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Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

A brow lift is performed to improve signs of aging in the forehead. The procedure can smooth creases, reduce frown lines, and lift sagging eyebrows. When the skin and musculature begin to weaken, loss of support in the brow can cause patients to look angry, tired, or displeased no matter how they may actually be feeling. Brow lift surgery can be a transformative procedure to restore a more youthful and approachable appearance. Thanks to advances in plastic surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Miller can perform a brow lift with minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, which allow for small incisions hidden within the hairline. This reduces recovery time and offers less discomfort after surgery overall. At our La Jolla practice, the procedure is frequently combined with eyelid surgery to more extensively refresh the upper face, although each option can be performed alone if desired. 

What is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is a facial plastic surgery procedure that lifts sagging eyebrows to a more youthful position and smooths upper facial creases, such as forehead wrinkles and frown lines. After brow lift surgery, patients enjoy a more carefree and energetic appearance. Certain signs of aging — like “eleven” wrinkles” and sagging brows — tend to contribute to a look of displeasure, stress, or fatigue. This can make you unintentionally convey emotions you may not actually be feeling. Brow lift surgery is a way to restore support for the brows while treating skin laxity and smoothing upper facial creases. In turn, men and women are able to look more alert and rejuvenated than they did before surgery.

What Concerns Can a Brow Lift Improve?

Commonly referred to as a “forehead lift,” brow lift surgery can enhance the concerns caused by a loss of support and elasticity in the upper face. Skin elasticity is essential to maintaining a smooth, youthful look in the face and naturally declines over time due to aging, sun damage, and other factors. In general, a brow lift is designed to address: 

A brow lift focuses on enhancing the upper face, but does not treat concerns in the lower face or neck. Since no part of the face ages in isolation, it’s not uncommon for patients to ask about combining their brow lift with other procedures, such as a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery, to achieve more harmonious results. 

Is a Brow Lift Right for Me?

Brow lift surgery can be a key treatment to reduce aging in the upper face. Most patients who undergo a brow lift do not feel like their appearance aligns with how they feel on the inside, and consider this facial plastic surgery procedure to obtain a more youthful look while maintaining the natural character of their face. 

If excess skin and “hooding” are affecting your field of vision, it may require a combined brow lift and  blepharoplasty treatment plan to fully smooth the contours of the upper eyelids. For all patients interested in brow lift surgery, it’s essential to have a positive outlook on the procedure and maintain realistic expectations for the final outcome.

How is the Brow Lift Procedure Performed?

The procedure can be performed using either the endoscopic or the temporal technique depending on your needs and preferences. Both types of procedures are less invasive than a traditional brow lift, giving Dr. Miller’s patients the benefits of shorter incisions and less discomfort when compared to an older approach. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation, and generally takes approximately one hour depending on your treatment plan. 

During an endoscopic brow lift, a lighted telescope with a camera at the end is made behind the hairline to lift the skin and muscles of the brow. The eyebrows are lifted, if necessary, to a more rejuvenated position. Recovery is usually shorter and more tolerable when compared to a more invasive technique. A temporal brow lift may be appropriate for individuals who have sagging tissue in the outer-third of the eyebrows. Incisions are hidden discreetly, allowing Dr. Miller to improve the eye region without producing a “surprised” or overly pulled look. 

What Can I Expect During the Brow Lift Recovery Period?

Numbness, swelling, bruising, and general discomfort are to be expected after surgery, but most patients describe the recovery period as very tolerable. Patients are usually up and about a few days after the procedure and return to work within 7 to 10 days. Over-the-counter medications can often manage any discomfort until swelling naturally subsides. Dr. Miller’s team will provide you with aftercare instructions to help ensure your recovery proceeds smoothly. It can take up to six months to see the final results of brow lift surgery, but we encourage patients to explore our before-and-after photos to see the beautiful outcomes possible after the procedure. 

How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?

Long-term results that last well into the future are among the most prominent benefits enjoyed by brow lift patients. Unlike minimally invasive treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, a brow lift offers lasting rejuvenation often noticeable even decades after their procedure. No cosmetic treatment can completely stop the natural aging process, but patients who undergo brow lift surgery always look brighter and more youthful than before. Dr. Miller will show you results achieved by previous patients so you have a good idea of what to expect after the procedure.

There are many ways to maximize your brow lift results and prolong the outcome as long as possible. Along with practicing a healthy and active lifestyle, the following tips can help further slow down facial aging:

We understand not every patient is ready for a surgical procedure, which is why we also offer treatment with non-surgical alternatives like BOTOX® Cosmetic and DAXXIFY™ to soften deep frown lines between the eyebrows.

Will I Have Noticeable Brow Lift Scars?

Scars after surgery are inevitable, but any scarring from a brow lift is usually undetectable to outside observers. For patients receiving an endoscopic brow lift, incisions made during the procedure are hidden within the hair and much smaller when compared to more traditional brow lift techniques. This has the adjunctive benefit of less post-operative scarring and greater patient comfort during your recovery. Dr. Miller will show you exactly where your scars are likely to appear after determining the best brow lift technique for your needs.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

The cost of a brow lift varies according to the geographic location of your procedure and the experience of your plastic surgeon. Every patient receives a personalized quote based on the details of their unique treatment plan, such as: 

Our office will be able to provide you with your specific fees after Dr. Miller listens to your concerns and assesses your needs during a consultation. Surgical fees for the cost of anesthesia, post-operative care, the surgical facility, and other expenses typical of a cosmetic procedure are also included in your personalized quote. While insurance companies don’t usually cover aesthetic surgery, Dr. Miller accepts CareCredit® for qualified patients interested in financing their procedure with a series of low- to no- monthly installments. Please call our office for more information about the cost of brow lift surgery.  

Dr. Scott Miller is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who can renew the upper face to give you a brighter and more carefree appearance. If you’re bothered by an aging brow, please don’t hesitate to contact Miller Cosmetic Surgery to learn more about our facial rejuvenation services.