Brow Lift
The effects of aging are inevitable, and often the brow and forehead area are the first to show the signs of growing older as your skin begins to lose its elasticity. Sun, weight fluctuations, lifestyle habits and the pull of gravity all affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead and droopiness of the eyebrows.
Not only do forehead wrinkles cause you to look older, but the sagging of the brow can also result in a constantly tired, angry or sad expression. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, repositions the brows while smoothing and tightening the skin to produce a refreshed and natural appearance.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in facial sculpting surgeries like brow lift surgery. They have performed almost 300 brow lift procedures to help their patients achieve the rejuvenated look they desire.
Why Choose Us
- The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry is well-known throughout the Sacramento community as an established, mature cosmetic surgery practice that consistently delivers superior results.
- Professional expertise matters outside the operating room, too. We have worked with the same office staff and the same team of anesthesiologists for several years now.
- We understand that deciding to get cosmetic surgery is a big step, and we’ll help make sure that it’s the right choice for you before you move forward.
Good Candidates for Brow Lift Surgery
A heavy, fallen brow can not only make you look prematurely aged, but can also give the false impression that you feel tired, angry or stressed, no matter how you feel on the inside. By lifting and tightening the supportive structures of the forehead, the eyebrows can be returned to a higher position.
Not everyone is a candidate for brow lift surgery, however. Aging in the lower face, like jowling or the appearance of “turkey neck,” would be better addressed with a facelift/neck lift. For those men and women who notice droopy eyelids, eyelid surgery may be a better option or complement to a brow lift to help you meet your goals.
Generally speaking, the best candidates for a brow lift are those who:
- Are in good physical and mental health.
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery.
- Are at a healthy, stable weight.
- Have realistic expectations for their results.
Request Your Consult
Benefits of a Brow Lift
A brow lift can help men and women look more youthful and refreshed by addressing common cosmetic concerns caused by aging in the upper face. Some of the key benefits include:
- A more youthful appearance. By smoothing deep forehead lines and lifting drooping brows, a brow lift can take years off your look.
- Improved eyelid openness. Lifting heavy brows can reduce hooding over the eyes, helping you look more alert and rested.
- Natural-looking results. Modern brow lift techniques focus on subtle enhancement rather than an exaggerated or “surprised” look.
- Boosted self-confidence. Many of our Sacramento brow lift patients have expressed a newfound sense of self-esteem with brow lift results that make them look more like how they feel on the inside.
- Long-lasting improvement. Although there’s no way to stop the aging process altogether, brow lift results are known to be able to offer very long-lasting effects that many times do not need revisions in the future.
Brow Lift Techniques
Our skilled plastic surgeons can perform several types of brow lift techniques. The right choice for you will depend on your unique facial anatomy, cosmetic goals and the extent of correction needed.
Endoscopic brow lift
This is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions hidden within the hairline and a tiny camera, called an endoscope, to gently lift and reposition the brow. The endoscopic brow lift typically results in less scarring, faster healing and very natural-looking results.
Traditional brow lift
Also called a coronal or open brow lift, this method involves a longer incision placed discreetly along the hairline or within the scalp. It allows for more dramatic lifting and smoothing than an endoscopic lift, especially for those with significant forehead wrinkles or drooping.
Combination procedure
Brow lifts are often combined with other facial plastic surgeries, such as a facelift and/or eyelid lift, to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. If you wish to address multiple areas of the face in a single surgery, your plastic surgeon may recommend a customized combination procedure.
Brow Lift vs. Eyelid Lift
Brow lifts and eyelid lifts, while similar, are two distinct procedures with different goals. Brow lifts are designed to treat a drooping brow, brow lines and forehead creases, while eyelid lifts address drooping upper and/or lower eyelids that sometimes impair vision.
In some cases, combining both procedures may be necessary to achieve your desired results. To determine if a brow lift may be right for you, look in the mirror and lightly lift your eyebrows to a natural position. Did doing so reduce the amount of drooping skin above the eye? If so, chances are you will benefit from a brow lift. If excess or drooping skin still obscures the eye, you may also need an upper eyelid lift.
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your face and carefully listen to your goals to help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures could be right for you.
Your Consult
During your brow lift consultation, your surgeon will consider factors such as your age, skin type, skin laxity, ethnic background, degree of brow droop and your desired results to create a customized treatment plan that’s best for you. Your surgeon will also discuss the recommended surgical techniques, where the incisions will be placed and what to expect during brow lift recovery.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the procedure in general or your customized plan. Ultimately, the goal of this appointment is to ensure you have all of the necessary information to make a well-informed decision about whether or not a brow lift could be the best fit for you.
For patients who want a less invasive procedure option to lift the brows, BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® to relax the facial muscles is a possible nonsurgical alternative. Your surgeon will thoroughly explain your options and the kinds of results you can expect from each to help you determine the best treatment plan that is right for you.
