A brow lift is one of the most effective ways to refresh the upper face, but before you commit, it’s important to know what the surgery entails. So, how is a brow lift done? The answer lies in 5 carefully planned steps, each designed to deliver natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
I break down the entire process for you below, so you know what to expect every step of the way. Here’s a closer look at how I perform this procedure.
Step 1: Anesthesia for Comfort
Like other facial plastic surgeries, a brow lift begins with anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. I offer my patients the choice of local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on their needs and preferences.
Step 2: Incisions and Access
As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, I specialize in limited incision techniques. I often perform an endoscopic brow lift to carefully visualize the surgical area. The small incisions required for this technique are typically hidden behind the hairline at the temples or just within the frontal hairline.
Even without the endoscope, my short scar approach allows for natural-looking improvements while minimizing visible brow lift scars.
Step 3: Lifting and Repositioning the Brow
After making the incisions, I gently lift the lateral portion of the brow (the outer edge near the temples) to smooth your forehead wrinkles and correct hooded eyebrows.
It’s important to note that I don’t raise the central portion of the brows, as this can create the perpetually “surprised” look that patients fear.
Once I’ve lifted the brow, I then secure the tissues in their new position for lasting support. If you have concerns about sagging in your upper eyelids, I can also perform blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) during the same procedure.
Step 4: Closing the Incisions
I close the incisions with sutures as meticulously as possible to complete the surgery. The eventual scars are discreet and tend to blend into the hairline. Over time, they will continue to mature and fade, leaving only subtle reminders of your surgery.
Step 5: Recovery and Healing
I give all of my patients detailed aftercare instructions to support their healing. You should expect swelling and bruising during the first week, but most people feel comfortable returning to their normal daily activities within 7 to 10 days. However, to protect your results, you should avoid more strenuous exercise for several weeks.
What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift?
A brow lift procedure offers several rejuvenating benefits, as it:
- Diminishes forehead wrinkles and creases
- Lifts heavy, hooded brows
- Improves the appearance of the upper eyelids
- Restores a relaxed, youthful, and refreshed look
How Long Does a Brow Lift Last?
With proper care, your brow lift results can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Factors such as your genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality can all affect the longevity of your results. Still, touch-up treatments with BOTOX®, dermal fillers, or microneedling can help you maintain your surgical results.
Start Your Journey
If you’re considering brow lift surgery and want to learn more about the process, benefits, and what your results might look like, I invite you to request a consultation online or call Foothills Facial Plastic Surgery at (520) 200-2218 to get started.
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