A downward shift of the brows can contribute to hooding over the eyes, wrinkles, and other concerns. A brow lift can help elevate the brow area when the forehead begins to descend. At AM Facial Plastics in Beverly Hills, CA, we offer several techniques for lifting the brow, including the endoscopic brow lift, the coronal brow lift, and more. Each surgery can improve the overall look of the upper face by repositioning tissues that no longer rest where they once did.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift is a surgical approach that raises the forehead tissues and repositions the brow. During this surgery, we use carefully planned incisions to adjust structures both on the surface and under the skin to reduce a heavy appearance and make the face look more youthful. The surgery we choose will depend on different factors such as whether you are male or female, the degree of sagging, and your skin’s elasticity.What Can a Brow Lift Address?
- Low or Sagging Eyebrows: Low-set brows can press downward on the upper eyelid region. Brow elevation can help reduce the weight and provide a more open appearance around the eyes without changing your natural brow shape.
- Flattened or Asymmetric Brow Arches: Brow position can shift unevenly with age and expression. Brow lifting surgery gives us a way to correct height differences that affect facial symmetry.
- Hooding From the Brow: Brow descent can cause the tissue above the eyes to fold or drape in a way that resembles eyelid heaviness. Raising the brow can reduce this hooded effect when the source of the issue originates above the eyelid itself.
- Deep Horizontal Forehead Lines: Lines that stretch across the forehead can become more noticeable when the brow sits lower and the forehead muscles have to work harder to lift it. While it cannot change the quality of the skin, elevating the brow can make the forehead smoother.
- Frown Lines: Furrows between the brows can look more pronounced when the central brow area descends. Surgical lifting can help lessen the pull in this area by adjusting the brow position and smoothing the skin.
What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift Surgery?
Long-Lasting Results
Surgical brow elevation adjusts the underlying tissues in a way that holds for longer than non-surgical methods. The stable change comes from repositioning underlying structures while considering the unique anatomy of each face. While natural aging will still occur in the skin and muscular structure, a brow lift can help slow this process.Offers Comprehensive Results
A brow lift can influence several areas across the upper face, and the improvement often extends beyond the brow line alone. Addressing multiple concerns creates a smoother and more open look while keeping your expressions natural.Customizable Procedures
Several techniques are available, and each one works differently depending on your anatomy and goals. We look at brow height, forehead length, hairline position, and tissue characteristics to decide which approach makes the most sense. The ability to choose different incision placements and lifting angles gives us room to shape a result that fits you well.What Types of Brow Lift Are Available?
Endoscopic Brow Lift
The endoscopic brow lift technique is Dr. Moradzadeh’s preferred method for eyebrow lift surgery. He uses several small scalp incisions instead of one long one, and a tiny camera gives him a clear view of the tissues, which allows for precise adjustments with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Shorter incisions usually mean less visible scarring and a recovery period that is easier for most patients to manage.Coronal Brow Lift
Coronal lifting uses a single incision placed across the scalp, following a zigzag pattern that helps it blend within the hair. Women with lower hairlines or thicker hair often benefit from this method because it provides strong lifting power and broad access to the forehead tissues. Dr. Moradzadeh can adjust the incision location based on hairline height to reduce the chance of visible scarring.Trichophytic Brow Lift
During the trichophytic technique, the incision is placed right at the hairline, where the brow can be lifted without elevating the hairline itself. This method works well for individuals with higher hairlines or for those who prefer to keep their hairline position unchanged. The placement also lets hair eventually grow through the incision line, which helps camouflage the scar.Direct Brow Lift
Direct lifting involves placing the incision within a natural forehead crease and removing a small section of skin to raise the brow. This type of surgery is usually reserved for men with stronger forehead lines because the scar hides more easily in deeper creases. The method is used less frequently due to the visible incision location, but it can be the right choice in certain situations.Pre-Treatment Instructions for Brow Lift Surgery