Preparing for Brow Lift Surgery
Taking some key steps in the weeks leading up to your brow lift can go a long way when it comes to minimizing complications and maximizing results and your overall experience. Prior to your procedure, your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed preparation instructions, but below are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
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Let your surgeon know about any medications, vitamins or supplements you are currently taking, as these may need to be adjusted prior to surgery.
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If you smoke, you will need to quit at least several weeks before your brow lift, and continue to refrain from tobacco use until fully healed.
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Plan to take 1 to 2 weeks off of work and other activities to recover.
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Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment and to stay with you for at least the first day afterward.
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On the day of your brow lift, wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head.
What to Expect
The brow lift takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the surgical technique used and whether other procedures are scheduled at the same time. Our surgeons perform brow lifts as outpatient procedures under general anesthesia, so you can expect to return home the same day.
To begin a brow lift, your surgeon will make the incisions just behind the hairline. Any excess skin, fat and tissue are removed, the underlying muscles will be repositioned and the remaining skin and tissue will be lifted to create a more youthful-looking brow.
Your surgeon may choose to close the incisions with either sutures or staples, and your forehead may be taped and wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. Once your procedure is complete, you will be monitored in a recovery room until you are cleared to return home.
Brow Lift Recovery
It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable or experience tightness in your forehead directly after your brow lift. Swelling and bruising are also normal parts of the healing process. Keeping your head elevated as much as possible, including while you sleep, can help to reduce swelling and discomfort. Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off of work and other obligations to focus on rest and recovery.
While light walking is encouraged to promote healthy circulation, you will need to limit strenuous physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon to resume normal activities. Expect to have a follow-up appointment 1 week after your surgery to ensure everything is healing as it should.
Although your recovery journey will be unique to you, many patients find that their incisions are healed and bruising and swelling is diminished after a few weeks.
Brow Lift Results
While you may notice some immediate improvements in brow drooping and furrows, initial results will likely be hidden by swelling for several weeks. As residual swelling and bruising continue to dissipate, however, you should have a clearer idea of what your final outcome will look like.
It can take up to 6 months for your final brow lift results to fully develop. Once you have fully healed, you should see a naturally lifted, rejuvenated brow. Your new look can help you feel more confident in your appearance and more like yourself.
Your brow lift results can last for many years. While you can’t stop the natural aging process, you can support long-lasting results by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wearing sunscreen.
Nonsurgical Brow Lift Alternatives
If you’re not ready for surgery, there are several nonsurgical options that can provide a subtle lift and refresh the appearance of your brow area. While these treatments won’t deliver the same dramatic, long-lasting results as a surgical brow lift, they can be a great way to delay surgery or enhance results afterward.
- BOTOX® and Dysport®. These injectable neuromodulators relax the muscles that pull the brows downward, creating a lifted, more youthful appearance.
- Injectable fillers. Fillers can restore volume in the temples or upper eyelid area, supporting a more youthful brow position.
- Morpheus8 microneedling. This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and improve overall elasticity.
- Laser treatments. Lasers help to boost collagen production, improving skin tone and firmness around the brow and forehead.
Brow Lift FAQs
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How much does a brow lift cost in Sacramento?The exact cost of a brow lift in Sacramento will depend on the details of your procedure, including the technique used and whether or not you choose to include other facial surgeries. We will be able to provide you with a more accurate brow lift cost estimate at the time of your consultation. We are also happy to offer several financing options.
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Does insurance cover the cost of a brow lift?Brow lifts are not usually covered by insurance, since they are considered elective procedures. In rare cases, if deemed medically necessary, some insurance plans may provide partial or full coverage.
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What’s the best age for a brow lift?Most people seeking a brow lift are between the ages of 40 and 65. However, there is no single “best” age for a brow lift, and the right time for you will depend on your individual goals and circumstances.
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Will a brow lift provide natural results?This is a common concern for many people considering a brow lift. Poorly done brow lifts can result in a “pulled-too-tight” or surprised facial expression, making the surgery look obvious. However, a skilled surgeon will ensure the brow lift looks natural but provides a more youthful appearance.
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How painful is a brow lift?A brow lift is generally well-tolerated, with most patients describing only mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days of recovery. Pain is usually managed effectively with oral medication and generally improves quickly as healing progresses.
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Will there be a scar?Brow lift incisions are placed at the hairline. While there will be scars, skilled surgeons take caution to place the incisions in areas where the hair will cover their appearance, leaving most scars unnoticeable.
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What are the risks?Like any surgery, a brow lift carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring or temporary numbness. Your surgeon will discuss these risks and complications during your consultation, as well as the measures we take to minimize them as much as possible.
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How long does a brow lift last?Brow lifts are semi-permanent procedures and last for many years to a lifetime. However, less invasive brow lift techniques, such as the endoscopic, may not last as long as traditional brow lifts. As you get older, your brow may continue to droop, but another brow lift can be a possibility should you desire.
Meet Our Doctors
Our surgeons are dedicated to creating beautiful, natural results so you can look and feel your very best.
