Brow Lift Risks and Details About the Procedure

A brow lift is a surgical procedure used to tighten the forehead and reduce the appearance of deep creases and wrinkles above and around the brow. It can also correct sagging eyebrows, and is often paired with other procedures like face lifts or eyelid surgery. Before deciding to undergo a brow lift, it is important to understand all the steps involved in the procedure, as well as the risks. This information can help you make an informed decision about whether to get a brow lift. Brow Lift Surgery Before the surgery begins, the doctor will administer the anesthesia. Once you are anesthetized, the surgeon will either perform an endoscopic brow lift or a coronal brow lift. An endoscopic brow lift involves making small incisions just behind the hairline. The surgeon then uses an endoscope (a very small piece of video equipment) through the incisions, and uses other specialized surgical instruments to reposition or remove the tissue through the incisions as necessary. The surgeon can also use these small incisions to correct sagging eyebrows, but the endoscope itself is not always necessary for that type of procedure. A coronal brow lift involves making an incision from ear to ear, behind the hairline. This allows the surgeon to correct specific areas of the brow and remove excess skin as required. The larger incision involved in a coronal brow lift generally means there is a longer recovery time than there is with an endoscopic brow lift. Whichever procedure you and the surgeon decide on, the incisions will be hidden by the hair, except in special circumstances when the incisions are made before the hairline on the forehead. Once the tissue has been repositioned and excess skin removed, the incisions are closed. If the brow has been elevated, it will remain in place with the help of sutures, surgical screws, or absorbable fixation tools placed at the temple, until the incisions heal. Risks A brow lift is a surgical procedure, so it involves some risks. Your surgeon will discuss the risks in full with you during your consultation. Some risks include bleeding, infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, skin numbness, nerve injury, facial asymmetry, correctable hair loss, an elevated hairline, or abnormal eyelid positioning. One of the best way to avoid having these risks occur is to select a board certified surgeon with training you trust and plenty of experience. Always research your doctor before undergoing surgery. For more details on a brow lift, or to see a 3D animation of the procedure, visit our brow lift page. Call (703) 574-2588 for more information or click here to set up a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main techniques used for a brow lift?

An endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions behind the hairline and a tiny camera to reposition tissue with minimal scarring. A coronal brow lift uses a longer ear-to-ear incision behind the hairline and typically involves a longer recovery period.

What risks are associated with a brow lift?

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, a reaction to anesthesia, temporary or permanent skin numbness, nerve injury, facial asymmetry, correctable hair loss near the incisions, and in rare cases an elevated hairline. Selecting a qualified surgeon significantly reduces these risks.

How are brow lift incisions hidden?

Incisions are placed behind the hairline in most cases so that they are concealed as the hair grows. In some situations, incisions may be made just before the hairline, but your surgeon will discuss the best approach based on your specific anatomy and goals.

How long do brow lift results typically last?

Brow lift results generally last several years, though natural aging continues over time. Maintaining good skin care habits, using daily sun protection, and avoiding significant lifestyle factors that accelerate aging can help extend the longevity of your results.

How do I choose the right surgeon for a brow lift?

Always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with documented experience performing brow lifts. Reviewing before-and-after photos of actual patients and scheduling a thorough consultation are essential steps to ensure you trust your surgeon and feel confident in your decision.