Forehead/Brow Lift

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Many factors, including age, heredity, and gender, determine your brow position. Ideal positioning for women is to have the eyebrows resting slightly above the brow bone, while for men it should be at the brow bone. However, as we age, the fat dissipates in the brow pad, which can disrupt these ideal positions and cause a sad or tired look. 

In order to correct this, a brow lift (also known as a “forehead lift”) may be in order. The goal of a brow lift is to elevate the brow conservatively for a pleasing brow position that “opens” the eyes without a “surprised” look. This is done through an elevation of the outer portion of the brows and release of the central brow muscles to allow the furrowed brows to return to their natural relaxed position. The effects can last for ten years or longer.

Internationally-renowned plastic surgeon Mark Richards, MD performs a brow lift using a viewing instrument called an endoscope. While a brow lift can make an amazing difference by itself, it can also be performed in conjunction with procedures such as cheek lift, facelift, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Candidates for a brow lift include those with drooping eyebrows, lines in the forehead, frown lines just above the nose, or an unwarranted angry or sad upper facial appearance. Even those who are bothered or impaired by heavy upper eyelids may see more improvement after a brow lift than blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), as fixing the structures of the eyebrows and forehead tends to unfold the eyelids.

These conditions most commonly plague people in their forties or older, though inherited conditions can also cause them, and this younger group may just as easily benefit from a brow lift.

At your consultation, Dr. Richards will discuss your ideal outcome, as well as any risks applicable to you. If brow lift surgery is possibly an ideal solution for your needs, Dr. Richards can develop a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible results. 

How is the Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure Performed?

The groundbreaking endoscopic brow lift involves only a few small incisions just above the hairline, as the device can clearly see the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the area. Dr. Richards can make adjustments to the various tissues with little risk of damaging the nerves or causing hair loss. Through these adjustments, lines are smoothed, the brows are raised, and the entire face is given a more youthful, rested appearance. 

What is Recovery from a Brow Lift Like?

Recovery from brow lift surgery tends to be quite straightforward. Expect minor swelling and soreness in the days following the procedure, both of which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Bruises around the eyes may occur. Patients are usually able to resume their normal activities within one to two weeks.

Will I Have Brow Lift Scars? 

In an endoscopic brow lift, scars are often virtually undetectable to others. The incisions are located in the scalp. They are small enough that they should be barely noticeable after a few months, even by your hairdresser. Unlike many other surgeons, Dr. Mark Richards uses no screws or devices to suspend the brow as these devices can cause pain and hair loss. As such, scarring is usually minimal.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

The cost of brow lift surgery at our practice usually ranges from $4000 to $5500, ​​not including the cost of the surgery center operating room and anesthesiologist. The precise cost will depend on the extent of treatment being performed, the particularities of the individual  surgery, and other factors.

We never want the cost of a procedure to keep our patients from getting the treatment they deserve. To ensure a smooth, cost-effective process, we accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks. We also work with United Medical Credit, a financing company with plenty of options available for qualified applicants who are interested in paying for their plastic surgery treatment over time. Learn more about our financing options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift Surgery

Is hair loss likely due to a brow lift?
An endoscopic brow lift does not require the hair to be shaved or even trimmed. The incisions are made in the scalp, but the surgeon works well beneath the hair follicles to avoid damage to them.

Will the brow lift result in an unnatural or surprised look?
A successful brow lift delivers significant improvement without distortion. If the sagging of the brow is a result of aging, the surgeon can sometimes use old photographs to map out the most natural restoration of the patient’s old look.

How can I tell whether a brow lift or eyelid surgery would be best?
A brow lift is meant to restore the entire upper region of the face to its most natural position. If heavy upper eyelids seem to be a result of the downward migration of the brow and forehead, then a brow lift is likely most appropriate. If the patient notices lines across the forehead or above the nose, or experiences frequent headaches, these are also signs that the brow, and not just the eyelids, may need to be reshaped. Sometimes a brow lift is performed first, and then a better assessment as to the degree of excess upper eyelid skin can be performed.

Is a brow lift with BOTOX® injections possible?
While BOTOX® Cosmetic can yield exceptional results in minimizing signs of dynamic lines and wrinkles, it cannot compare to the precise, long-lasting results of a surgical brow lift. That said, Dr. Richards is amenable to discussing any surgical or non-surgical strategy you feel meets your needs. If you are interested in BOTOX® injections as an alternative to brow lift surgery, feel free to mention it at your consultation and Dr. Richards will talk with you about whether that procedure will be adequate for your needs and goals.

Patients who undergo brow lift at Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute are frequently surprised by just how much their brow lift has improved their look. They often comment that they look younger, happier, and more rested. Dr. Richards is extremely grateful for the opportunity to help patients achieve these results. Contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Richards.