Our pre-treatment steps will help you prepare your body and your home for brow lift surgery, so you know what to expect and how to set yourself up for a smooth recovery. Dr. Moradzadeh reviews your medical history, current medications, and any supplements you take to determine what should be paused before surgery. He may advise you to stop using medications or products that increase bleeding risk. You will have clear guidance on which items fall into that category so you can properly prepare. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, since sedation affects your ability to travel safely. We also recommend planning your home environment in advance so you have a comfortable place to rest with essentials close by. Eating and drinking instructions are provided as part of your surgical preparation, and it is important to follow them exactly as directed.What to Expect During Your Brow Lift Surgery
Your eyebrow lift surgery will begin with the type of anesthesia chosen during your consultation. Dr. Moradzadeh creates the planned incisions and lifts and repositions the tissues to restore support in areas where the brow has descended. For women, the ideal brow usually sits just above the bony rim with its highest point near the outer edge of the iris. For men, the brow typically sits right on the rim and has a flatter contour. Once this brow shape and position is achieved, small fixation points or sutures hold the tissues in their new position so they can heal properly. Incisions are then closed with care, and you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be monitored as your anesthesia wears off. You can return home the same day with clear instructions for rest and follow-up.Recovery and Downtime
Immediately After Your Surgery
Swelling and bruising are expected, and these effects can extend into the upper cheeks and around the eyes. You may also notice temporary numbness, tingling, or itching as the tissues adjust and begin to heal. Stitches or staples remain in place for about a week, and some patients have small fixation devices under the hairline that are removed in roughly two weeks, while dissolvable supports like Endotine® can stay in place for several months as they gradually break down. Keep your head elevated and follow your postoperative instructions to limit swelling during the first few days.Weeks One and Two
Most of the swelling diminishes within the first two weeks, and the tightness you feel around the forehead becomes less noticeable. You will return to the office to have stitches or staples removed, and any fixation screws will be checked to make sure they are holding the brow correctly. Light activities are usually comfortable at this point, although lingering numbness or tingling can still occur as sensation returns.Returning to Normal Activities
Regular daily routines should feel manageable within 10 days, and some individuals resume them even sooner, depending on the technique used and how quickly swelling resolves. Heavy lifting, vigorous workouts, and activities that raise blood pressure should wait for several weeks to protect the healing brow. We will guide you through each stage of recovery so you know when it is appropriate to increase activity and return to your usual schedule.Tips for Recovery
- Herbal Supplements: Dr. Moradzadeh often recommends Arnica Montana and Bromelain to help minimize swelling and discoloration after brow-lifting surgery. Both supplements should only be taken if approved during your pre-surgical review, so they do not interfere with existing medications or healing.
- Cold Compresses: Cool compresses can help reduce swelling around the forehead, brows, and eyes during the first few days. Short, gentle applications are usually enough to provide relief, and you should avoid placing too much pressure on the surgical area.
- Preparing Your Recovery Area: Setting up a comfortable space at home makes the first week much easier, especially when you keep essentials like medications, water, and extra pillows close by.
- Arranging for Help: Having someone available to assist with transportation and basic tasks during the first day or two prevents you from overexerting yourself. Even simple support, such as help with meals or errands, can make recovery smoother and less stressful.
How Brow Lift Compares to Other Surgeries
Brow Lift vs. Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery focuses only on removing excess eyelid skin and does not correct a low brow, so the right choice depends on whether the fullness comes from the eyelid or the brow resting lower on the forehead. Some patients benefit from combining both procedures when each area contributes to the overall concern.Brow Lift vs. Facelift
A brow lift targets the upper third of the face, which includes the forehead, brow, and the heaviness that forms above the eyes. A facelift focuses on the midface, jawline, and neck. Each surgery treats a different region, and sometimes these two surgeries are also combined to address the full face and neck.Brow Lift vs. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Ultherapy®: Ultherapy subtly raises the brow through ultrasound energy that stimulates collagen and creates subtle lifting in the brow region. It provides less lifting than surgery, but is a good option for those with milder concerns who want less downtime.
- Botox®: Botox can relax specific muscles that pull the brow downward, which gives a slight lift in the right candidates. It can also help treat dynamic lines such as horizontal forehead lines or frown lines.
