As the combined forces of gravity, sun exposure, and repetitive facial expressions take their toll on the skin, the upper face can start exhibiting more and more signs of aging. The brow may begin to droop, while wrinkles often deepen around the eyes and across the forehead. This process also leads to lines between the eyebrows and even a heavy fold at the upper portion of the nose bridge, causing an expression of perpetual stress, exhaustion, or anger for some patients. These developments can make individuals look much older than they feel, but the aesthetic changes caused by aging don’t have to be permanent.

Fortunately, a brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, can rejuvenate this area of the face and provide a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Dr. Ali Sepehr is a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon who can work with you to determine whether a brow lift may be the best solution to achieve your goals.

What is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is designed to tighten lax skin on the forehead as well as elevate descended eyebrows to their natural positioning. This is done with the goal of restoring a youthful brow appearance, which is typically characterized by eyebrows that rest just above the orbital rim. By addressing the excess skin that tends to develop above the eyebrows—often creating an expression of stress or fatigue—a brow lift can also smooth frown lines and horizontal creases on the forehead for significant rejuvenation of the upper face. As a brow lift is intended to correct key indicators of age in this region, patients generally appear more refreshed and lively after the procedure and enjoy a younger-looking aesthetic.

What Causes the Upper Face to Look Aged?

The anatomic changes that occur in the upper face over time are the result of reduced skin elasticity, repeated muscle contraction, and gravity. These three factors lead to the most prominent signs of aging in the upper face: horizontal forehead wrinkles, vertical wrinkles between the brows, and descended eyebrows. Drooping brows can also accentuate loose upper eyelid skin by causing the skin to fold in on itself even more—a condition called “hooding.” Therefore, the appearance of the upper eyelids is very much dependent on the positioning of the eyebrows. It can also lead to a deep horizontal line extending out from the outer corner of the eye, fine lines, or a heavy fold where the top of the nose connects to the forehead.

With all this in mind, patients who have a drooping brow often experience skin laxity in their eyelid contours as well. These characteristics usually exacerbate an aged or fatigued appearance, which can only be reversed for the long term by surgically addressing the skin, fat, and muscular tissue in this region of the face.

What Concerns Can a Brow Lift Address?

Brow lift surgery can improve several indicators of age that may be causing you to look angry, stressed or tired, including:

Drooping brows
Lax skin along the forehead
Frown lines, or wrinkles between the brows
Deep creases along the forehead
Horizontal lines at root of the nose
Lines around the outer corner of the eyes
Lengthened forehead

Although the procedure can be very effective in rejuvenating the region from the eyebrows to the hairline, a brow lift cannot address excess skin around the eyes or the appearance of puffy eyelids. If these are concerns you’re interested in correcting, a joint procedure consisting of a brow lift plus eyelid surgery is a relatively common treatment plan since the brow and eyes tend to age together.

Limitations of a Brow Lift

Although a brow lift offers top-notch results for both men and women, the procedure does have limitations. Dr. Sepehr will examine your concerns and speak with you about what type of rejuvenation you can expect after a brow lift, but in general, brow lift surgery:

Only focuses on one area: While highly effective in helping achieve a brighter and more carefree expression, brow lift surgery only treats one region of the face in isolation. In most cases, incorporating a brow lift into a RadiaLift treatment plan offers a more comprehensive solution. Rather than solely focusing on one area, RadiaLift approaches the face in its entirety to achieve harmonious, integrated rejuvenation that considers your surrounding facial features as well. In turn, patients enjoy remarkably natural-looking results that complement their natural facial characteristics.
Can’t treat “hooding”: This procedure can lift and restore support for a drooping brow, but brow lift surgery does not repair “hooding,” a condition in which excess skin and tissue accumulate on the upper lash line — potentially interfering with your line of vision. Patients affected by hooding may benefit from combining their brow lift with upper blepharoplasty, a facial plastic surgery designed to smooth the contours around the eyelids and restore an individual’s full window of vision. Together, these procedures can help bring forth a more energetic and rested appearance.
Does not address the lower face: While a forehead lift can beautifully enhance the brow, signs of aging in the lower face are not improved with brow lift surgery alone. For those who also wish to reduce jowls and/or sagging skin along the neck, procedures like a facelift and/or neck lift can provide a sleeker jawline and achieve a sharper transition between the chin and neck.

Becoming well-informed about the possible limitations of brow lift surgery can help you maintain realistic expectations of what the procedure can actually accomplish. It’s also important to remember that no aesthetic surgery can stop the natural aging process. The procedure can facilitate structural changes in the brow, but non-surgical treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers are often necessary to maintain rejuvenation of the brow area.

