit, we will go into much greater detail about how to best prepare for the coming surgery. We offer a wealth of information about optimizing your recovery, ensuring proper healing, resuming normal activities, and avoiding complications.

The Surgery

Duration of Surgery

Endoscopic and hairline brow lifts take about 2-3 hours. A temporal (aka lateral) brow lift takes 1-2 hours.
Anesthesia Options

Endoscopic and hairline brow lifts are performed under general anesthesia. A temporal brow lift may be performed under local anesthesia.
Incisions

For the endoscopic approach, multiple small incisions are concealed within the hair-bearing portion of the scalp and two longer incisions in the temple region.

The temporal brow lift utilizes only the temple incisions.

The hairline browlift incision is concealed along the frontal hairline and extends into the hair-bearing scalp within the temple. The incision is made in a somewhat zig-zag fashion to allow a more natural-appearing hairline.

Post-Operation

Recovery

The typical at-home recovery time is 7-10 days. Immediately after surgery, a light compression head wrap is kept in place and removed the following day. There may be drains that are also removed at this time. By the end of two weeks, all scalp sutures are removed. No staples are used. A headache and nausea are common in the first 24 hours, and we prescribe medication for these symptoms.
Pain

The first night after surgery, you will feel a dull ache and tightness around your forehead. Every day thereafter, any discomfort will reduce significantly. It is normal to take opiate medication as needed up to a week after surgery, but most transition to regular Tylenol within the first week. The feeling of tightness will decrease over the course of weeks.
Swelling & Bruising

Swelling and bruising are expected and mostly subside in the first 2 weeks. Most bruising may be concealed with cover-up as it gradually fades. On average, 90% of the swelling subsides by 6 weeks after surgery. In the end, all swelling and bruising will go away.