Brow Lift
A surgical procedure that lifts a drooping brow and eases a heavy forehead for a more rested, refreshed look.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that raises a brow that has descended with age or because of inherited facial features. When the brow droops, the face can look tired or frowning even when the person does not feel that way, and the skin above the upper eyelid may feel heavier.
There are several ways to perform the operation. The main ones are the endoscopic brow lift through small incisions within the scalp, the temporal lift that focuses on the outer part of the brow through incisions in the temple area, and the hairline approach, which may suit people with a high forehead. The doctor chooses the method after assessing the shape of the forehead, the position of the hairline and skin elasticity.
Not every drooping brow needs surgery. In some mild cases a Botox brow lift, which gives a small and temporary lift, may be enough. Sometimes eyelid heaviness comes from the eyelid itself rather than the brow, so the doctor assesses each case individually before suggesting the most suitable option, whether surgical or non-surgical.
Do your brows make your face look tired?
Book a consultation so the doctor can assess your brow position and forehead shape and explain the surgical and non-surgical options suited to you.
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Drooping brows
People whose brows have descended with age, making the face look tired or sad.
Heaviness above the eyelid
When heavy skin above the eye is caused by a low brow rather than the eyelid alone.
Deep forehead lines
It may help soften forehead wrinkles and frown lines in some people.
Uneven brows
In some cases of brows at different heights, after the cause is carefully assessed.
Who it does not suit
It is usually not advised for people with uncontrolled medical conditions, smokers unable to stop temporarily, those with unrealistic expectations, or those for whom a non-surgical option is enough.
Brow lift steps
Consultation and assessment
The doctor examines brow position, hairline, forehead movement and eyelids, and discusses your expectations and the most suitable technique.
Preparation
Required tests are done, and smoking and certain blood-thinning medicines are stopped for a period beforehand as the doctor instructs.
The procedure
The doctor makes the chosen incisions, releases the tissues, lifts the brow to the planned position and secures it, then closes the incisions carefully.
Aftercare
A light dressing is applied; you are advised to sleep with your head raised, use cold compresses and attend follow-up visits and suture removal.
Recovery stages after a brow lift
Swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes, with tightness or numbness in the scalp; discomfort is managed with prescribed medication.
Stitches or staples are usually removed, most swelling subsides and many people return to light office work.
A gradual return to exercise and strenuous activity is usually possible with the doctor’s approval.
The brow position settles, scalp sensation gradually improves and scars fade over time.
Possible risks and complications
A brow lift is surgery and, like any operation, carries some risks that the doctor explains in detail beforehand.
- Bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma)
- Infection at the incision sites
- Anaesthesia risks
- Uneven brows or over-elevation giving a surprised look
- Visible scars or hair loss around the incisions
- Scalp numbness or itching, and rarely weakness in forehead movement if a nerve branch is affected
- A raised hairline with some techniques, or the need for a revision procedure
Frequently asked questions about brow lift
What is the difference between an endoscopic brow lift and a hairline lift?
Can Botox lift the brows instead of surgery?
Will the scars be visible?
How long do brow lift results last?
Can it be combined with eyelid surgery?
When can I return to work?
Related services
Start with a consultation to assess your brows
The doctor assesses each case individually to decide whether a surgical brow lift is the right option or whether a simpler alternative is enough, and explains the steps, recovery and risks clearly.