Brow Lift Benefits: Turn Back Time, Look Refreshed
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetic enhancements, a brow lift emerges as a game-changer. It’s more than just a procedure; it’s a journey back to the days of youthful exuberance, vibrant expressions, and rejuvenated appearances, gifting you the allure of ageless beauty.
As you age, your skin starts to lose its elasticity. You may also notice a change in the distance between your eyelids and eyebrows as gravity takes its toll. This sagging of the brow can make you look sad, tired, or even angry. A forehead lift can give you a more youthful appearance and a refreshed look by removing horizontal wrinkles.
What is A Brow Lift?
A brow lift goes by many names. It is also called a forehead lift, forehead rejuvenation, temporal lift, or browplasty. It is a surgical cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the forehead by correcting deep creases, smoothing frown lines, and repositioning drooping eyebrows. A forehead lift, along with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and a facelift, can help reduce facial signs of aging, particularly around the eyes.
Alternative treatment options for a forehead lift include:
- Chemical peels are used to reduce forehead lines and refresh the skin
- Lifting your brows using Botox injections
- Upper blepharoplasty to address eyelid sagging
Choosing a Surgeon for Your Brow Lift
Plastic surgery requires patients to make several choices. The most important decision you will make throughout the entire process, however, is selecting a trustworthy surgeon.
Whether you live in Philadelphia, Princeton, Voorhees, or Yardley, it is crucial to find a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). A surgeon must adhere to a strict code of ethics and operate in an accredited medical facility. This will ensure that they are trained and experienced in all facial plastic surgery procedures.
Once you find a qualified plastic surgeon, you will meet with them for an initial consultation. This is your opportunity to learn more about facial surgery and your candidacy and ask questions.
What You Should Know Before the Brow Lift Procedure
There are two main types of brow lifts. The traditional approach involves a long incision to directly access the facial muscles of the forehead. The endoscopic approach involves making tiny incisions to elevate the forehead and the brows. The latter is the preferred method since it is less invasive.
Good Candidates for a Forehead Lift Procedure
There is no age limit, but most candidates for brow lift range between the ages of 40 and 65. The procedure is occasionally performed on younger patients who require forehead lifting.
Good health and realistic expectations are important for anyone considering undergoing a facial plastic surgery procedure.
For brow lift patients who wish to add other surgical procedures, such as Botox, fillers, or laser resurfacing, other requirements may apply. A surgeon will ensure that you are well informed about the best and safest procedures for you.
Ideal candidates for a forehead lift typically have the following complaints:
- A sad, bored, or angry appearance due to sagging brows
- Frown lines between the eyes, making the central portion of the brow hang down
- Difficulty applying makeup due to dropping tissues.
The Brow Lift Procedure
For our skilled, board-certified surgeons at Becker Plastics in Philadelphia, Yardley, Princeton, and Voorhees, the forehead lift procedure involves two steps:
Anesthesia for a Forehead Lift Surgery
After a final discussion with your surgeon, you will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable during the entire process. The surgeon may provide local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the technique that will be used.
Forehead Lift Surgery
The incision type depends on whether the brow lift technique is endoscopic or traditional.
For an endoscopic brow lift, the surgeon uses a thin tube that has a camera at the end. First, the surgeon makes several minimal incisions on your scalp behind the hairline. After gaining access to the forehead muscles, they insert an endoscope (a tiny camera) that guides the tube and the surgeon’s movements. The camera provides visibility so that the surgeon can lift the sagging areas in the brow region.
A traditional brow lift involves a long incision across the forehead. It can be along the hairline or in one of the forehead creases. This lifts the skin away from the underlying tissues. The surgeon then repairs the muscles, removes excess skin, and stitches the brow into a new position.
There is also a limited incision technique for a lateral brow lift, which is a combination of both procedures. It uses the coronal technique while making tiny incisions. The resulting scar is hidden in the hairline, making this technique suitable for balding patients. While this procedure does not address the central forehead areas, it can reduce forehead wrinkles, such as crow’s feet.
The best surgical brow lift option for you depends on your facial features, signs of aging, sun damage, and preferences. As our goal is to help you achieve the best, most natural-looking results, our surgeons tailor your procedure to suit your unique needs.
Patient Reviews
Brow Lift Results
A brow lift significantly enhances facial rejuvenation by addressing sagging forehead skin and repositioning the eyebrows to a more youthful appearance. The primary goal of a brow lift is to improve the overall facial appearance by elevating the brow and smoothing out wrinkles, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful look. Patients often experience a dramatic improvement in their facial skin, which contributes to their overall aesthetic goals.
