What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the forehead and eyebrows. The procedure is typically performed on individuals who are experiencing wrinkles, lines, sagging or drooping eyebrows, as well as hooding of the upper eyelids, which can make a person look tired, sad, or older. A brow lift can help to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance by smoothing out wrinkles and lines, elevating the eyebrows, and opening up the eyes.
The procedure can be performed using several different techniques, such as the traditional technique, the endoscopic technique or the minimal incision technique. The traditional technique involves making an incision along the hairline, lifting and repositioning the forehead skin, and removing any excess skin. The endoscopic technique involves making several small incisions in the hairline and using a small camera called an endoscope to guide the surgery. The minimal incision technique involves making small incisions in the hairline and using specialized instruments to lift the skin.
Recovery after a brow lift typically takes several weeks, during which time the patient may experience some swelling, bruising, and pain. The patient will also need to avoid strenuous activity and protect their incisions from sun exposure while they heal. The final results of the procedure will not be immediately visible, as it can take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside. The final result will be visible around 2-3 months after the procedure.
It’s important to note that a brow lift is a surgical procedure, and as such, it carries certain risks and complications. It is important to have realistic expectations and to discuss them with the surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.
Brow lift before and after
Will a brow lift change my eye shape?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to improve the appearance of wrinkles, drooping eyebrows, and hooding of the upper eyelids. While a brow lift can have a slight impact on the shape of the upper eyelids, it typically does not change the overall shape of the eye. However, depending on the technique used, there is a chance that the procedure may alter the position or shape of the eyebrows, which could in turn, affect the appearance of the eyes. It’s important to discuss your goals and concerns with a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the potential outcomes of the procedure.
How to choose the best surgeon for a Brow Lift in the UK
Choosing the right surgeon for a brow lift in the UK is an important decision. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a surgeon:
- Board Certification: It is important to choose a surgeon who is certified by the General Medical Council (GMC) and is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). These organisations have strict guidelines and standards for their members, which can help to ensure that the surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon who has experience performing brow lifts. A surgeon who has performed many brow lifts will likely have the skills and expertise to achieve the best results for you.
- Before and After Photos: Review before and after photos of the surgeon’s previous patients. This will give you an idea of the types of results that the surgeon is capable of achieving.
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon should take the time to understand your goals and discuss the best treatment options for you. They should also answer any questions you have and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.
- Facility: Make sure the surgeon operates in a fully accredited and certified facility with adequate safety measures and protocols.
- Reviews: Look for patient reviews online, and ask the surgeon for references if possible. This can help you get a sense of the patient experience and satisfaction.
It’s also important to remember that you should choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and that you trust to make the best decision for you. While it’s important to consider the qualifications and experience of the surgeon, it’s also important to choose someone who you feel comfortable communicating with, and who you believe will be responsive to your needs and concerns.
It’s important to note that choosing the right surgeon is only one part of the process, and you will also have to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure.
Signs of ageing in the upper face
As we age, the upper face can show various signs of ageing. Some of the most common signs include:
- Wrinkles and fine lines: As the skin loses elasticity and collagen, wrinkles and fine lines can form on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes.
- Sagging skin: The skin on the upper face can lose firmness and begin to sag, which can cause drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids.
- Hollow cheeks: With age, the cheeks can become hollow and sunken due to a loss of volume in the face.
- Age spots: Sun exposure can cause age spots to appear on the upper face, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes.
- Loss of eyelashes: As we age, the eyelashes can become thinner and less visible.
- Forehead lines: Due to the constant movement of forehead muscles, wrinkles appear on the forehead.
- Marionette lines: wrinkles that run down from the corners of the mouth to the jawline.
- Crows feet: wrinkles that appear on the outer corners of the eyes.
It is important to note that these signs of ageing can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and a poor diet. To slow the signs of ageing on the upper face, it is recommended to protect the skin from the sun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and consider skincare treatments such as facials, botox and fillers.
