Eyebrows are an underrated feature on the face. What you do to them – bleach, tint, pluck, wax, thread or otherwise – can completely change your look. You can create a more refreshed look to your brow shape using makeup, but if you’re looking for a longer-term solution, you might also consider getting a brow lift.
When it comes to surgical solutions, brow lifts are one of the most common procedures, but you also have eyebrow transplants (what Chrissy Teigen did in 2021). In recent years, many celebrities are more careful about the plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures they have had. This has caused widespread interest in permanent solutions, resulting in an increase in procedures. With this, many people are learning about the options available to them if they are interested in changing the shape and position of their eyebrows.
If you’re curious about brow lifts, including the different types you can get, the cost, and the risks, keep reading. Ahead, a plastic surgeon shares everything you need to know.
Benefits of brow lift surgery
A brow lift can do a few things, but in general, the goal is to rejuvenate the brows by restoring their natural placement and arch. “As we age, we may notice a ‘sagging’ forehead that leaves us with hooded eyelids or a tired look.” No Parsha, a Beverly Hills ophthalmic plastic surgeon, tells POPSUGAR. “We can create a youthful appearance to the upper lids by lifting the brows, especially laterally to create a natural arch.”
This may look a little different for men and women. “Normally, in women, the ‘tail’ of the eyebrow sits higher than the inner part next to the nose,” says Dr. Parsa. In men, eyebrows are usually flatter and straighter.
Types of brow lift surgery
As with many different plastic surgery procedures, there are a few different varieties of brow lift. The six different types of brow lift are Botox (also known as non-surgical brow lift), endoscopic brow lift, brow lift, direct brow lift, pre-hair brow lift and coronal brow lift.
Botox Brow Lift
When it comes to non-surgical brow lift, Botox is a great option. In this type of procedure, a small amount of the neuromodulator is injected into the muscles around the eyebrow. This can help lift the tail of the brow and accentuate the arch. One downside to this quick and easy cosmetic tweak is that the results are only temporary. As with Botox injected anywhere on the face, it only lasts for about three to six months.
Endoscopic eyebrow lift
Dr. Parsa says the endoscopic brow lift is the most common type he performs. It is a newer procedure that involves making three to five small incisions at the hairline, allowing the entire forehead and eyebrows to be pulled back and lifted. He explains that it is less invasive than other surgical options and has a faster recovery time.
Browpexy
Browpexy is usually combined with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, which removes excess skin from the eyelids. It involves adding a few extra stitches during this procedure to lift the brow, but it does not change or lift the forehead. The results last for about five years — sometimes longer.
Direct eyebrow plastic
Direct brow plastic surgery is a procedure traditionally reserved for men as it does not require a strong hairline. An incision is hidden above the forehead, allowing it to be lifted. It is usually a solution for severe eyebrow droop, a condition in which the eyebrows fall out of their natural position.
Pretrichial Brow Lift
A pre-hairline brow lift procedure also provides a slight forehead reduction. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made along the hairline, lifting the entire forehead and eyebrows and removing excess skin.
Coronal Brow Lift
According to Dr. Parsa, the coronal brow lift is one of the most invasive options and very unusual. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made from ear to ear and involves the forehead and eyebrow area.
Of these six different types of brow lift, Botox and endoscopic lifting are the most common. Here’s what you need to know about the procedures, the risks associated with each, and what the recovery period is like.
Who is a good candidate for brow lift surgery?
The first step in determining if you are a good candidate for a brow lift is to talk to your doctor. “Most cosmetic procedures are intended to correct the underlying anatomy, so even though things tend to droop more as we get older, there are young patients who anatomically have lower-level brows,” says Dr. Parsa. She recommends younger patients start with a Botox brow lift before moving on to more permanent solutions.
Endoscopic brow lift offers more permanent results, but is more invasive than a simple Botox lift. Therefore, you will need to be approved for surgery by a doctor. “It’s also possible that as we age, Botox brow lifts stop working due to significant drooping,” says Dr. Parsa. “In these cases, a surgical procedure such as an endoscopic brow lift would be the option.”
How much does an eyebrow lift cost?
The price of a brow lift varies depending on the type you get. A Botox brow lift costs an average of $600 to $1,200. An endoscopic brow lift, on the other hand, costs about $3,700. This largely depends on where you are and the doctor you see.
Risks of brow lift surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with it. For the best results, look for a trained doctor with experience in the procedure you are having.
“Brow lift with Botox has very little risk, but sometimes, the injector may not know exactly where to inject, which can lead to exaggerated results such as ‘Spock brows’, droopy brows or uneven brows. With an endoscopic lift, rare but possible risks include infection, improper healing, and bleeding at the incision site.
What to expect during an endoscopic brow lift
Botox brow lift is quite simple – similar to any Botox appointment. You will be injected around the eyebrow area and you will be able to drive yourself home afterwards.
During an endoscopic brow lift, you are put under general anesthesia. “This procedure uses three to five small one-centimeter incisions behind the hairline to lift the entire forehead and eyebrows,” says Dr. Parsa. Overall, the operation only takes a few hours and you can be collected and taken home afterwards.
Brow lift before and after
Brow lift surgery recovery
The recovery process for a Botox brow lift is fairly simple, but it takes a few weeks to start seeing results.
After an endoscopic brow lift, expect some bruising and swelling for a few weeks. “Most patients return to work after seven to 10 days,” says Dr. Parsa. You cannot wear makeup or exercise for two to three weeks after surgery, but walking is encouraged. “[The] sweet spot for any surgery is about three to six months after surgery.”