The results of a brow lift are usually long-lasting, though the natural aging process will continue to affect the facial skin over time. Most patients find that the procedure meets or exceeds their expectations, leading to a boost in self-confidence and satisfaction with their facial appearance. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations and understand that while a brow lift can make significant improvements, it cannot stop the aging process entirely. The final results will be visible after six months when the scalp and hairline will have healed.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, over 85% of people who underwent a brow lift in 2020 reported satisfaction with the results.
Recovery Process of a Forehead Lift
The brow lift recovery involves several stages, each critical to achieving optimal results. Post-operative care is essential to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential risks. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes, which typically subsides within the first two weeks. Following the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including keeping the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities, is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within 10 to 14 days, although complete healing may take several weeks. It’s important to avoid any activities that could strain the forehead skin or disrupt the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon will help monitor progress and address any concerns. With proper care, patients can look forward to a smoother, more youthful brow and improved facial appearance.
Risks and Complications
Like all cosmetic surgeries, a brow lift carries certain risks and potential complications. While most patients experience positive outcomes, it is important to be aware of these risks to make an informed decision. Some common risks include infection, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. In rare cases, patients may experience nerve damage, which can affect eyebrow position and movement.
Other potential risks involve changes in skin sensation, hair loss along the incision sites, and asymmetry in the facial appearance. It’s essential to discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to minimize complications. Understanding the potential risks helps patients set realistic expectations and achieve their desired cosmetic goals safely.
Forehead Lift Costs
The brow lift cost is not covered by insurance. The cost varies from one surgeon to another and is also influenced by geographical location and the technique used. Becker Plastics, like most cosmetic plastic surgery centers, offers affordable financing plans.
It’s important to consider that additional expenses may arise, such as prescription medications, medical tests, and follow-up visits. Some patients may also choose to combine their brow lifts with other facial procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a facelift, which can affect the overall cost. Investing in a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon is crucial to achieving the best possible results and ensuring the safety and success of the procedure.
Talk to a Brow Lift Expert
When it comes to rejuvenating your appearance, you need the help of an expert. Reach out to us at Becker Plastics for a consultation, to ask questions, and to address all of your brow lift concerns. You can also visit our locations in Philadelphia, Yardley, Voorhees, and Princeton.
Why choose the Doctors at Becker Plastic Surgery
Kirk Lozada, MD, FACS
- Completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and has trained with the top Facial Plastic Surgeons in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey.
- Has traveled to Ica, Peru with Healing the Children on multiple occasions performing a high volume of cleft lip and palate surgery.
- Is currently a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and has numerous publications and presentations in the field of facial plastic surgery.
Daniel Becker, MD, FACS
- Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT).
- Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
- Top-Rated by US News and World Report, Philadelphia Magazine, South Jersey Magazine, Castle-Connelly, and others.
- Read more about rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Becker’s credentials
Nicole Schrader, MD, FACS
- She is a double board certified surgeon in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery.
- Is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Has over 20 years of experience, 15+ years in private practice and has performed hundreds of facelift surgeries.
- Dr. Schrader Recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon by Town Topics Readers’ Choice Awards.
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Brow Lift FAQS
Although a brow lift is an outpatient procedure, it takes several weeks to heal and achieve the desired results (though final results can take up to 6 months to appear). You need to weigh the risks—recovery time and cost—against the benefits— boosting self-esteem and reducing signs of aging—before scheduling your procedure. Our surgeons can help you determine the extent to which a brow lift will change your appearance.
A traditional brow lift, or open brow lift, is more invasive and dramatic and creates more swelling and numbness. However, it achieves a higher brow level compared to an endoscopic procedure.
People who like higher brows sometimes choose this coronal process, but there are more risks involved. It is important to go through the pros and cons of each method before making a choice.
In Philadelphia, Yardley, Voorhees, and Princeton, the endoscopic technique is more common because it offers an easier recovery process and results with a lower rate of complications. However, our excellent surgeons will discuss your options with you and help you choose the best procedure to achieve your goals.
Most health insurance plans in Philadelphia, Yardley, Voorhees, and Princeton do not cover brow lift surgery or any complications that may arise following it. For this reason, it is important to ask your surgeon for information about the available financing plans.
The resulting scars depend on the technique used. However, they will be well concealed. For the open approach, the scar will be across the scalp and hidden by the hairline. Endoscopic lift scars may include three incisions along the top of the scalp. They will be shorter in size. For limited incisions, the scars will be hidden in the temporal hairline.
A brow lift is typically performed to elevate drooping eyebrows. After the procedure, you will likely notice a decrease in upper eyelid hooding and skin redundancy. If more extensive work is needed to rejuvenate your upper eyelids and brows, then a brow lift and blepharoplasty may be necessary. Keep in mind that an endoscopic brow lift typically will not correct asymmetrical brows, since it lifts the forehead and eyebrows together as a unit.
If you live in the states of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, Becker Plastic Surgery offers Brow Lift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our locations page.