What conditions can a brow lift target?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that can target a variety of aesthetic concerns in the upper portion of the face. The procedure aims to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. Some of the most common conditions that a brow lift can target include the following:
- Lines and Wrinkles: As we age, wrinkles and lines can form on the forehead due to the contraction of the muscles that control facial expressions. A brow lift can smooth out these wrinkles and lines, giving the forehead a more youthful appearance.
- Drooping eyebrows: Over time, the skin and muscles in the forehead can lose elasticity and tone, causing the eyebrows to droop. A brow lift can reposition the eyebrows to a more youthful, elevated position.
- Hooded eyelids: The skin on the upper eyelids can become loose and saggy, creating a hooded appearance that can make a person look tired or older. A brow lift can remove the excess skin, resulting in a more open and alert appearance.
- Frown lines: The wrinkles that form between the eyebrows can give the appearance of a permanent frown. A brow lift can smooth out these lines, giving the face a more relaxed and neutral expression.
- Forehead asymmetry: Certain individuals may have an asymmetrical forehead, where one side may be lower than the other. A brow lift can help to balance out the forehead, creating a more symmetrical appearance.
It’s important to keep in mind that a brow lift is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specialises in facial cosmetic surgery is necessary to determine if a brow lift is a right option for you and what specific conditions can be targeted.
Am I suitable?
A forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. The procedure is typically performed on people who have wrinkles and sagging skin in these areas, as well as those with drooping eyebrows.
To determine if you are a suitable candidate for a forehead lift, a consultation with a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon is necessary. They will consider your medical history, current health, and cosmetic goals. They will also examine your skin, bone structure, and muscle tone in the forehead and brow area.
If you are in good general health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and have specific cosmetic concerns that a forehead lift can address, you may be a good candidate for the procedure. However, if you have certain medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications, such as high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder, a forehead lift may not be recommended.
It is important to keep in mind that a forehead lift will not change your overall facial appearance or make you look like someone else. The goal of the procedure is to enhance your natural features and help you look like a refreshed version of yourself.
It’s important to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon who specialises in facial plastic surgery to discuss the best options and any risks or potential complications that may arise.
What are the types of brow lift procedures?
Types of Brow Lift Procedures:
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Endoscopic Brow Lift:
- An endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a thin tube with a camera attached to it, called an endoscope, to lift the brow.
- It involves making small incisions in the scalp and lifting the skin and underlying tissues.
- This method results in less scarring and quicker recovery compared to traditional brow lift procedures.
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Traditional Open Brow Lift:
- A traditional open brow lift involves making an incision in the hairline, lifting the skin, and removing any excess skin or fat.
- This method provides a more dramatic lift and is used for patients with more severe sagging or drooping of the brow.
- The recovery time is longer and there may be more scarring compared to the endoscopic brow lift.
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Temporal Brow Lift:
- A temporal brow lift focuses on the outer portion of the brow, specifically the temples.
- This procedure is used for patients with drooping or hooding of the outer brow, or those with wrinkles or lines in the temporal area.
- Incisions are typically made in the hairline near the temples, and the skin and underlying tissues are lifted to produce a more youthful appearance.
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Minimal Incision Brow Lift:
- A minimal incision brow lift involves making small incisions behind the hairline rather than a longer incision in the scalp.
- This method lifts the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in a more youthful appearance of the brow.
- The recovery time is quicker, and scarring is minimal compared to the traditional open brow lift.
The type of brow lift procedure recommended will depend on a patient’s individual needs, anatomy, and goals for the procedure. A specialist plastic surgeon can help determine which method will best achieve the desired outcome.
Browlift surgical procedure
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take between one to two hours, depending on the specific technique used.
