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 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:
- Loss of support and weakened musculature in the brow
- Deep creases along the forehead
- Sagging eyebrows
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.
- Believe you always look tired, stressed, or angry
- Experience “hooding” in the corners of the eyes
- Are healthy with no unmanaged medical conditions
- Do not smoke or you’re willing to quit smoking
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 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:
- The extent of your concerns
- The surgical technique utilized
- The complexity of your procedure
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.