What is a brow lift?

A brow lift is a surgical procedure that targets the drooping and flattening of the brow area that occurs as part of the natural ageing process. Techniques typically involve removing excess skin that creates the dropped appearance, tightening the underlying tissue, and redraping the skin, resulting in a lifted and tightened brow.

As well as addressing cosmetic concerns, a brow lift may also be used to treat ptosis caused by illness or injury, which can affect the field of vision and cause headaches. Brow lift procedures are often combined with blepharoplasty or a face lift for a fully balanced result.

At a glance

Surgery time: 1–2 hours. Time off work: 1 week. Hospital stay: Day case. Exercise: After 2 weeks. Full recovery: Approximately 2 weeks.

Why do people have a brow lift?

Medical reasons: to correct brow ptosis impairing vision or causing eye strain and headaches; to address muscle or tissue laxity resulting from ageing, trauma, or nerve weakness; to restore symmetry following facial injury or reconstructive surgery.

Aesthetic reasons: to elevate the brow and smooth forehead lines for a refreshed, alert appearance; to restore balance between the upper and lower face; to improve confidence by rejuvenating the eye and brow area.

Surgical techniques

Endoscopic brow lift. Coronal brow lift. Hairline brow lift. Temporal brow lift.

Non-surgical brow lift

A non-surgical brow lift does not require incisions or anaesthetic. While results are not as long-lasting as surgery, treatments such as anti-ageing injectables can produce meaningful results with minimal downtime.

Benefits

Rejuvenates the facial area. Smooths and tightens forehead skin. Raises eyebrows to restore a refreshed appearance. Lifts sagging brow. Restores symmetry. Natural, long-lasting result.

Frequently asked questions

What do they do in a brow lift?

A brow lift elevates the position of the brow by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues of the forehead. The technique used determines where incisions are made, typically within or behind the hairline or temporally at the outer brow, or via small endoscopic incisions, and the skin is then re-draped and sutured to hold the brow in its new, lifted position.

What is the best brow lift method?

The best technique depends on the patient's anatomy, degree of brow descent, and hair characteristics. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach at consultation. The endoscopic technique is popular as it uses small incisions and offers reliable results; the coronal lift offers more extensive lifting for patients with significant brow descent.

What happens to the brow area as we age?

With age, the skin and underlying muscles of the forehead lose elasticity. Gravity causes the brow to descend, flattening its natural arch and creating a heavy, tired or stern appearance. Forehead lines also deepen. A brow lift reverses these changes by repositioning the brow tissue and smoothing the overlying skin.

Are brow lifts painful?

The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort including soreness, tightness, and mild swelling is normal and manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief.

Am I suitable for a brow lift?

Suitable candidates are those experiencing brow ptosis (drooping), forehead heaviness, or asymmetry. Candidates must be in good general health and have realistic expectations. Your surgeon will assess your suitability at consultation.

What results can I expect from brow lift surgery?

A brow lift produces a more alert, rested, and youthful appearance by elevating the brow and smoothing forehead lines. Results are long-lasting, though the natural ageing process continues.

Are my brow lift results permanent?

Results are long-lasting but not permanent, as the natural ageing process continues. Most patients enjoy their results for many years. Non-surgical treatments can be used to complement and maintain results over time.

What is the recovery process?

Most patients return to work within 1 week. Swelling and bruising typically subside within 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks. Full recovery takes approximately 2 weeks, though minor numbness or altered sensation may take longer to resolve.

What scars can I expect from brow lift?

Incision placement is carefully chosen to minimise visible scarring — incisions are typically located within or at the hairline, or within the forehead creases, making them well-concealed. Scars fade over time.

What are the risks of brow lift surgery?

Risks include haematoma, infection, asymmetry, seroma, nerve damage causing temporary or permanent altered sensation or weakness, and the standard risks associated with any surgery under anaesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss all risks at consultation.

Can I combine a brow lift with blepharoplasty?

Yes — brow lifts and blepharoplasty are frequently combined, as they address related concerns in the same area of the face. Combining procedures can improve the overall result and reduce total recovery time compared with having each procedure separately.

Can you lift eyebrows without surgery?

Yes. Anti-wrinkle injections (such as botulinum toxin) can be used to create a very subtle non-surgical brow lift. Whilst results are less dramatic and less lasting than surgery, they can be effective for patients with mild brow descent and minimal downtime requirements.

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