Who is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Descended eyebrows may be improved by the brow lift or forehead lift operation, which is intended to lift the skin of the brow and prevent it from crowding and bunching up the upper eyelids. Candidates for this procedure often complain of looking tired or fatigued because of saggy brows, or even looking angry because of frown lines between the eyebrows which give off the perception of scowling. This procedure is designed to elevate the brows and reduce a heavy brow appearance. This can help open the eyes, making them look wider, brighter, and more rested. Furthermore, a surgical brow lift can reduce the wrinkles between the eyebrows, creating a happier look. It can also smooth forehead wrinkles and give the entire upper third of the face a more youthful and elegant appearance. You may be a candidate for brow lift surgery if:

Your eyebrow position has lowered and gives off the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin
You would like to have a brighter, more open-eyed look
You desire a more youthful expression by smoothing the forehead
You desire a shorter forehead and overall facial length

Kind professional and vey talented.
I would recommend the doctor to anyone.
His work is very natural looking.

Anonymous

February 29, 2012

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How is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?

Before the procedure you will meet the operating room nurse and the anesthesiologist, who will both ask you questions to make sure the operation proceeds as safely as possible. The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours. When you wake up, you will have a soft head wrap. After the procedure, you will be monitored to make sure you have no pain or nausea. You can expect to be at the surgery center for several hours. A variety of techniques are available and a consultation is necessary to determine which is the most appropriate. As with any procedure, your thorough understanding of the preoperative and postoperative instructions is essential to a successful outcome.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The endoscopic technique often reduces the amount of downtime, scarring, and discomfort commonly associated with a traditional brow lift. Dr. Sepehr performs an endoscopic brow lift by placing three to five small incisions that allow him to lift and redrape the skin of the forehead while removing excess tissue that may be causing deep wrinkles along the brow. The forehead will then be gently repositioned to restore drooping eyebrows to their proper location. Special surgical instruments designed to limit tissue disruption are used during the endoscopic procedure, often reducing the amount of bruising experienced during the recovery period. Thanks to Dr. Sepehr’s strategic incision placement, the visibility of post-surgical scars is also minimized after the incisions fully heal.

Trichophytic Brow Lift & Other Techniques

For patients who may be bothered by a large or prominent forehead, Dr. Sepehr often favors the trichophytic brow lift technique. Performed through a wavy incision just at the hairline, a trichophytic brow lift can shorten the forehead so it looks more proportional to surrounding facial features. This approach is the only technique that can lift drooping brows while reducing the length of the forehead and lowering the hairline. Hair growth can naturally camouflage the incision, allowing inconspicuous scarring after the procedure.

The other brow lift techniques listed below are distinguished by the extent of lifting necessary and how much of the brow area is being addressed. Dr. Sepehr can discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with you, and then advise you on the best approach to achieve your goals.

Direct Brow
Mid-Forehead
Pretrichial
Endoscopic
Temporal
Coronal
Trichophytic

What is the Recovery Process From a Brow Lift Like?

Patients may experience discomfort in the form of a pressure headache. This can be well-controlled with pain medication. After a brow lift, some swelling and bruising is expected. Please keep your head elevated above the level of your heart while sleeping to minimize the swelling that develops and to help expedite its disappearance. It is natural for the swelling to travel down the face (especially around the eyes, due to thinner eyelid skin) while it is resolving. The amount of bruising and swelling varies, but typically most patients are sociable within 7-14 days.

Make-up can be worn immediately. If other procedures are performed at the same time as the brow lift, then avoid makeup over incisions for 7 to 10 days. Varying degrees of forehead numbness can occur. This can last a few months to a year. Itching is expected and can be a sign of improvement. You can resume your cardiovascular or aerobic exercise after 2 weeks. Please avoid contact sports for 6 weeks. 
As with all types of surgery, there are potential risks associated with brow lifts. Dr. Sepehr will speak with you about all of the risks and benefits of the procedure at your initial consultation, and he will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Did You Know?

Dr. Sepehr frequently combines other procedures including facelift or eyelid surgery with a brow lift.

How Long Will Results From a Brow Lift Last?

A brow lift from Dr. Sepehr can typically last 10 to 20 years, but results will vary depending on how you care for your skin, the kind of lifestyle you lead, and your unique genetic factors. To help extend the length of results, there are a variety of treatments, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, that can achieve non-surgical enhancement and may be beneficial.

