Brow Lifting

A brow lift is a functional or cosmetic procedure to raise the eyebrows. It can be performed in multiple ways with incisions under the skin, above the brow, or in the hairline. The procedure involves raising the soft tissue and skin of the forehead and brow. Severely sagging eyebrows can reduce side vision (peripheral vision), especially the upper and pouter parts of the visual field. Brow lifting can improve peripheral vision. Surgery can also make reshape and recontour the appearance in this area. The technique of the surgery is tailored to each patient’s desired results.
 

Why it’s done

  • Brow lifting might be an option for:
  • Brows dropping below the brow bone
  • Excess hooding on the outer corners of the upper eyelids
  • Blunted brows that have lost their natural contour with age
More about brow lifting

Brow lifting can be done at the same time as another procedure, such as a blepharoplasty or ptosis surgery.

Insurance coverage might depend on whether the surgery repairs a condition that impedes vision. Surgery only to improve appearance probably won’t be covered by insurance.

Risks

A brow lift poses several risks, including:

  • Scarring might be visible after a brow lift.
  • Changes in skin sensation. A brow lift can cause temporary or permanent numbness on the forehead or top of the scalp.
  • Asymmetry in the position of the brows. A brow lift can result in uneven brows (asymmetry), with one or both eyebrows appearing too high. However, asymmetry may even out during the healing process. Persistent brow shape or position problems can be treated with injections such as Botox or through additional surgery.
  • Hair problems. A brow lift can cause an elevated hairline or hair loss at the incision site. If hair loss doesn’t resolve on its own, it can be treated with a procedure to remove part of the scalp experiencing hair loss or using a hair graft.

Like any other type of major surgery, a brow lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and a reaction to anesthesia.

How you prepare

Initially, you’ll talk to a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon about a brow lift. During your first visit, your surgeon will likely:

  • Review your medical history.Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you’re taking or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you’ve had. Tell your surgeon if you’re allergic to any medications.
  • Do a physical exam.To determine your treatment options, your surgeon will examine and measure different parts of your face with your eyes open and closed. Photographs might be taken for your medical record.
  • Discuss your expectations.Explain why you want a brow lift, and how you want to look after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks.

Before a brow lift you might also need to:

  • Stop smoking.Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. If you smoke, stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
  • Avoid certain medications.You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
  • Arrange for help during recovery.Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.

What you can expect

A brow lift is done at our outpatient surgical center. During a brow lift, you’ll typically be comfortable with the aid of sedation anesthesia given through an IV in your arm. Or you may be given general anesthesia.

During the procedure

Brow lift techniques vary depending on your desired results. The specific technique your surgeon chooses will determine the location of the incisions and the resulting scars.

Your surgeon might use one of the following techniques:

  • Endoscopic brow lift.In this procedure, several small incisions are made behind the hairline. A long thin tube with a light and a tiny camera mounted on its end is inserted through one of the incisions to view the underlying muscles and tissues.Using an instrument inserted through another incision, the surgeon lifts the forehead tissues and anchors them in place with sutures, small screws or another technique. The incisions are then closed with stitches or small clips.
  • Temporal brow lift.This procedure is done through small incisions just behind the hairline near the temples.
  • Direct brow lift.This procedure is done by removing the skin above the eyebrows. A direct brow lift is typically done in people with bushy eyebrows. It’s also a shorter surgery and can be done with local anesthesia, which numbs only part of the body.
  • Coronal brow lift.This procedure involves making an incision behind the hairline across the top of the head, from ear to ear or primarily on the top of the head. Then the forehead is lifted into its new position, with the scalp in front of the incision overlapping the scalp behind it.The overlapping scalp is then removed, and the remaining scalp is sewn together. This technique is not typically done in people who have high hairlines, thin hair or who are likely to lose their hair.
  • Hairline brow lift.For this procedure, an incision is made between the top of the forehead and the beginning of the hairline. A small amount of skin and tissue is removed from the top of the forehead, rather than your scalp. This can correct a high hairline.A hairline brow lift is often used if someone has a high, receding hairline. However, a scar might be visible along the hairline, depending on the placement of the incisions, scar healing and hairstyle.

Brow lift surgery typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

After the procedure

After a brow lift, your forehead might be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling. A small tube might be placed along the incision site to drain any excess blood or fluid.

Your health care provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions. In the first few days after a brow lift:

  • Rest with your head elevated and take pain medication as recommended by your provider
  • Apply cold compresses to relieve swelling
  • Avoid exposing your incisions to excessive pressure or motion

As your incisions heal, you might experience itching and numbness, which will likely lessen over time. If your incisions are covered in bandages, they’ll likely be removed in 1 to 3 days. Sutures typically will be removed within 7 to 10 days of surgery.

Ask your health care provider when it’s OK to resume daily activities, such as washing and drying your hair and bathing. Keep in mind that the swelling might last several weeks.

Incision lines will fade over time. You might use makeup to conceal any prolonged bruising.

After a brow lift, contact your doctor immediately if you have:

  • Sudden swelling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeats

Results

By raising the soft tissue and skin of your forehead and brow, a brow lift can give your face a more youthful appearance.

Keep in mind that brow lift results won’t last forever. As you age your facial skin might begin to droop again. Sun damage also can age your skin.

Before and After Photos

Offering the Latest in Oculoplastic Care

Oculoplastic Care

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can improve vision issues while also helping patients achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Oculoplastic Care

Ptosis

Upper Eyelid Ptosis surgery can reduce or eliminate vision problems, while also making your eyes appear younger and more alert.

Oculoplastic Care

Brow Lifting

A brow lift can improve the appearance of the forehead, brow and eyes and help patients achieve a more refreshed  appearance. 

Oculoplastic Care

Lower Eyelid Malposition

There are several options to treat ectropion and entropion and reestablish the harmony of the lower eyelid.

Oculoplastic Care

Post-Mohs Reconstruction

W​e work closely with local dermatologists and Mohs surgeons to provide aesthetic reconstruction after skin cancer removal.

Oculoplastic Care

Non-Surgical Rejuvenation

Injection treatments can be utilized to treat medical conditions or to diminish fine lines and reduce the signs of aging around the eyes. 

Oculoplastic Care

Tear Drainage System Surgery

By creating a new drainage pathway, this surgery helps relieve excessive tearing and improves eye comfort and vision.

Oculoplastic Care

Orbital Surgery

Our team is skilled in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to enhance aesthetics, and ensure optimal eye health and vision.

Tucson Eye Care

Schedule an Appointment
520-722-4700

FAX
520-722-4800

Office Address
4709 E Camp Lowell Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85712
Open Map

Camp Lowell Surgery Center

Surgery Center Phone
520-618-6058
Surgery Center Address
4620 E Camp Lowell Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85712
Open Map

Tucson Surgery Center

Surgery Center Phone
520-731-5500
Surgery Center Address
2121 N Craycroft Rd Bldg. 8
Tucson, AZ 85712
Open Map
Members of American Board of Ophthalmology
Members of American Academy of Ophthalmology
Members of American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Members of American Glaucoma Society
Members of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Copyright © Tucson Eye Center
All Rights Reserved.
Phone: 520-722-4700
FAX: 520-722-4800
4709 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85712
(View Map)
Copyright © Tucson Eye Center   -   All Rights Reserved.
4709 E. Camp Lowell Dr, Tucson, AZ 85712 (View Map)
Phone: 520-722-4700 - FAX: 520-722-4800