Brow and Forehead Lift

A brow lift can address signs of aging in the forehead by reshaping and gently lifting the eyebrows to create a more youthful, rested appearance. Commonly referred to as a forehead lift, this procedure can also reduce frown lines.

At The University of Kansas Health System, our plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons commonly use an endoscopic technique when performing brow lift surgery, which requires minimal incisions and little downtime. This can allow you to return to your normal routine quickly with results that look beautiful and natural.

Brow lift surgery is designed to reduce an angry, tired or aged appearance caused by a heavy or drooping brow. The procedure can tighten loose or sagging skin and musculature on the forehead while restoring the brow to a more refreshed, youthful positioning. Depending on your concerns, a brow lift can:

• Achieve a brighter, more refreshed look
• Improve frown lines between the eyebrows
• Minimize horizontal creases on the forehead
• Reduce sagging brows that may be hooding the upper eyelids

Often a brow lift is all that is needed to help you look younger; however, forehead lift surgery can be also combined with eyelid surgery or a traditional facelift for a more complete aesthetic makeover. If desired, our surgeons can evaluate your concerns and give you more insight into whether you would benefit from combining your brow lift with other procedures.

You may benefit from brow lift surgery if you are bothered by prominent forehead creases, frown lines or a sagging or aging brow. If you feel that you look stressed, angry or aged due to loose skin and musculature, you can also benefit from brow lift surgery.

To be eligible for surgery, you should be healthy and have realistic expectations about your results and the risks of surgery. Our surgeons will assess your concerns and review your medical history to determine if a brow lift is right for you.

Forehead lift surgery achieves the desired results by lifting the forehead skin and removing or altering the underlying muscles and tissues to create a smoother appearance. The brows are also elevated during surgery.

Brow lift surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. There are a variety of techniques that can be used when performing a brow lift, and our surgeons tailor their surgical approach for each person’s needs.

The potential benefits of brow lift surgery include:

• Correcting drooping brows
• Reducing the appearance of deep forehead creases and furrows
• Tightening loose upper eyelid skin

Some possible complications associated with forehead lift procedures include nerve damage, hair loss along scar edges, infection or over-correction. Ask your surgeon for more details if you are concerned about possible brow lift complications.

Forehead lift surgery can take 1-2 hours to perform and is generally completed under local anesthesia with an intravenous sedation or under general anesthesia. Before beginning, your face will be cleansed and your hair will be tied back or trimmed behind the hairline.

There are several techniques your plastic surgeon may use to perform brow lift surgery:

During surgery, your surgeon will lift the forehead skin, removing or altering the underlying muscles and tissues to create a smoother appearance. Your brows are then elevated and secured with sutures or another fixation device. Finally, your surgeon will use stitches or clips to close smaller incisions.

After surgery, you should be able to return home on the same day as your procedure to begin the recovery process. Loose wrappings or bandages may be placed around your head to minimize swelling and bruising after a brow lift. You will receive detailed instructions on how long bandages should be worn, as well as how to properly clean and take care of your incisions. Plenty of rest is essential during the healing process and you may be instructed to sleep with your head elevated above your heart.

Swelling, bruising and tenderness should subside as recovery progresses. Most people are able to manage discomfort with oral pain medications. You should be able to return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks, although exercise and anything strenuous should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.