Will I Have Visible Scars After a Brow Lift?

There is the potential for residual scarring after a brow lift, as is typical with most surgical procedures. However, with Dr. Sepehr’s extensive training and experience, he can often hide these incisions along your hairline. This can make the final results of a brow lift look as natural as possible.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

The cost of a brow lift is determined by the degree to which the brow has descended and the surgical technique used during your procedure. Other factors, such as geographic location and the experience of a facial plastic surgeon, can also impact the cost of a brow lift. Although not our practice, some places quote their costs excluding surgery center prices and anesthesia fees, so please be sure to ask. The details of your treatment plan will determine the true nature of your brow lift expenses, and we will provide a personalized quote after Dr. Sepehr examines your needs in a consultation.

Dr. Sepehr offers a number of payment options to make the cost of a brow lift as affordable as possible. Plastic surgery financing through trusted institutions like CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending can allow qualified applicants to pay for their treatment over a period of time, rather than all at once. After gaining approval through the easy application process, patients can receive the enhancement they desire while accommodating any budgetary concerns by choosing from a multitude of low- to no-interest payment plans. If you have any questions about our accepted modes of payment, please contact our practice today.

What are the Risks of a Brow Lift?

A brow lift comes with a risk of bleeding, poor wound healing, unfavorable scarring, and negative reactions to the anesthesia, which are all potential complications that could occur with any surgical procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, other risks unique to brow lift surgery include:

Elevated hairline
Loss of hair around the incision sites
Eye irritation or dryness
Persistent numbness
Facial asymmetry

Safety is our highest priority at OC Facial Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Sepehr will make sure you understand all of the risks and limitations of the procedure before you decide whether to continue pursuing a brow lift. As long as you entrust your care to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, brow lift surgery is considered a very safe and straightforward procedure with a minimal risk of complications when performed by an expert with lots of experience in this particular surgery. That said, selecting a facial plastic surgeon in particular can ensure you’re receiving the highest standard of care from a doctor who specializes exclusively in facial procedures.

Is a Brow Lift Using BOTOX® Cosmetic Possible?

If you prefer to avoid surgery, treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can be an effective way to rejuvenate the brow using minimally invasive techniques. As a neuromodulator, BOTOX® Cosmetic can temporarily inhibit the muscle contractions that lead to dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and pronounced forehead creases. In turn, these expression lines can be smoothed, providing a more youthful and refreshed look for months at a time. Although injections with BOTOX® Cosmetic are not a method of permanent rejuvenation, nor can this non-surgical treatment mirror the quality of results yielded by a brow lift, BOTOX® Cosmetic can be an exceptional means of enhancement for individuals who want to achieve a noticeable outcome quickly, or who do not wish to undergo an operation.

Can I Combine a Brow Lift With Complementary Procedures?

If your goals are to create a more youthful appearance for the entirety of the upper face, many of our patients have had positive results after combining both a brow lift with an eyelid surgery. The facial muscles in both of these areas work together to form expressions, and therefore typically wear at the same rate. An eyelid lift works to lessen a tired-looking appearance and a brow lift can improve skin laxity and creases along the upper facial skin and forehead. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sepehr can answer any questions you may have about combining eyelid surgery and brow lift. Cosmetic injectables and other rejuvenation procedures can also be ideal complements to brow lift surgery for patients who have aesthetic concerns in additional facial areas.

Choosing a Top Brow Lift Surgeon in Newport Beach

Enlisting a top facial plastic surgeon to perform your brow lift is a critical step in ensuring safe, satisfying, and natural-looking results. Before making your decision, it’s essential to thoroughly research facial plastic surgeons in Newport Beach to find a highly qualified, extensively experienced provider to achieve your goals. Key qualifications to look for include:

A Surgeon Who Specializes Exclusively in Facial Plastic Surgery: When it comes to facial plastic surgery options like a brow lift, it’s in your best interest to choose a facial plastic surgeon who has dedicated their career exclusively to perfecting aesthetic and reconstructive face procedures.
Board Certification: Always ensure your facial plastic surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Accreditation confirms they’ve completed post-graduate training in aesthetic procedures and passed rigorous exams in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Proven Results: A top brow lift surgeon should have an extensive portfolio of their work. Review before-and-after photos of real patients with similar goals or body types, and pay attention to consistency in results, scarring, and natural-looking outcomes.
Strong Patient Reviews and a Stellar Reputation: Patient testimonials and online reviews provide insight into a surgeon’s usual standard of care. Explore reviews from a multitude of platforms and look for a track record of patient satisfaction, professionalism, and responsive care.
Hospital Privileges: Reputable surgeons typically have admitting privileges at accredited hospitals and/or surgery centers. This indicates that a facial plastic surgeon has been vetted by a medical institution and follows crucial safety standards.

