Although they don’t take up as much real estate on your face, your eyebrows play an important role in your features, which is probably why there are so many methods for eyebrow waxing, tattooing, coloring and makeup application. Along with shaping or filling in your brows, changing their position even by a fraction of an inch can make an impact.
And a lot of people seem to think so — that is, based on the popularity of brow lifts. Demand for the procedure was “significantly increased” in 2021 compared to previous years, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2021 Member Survey. While thread lifts and the “Botox brow lift” have seen their own surges in popularity, many people still opt for a more permanent change.
If you’re curious about the pros and cons of the procedure and what it entails, here’s what you need to know.
What is a brow lift?
As you’ve probably figured out, a brow lift is a cosmetic surgery that lifts the brow. “Brow” in this context isn’t just short for “eyebrow,” she thought: A brow lift lifts the entire brow area, which technically extends from the eyebrow to the top of the forehead, according to Robert Schwarz, MD, FACS, double board certified ophthalmofacial plastic surgeon in New York. (This is why the procedure is sometimes referred to as a “brow lift.”)
Typically, people seek a brow lift for any of four reasons, according to Michael Horn, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Lake Shore Plastic Surgery in Chicago. They may want to restore a natural brow arch that has sunken with age, reverse drooping eyelids, reduce fine lines at the outer corners of their eyes, or remove excess skin in the brow area, she says.
What are the types of brow lift?
Surgeons can choose from five different techniques when performing a brow lift. Here is a brief description of each of Dr. Schwarz.
Coronal Brow Lift
This technique uses an incision that runs from the top of one of your ears, straight across the top of your head to your other ear. This is an older technique that is not common today, he says. Some disadvantages of a coronal brow lift are that it is more invasive than other alternatives and that patients may lose a strip of hair along the incision made during the procedure, moving their hairline upward. Since it is more invasive, recovery tends to take longer than other methods.
Endoscopic eyebrow lift
One of the most common approaches to brow lift, the endoscopic brow lift involves making small incisions along the hairline. Surgeons then use an endoscope (a camera) to get a clear view of the area without having to make a large incision. This allows them to safely detach, lift and reattach the brow to the skull.
Trichophytic Brow Lift
Another common approach, brow lift involves making an incision from the tail of one eyebrow, along the hairline to the tail of the other eyebrow. This is a hair-sparing method (meaning patients don’t lose any hair during the procedure) and shortens the forehead—an advantage for patients who may feel their foreheads are too high.
Instant eyebrow lift
This method involves making incisions above both eyebrows, so it is best suited for people who have bushy eyebrows that can hide the resulting scars. The surgeon removes a small section of skin above the eyebrows, resulting in a raised eyebrow.
Mid-forehead brow lift
This technique involves making incisions in the middle of the forehead, that’s right is usually used for people who have deep forehead wrinkles that may hide a scar. Although relatively uncommon, this may be the preferred option for someone who is bald and would have a very noticeable scar from one of the other routes.
Are some people unhappy with the results of their brow lift?
As with any cosmetic surgery, brow lift carries the risk that you may not like the results. “The most common complaint that some surgeons hear is that the eyebrows are not symmetrical,” says Dr. Horn. “Another frequent complaint, if the operation is not skillfully performed, is that the eyebrows are raised too high, and the patient has a constant surprise.” Numbness or changes in skin sensation may also occur, he says. “These are probably not permanent, but may take several months to resolve,” says Dr. Horn. (
While these are real possibilities, they can be avoided if you choose the right surgeon, according to Dr. Schwarcz. “I think brow lifts have had a bad name for a long time because you can easily overcorrect the brow and get a surprised look.” For this reason, she prefers to take a conservative approach. “A brow lift is just a way to make the eyes look better,” she says, “it’s not to change the shape of the brows or make them go up higher, just to reveal more of the lid area so the eyes look better.”
What is brow lift surgery like?
Brow lift surgery can be performed under general anesthesia (the strongest sedation technique) or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia (when patients are sedated through an IV and a numbing drug is used) and the incisions are closed with stitches or staples that are removed after from a week, according to American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common 10 days after surgery, and most people can return to a sedentary job one week after surgery. The average cost of a brow lift is $3,900, according to 2020 statistics from American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
If you decide to seek the procedure, the key to a smooth experience is choosing a surgeon carefully. “First, make sure your plastic surgeon is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,” advises Dr. Horn. (You can search for surgeons via the organization’s website.) He suggests booking consultations with at least three doctors and narrowing down your options from there. “Some plastic surgeons tend to do more body than face procedures and vice versa. Talk to your plastic surgeon to understand the focus of their practice.” It’s also helpful to check surgeons’ websites, look at their before-and-after photos, and ask for recommendations of patients you can talk to, he says.
If you’re hoping to modify your upper face, a brow lift is one of the many courses of action you can consider. A plastic surgeon can help you weigh your options to find clarity about whether it’s right for you.