Beyond credentials and experience, it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in your facial plastic surgeon’s skills and overall experience. Trust, transparency, and mutual respect are the foundation of a successful surgical journey, so be sure to schedule a consultation with a prospective facial plastic surgeon before making your choice.

Additional Brow Lift FAQs

Should I have a surgical or non-surgical brow lift?

A surgical brow lift may be beneficial if your goal is to reduce excess or sagging skin, crow’s feet, and/or wrinkles. A non-surgical lift may be better if you wish to improve your skin’s texture, smooth some wrinkles, and increase volume along the brow line with advanced dermal fillers. Non-surgical brow lift procedures may be a good option if you are not able to take off much time for a longer recovery process. Ultimately this decision is up to you, but Dr. Sepehr is available for a personal consultation to help outline procedure specifics. Since a non-surgical brow lift is not removing excess tissue, it may not be able to smooth your forehead satisfactorily and lift the brows at the same time.

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

A brow lift is commonly considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning insurance is not likely to cover the costs. In some cases, if the weight of the forehead skin is pushing down the brows and the eyelids leading to impaired vision, some of the costs of upper blepharoplasty may be covered. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine whether they offer coverage for brow lift surgery that is determined to be medically necessary. Our office staff would be happy to work with you to find financing options that could be beneficial.

How can I preserve the results of my brow lift?

The aging process continues after a brow lift, but you can maintain the rejuvenation achieved from surgery by wearing sun protection (hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen) and using high-quality skin care products. Rather than applying over-the-counter products sold in drug stores, medical-grade serums obtained from a physician can be stronger and more effective since they contain first-rate ingredients. Touch-up treatments with BOTOX® Cosmetic and/or dermal fillers can also help preserve a youthful brow if the effects of surgery begin to fade.

How can I reduce swelling after brow lift surgery?

It’s normal for some degree of swelling to last for a few months after brow lift surgery. However, eating healthy, nutritious meals can help reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process. Try to avoid alcohol and limit consumption of salty, processed foods. Smoking during recovery is prohibited, as it can delay healing, exacerbate scarring, and generally accelerate the aging process.

When can I return to work after a brow lift?

Depending on the technique used during your surgery, most patients return to non-strenuous work anywhere from a few days to two weeks after their procedure. If Dr. Sepehr performed an endoscopic brow lift, the recovery period is generally shorter when compared to a traditional brow lift. If your job involves physically laborious or taxing responsibilities, it may take four weeks before it is safe for you to return to work.

Should I get a facelift with my brow lift?

Since a brow lift only improves the upper face, many patients question whether a facelift is necessary to address the lower face and complete their results. If you would like to improve jowls and sagging skin along the cheeks, a lower face and neck lift can be an excellent addition to your treatment plan. Dr. Sepehr can discuss your goals with you to determine whether a full facelift would help you to achieve the look you desire.

What’s the best age for a brow lift?

When determining candidacy for a brow lift, an individual’s age is typically less important than whether a patient shows the requisite signs of upper facial aging to benefit from surgery. Therefore, someone who is younger and exhibits drooping brows and frown lines may be a better candidate for the procedure when compared to an older patient who still retains good skin elasticity—it simply depends on each person’s unique rate of aging. Dr. Sepehr will assess your candidacy based on your concerns, aesthetic goals, and previous medical history.

Is a brow lift for men different from a brow lift for women?

Yes, in men we have to take into account a higher chance of a receding hairline when planning incision placement. Therefore, the procedure will always be personalized according to a patient’s aesthetic desires and natural characteristics to ensure results appear harmoniously with one’s existing features. This means that Dr. Sepehr will strive to emphasize the masculine angles of the face for men, while he may highlight softer and more refined contours for women. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve natural-looking rejuvenation with techniques custom-tailored for each individual.

Is getting a brow lift for hooded eyes effective?

Upper eyelid surgery is considered the gold standard of treatment for correcting “hooded” eyes, although a brow lift can further emphasize and improve these results. These two procedures are naturally complementary and frequently performed together to comprehensively refresh the upper face, as the eyes and brow generally age in tandem with each other.

Please contact OC Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule a brow lift consultation at our practice.