Here are the general steps of the surgical procedure for a brow lift:
- Anaesthesia: Before the procedure begins, the patient will be given either general anaesthesia or IV sedation to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision on the scalp, typically in the hairline, where it can be easily hidden. There are different techniques for making the incision. One is a coronal incision, which is made across the top of the scalp; another is an endoscopic incision, which involves making a few small incisions along the hairline and using a small camera to visualise the underlying tissues.
- Repositioning of tissues: The surgeon will then lift and reposition the skin, muscle, and other tissues of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. This can involve removing excess skin, tightening the muscles and repositioning the eyebrows to a more youthful, elevated position.
- Closure of incision: After the repositioning is complete, the incision will be closed using sutures, staples or surgical glue.
- Recovery: After the procedure, the patient will be given medication to help manage pain, swelling, and bruising. The patient must keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. The patient should expect some swelling and bruising to last for several weeks.
It is important to remember that the recovery time and results may vary from patient to patient, and it’s crucial to follow the surgeon’s postoperative instructions. It’s also important to keep in mind that the results of the procedure are not immediate. It may take several weeks or months for the final results to become visible.
It’s important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who specialises in facial surgery to discuss the best options and any risks or potential complications that may arise.
Recovery after Brow Lift Surgery
You will be able to leave the clinic on the same day as your eyebrow lift procedure once the anaesthetic effects have worn off.
You will have dressings applied to the forehead and may have two small drains, which will help to remove any excess fluid. These will be removed after the first two days. You mustn’t get the dressing wet to avoid moisture getting into the wound and potentially delaying wound healing. One of our postoperative nurses will remove any stitches that are not dissolvable after four to seven days.
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Pain Management:
- Pain is usually minimal after a brow lift procedure, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain medication from the surgeon.
- It is important to take the medication as directed and not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of the medication have worn off.
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Swelling and Bruising:
- Swelling and bruising are common after a brow lift procedure and typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.
- Ice packs and elevation of the head can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
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Wound Care:
- The incisions from a brow lift procedure will be closed with sutures or surgical staples.
- The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the incisions, which may include cleaning the area, avoiding certain activities, and wearing a headband or similar dressing to protect the incisions.
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Activity Restrictions:
- Patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least one to two weeks after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications and allow proper healing.
- Light activity and work can typically be resumed within one week, but more strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.
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Follow-up Visits:
- The surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and make sure the incisions are healing properly.
- Any concerns or problems should be reported to the surgeon during these visits.
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Final Results:
- The final results of a brow lift procedure will become apparent once the swelling and bruising have resolved, typically within a few weeks to several months.
- The results of a brow lift are long-lasting, but the ageing process will continue and may result in some subtle changes over time.
It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully during the recovery period to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome from the procedure.
You will have to wear a compression garment which will help to reduce swelling. Ensure that you avoid any strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for three weeks following the brow lift. You may need to take up to one week off work. However, this will vary from person to person.
Risks and potential complications of a brow lift
Brow lift surgery is a commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with the brow lift procedure.
Risks and Complications of a Brow Lift Procedure:
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Anaesthesia Complications:
- As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications from the anaesthesia used during a brow lift.
- These may include allergic reactions, breathing problems, or changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
- These risks can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced anesthesiologist.
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Infection:
- Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and taking antibiotics as directed.
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Bleeding:
- Bleeding is a risk after any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by avoiding certain medications before the procedure and carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care.
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Nerve Injury:
- There is a risk of injury to the nerves that control the forehead and eyebrows, which can result in changes in muscle function or sensation in the area.
- These risks can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
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Scarring:
- Scarring is a risk with any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and avoiding exposure to sun and other sources of UV radiation.
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Asymmetry:
- Asymmetry is a risk after any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and discussing the desired outcome and expectations in detail.
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Poor Healing:
- Poor healing is a risk after any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and avoiding exposure to sun and other sources of UV radiation.
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Revision Surgery:
- Revision surgery may be necessary to correct any complications or unsatisfactory results from a brow lift procedure.
- The risk of revision surgery can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and discussing the desired outcome and expectations in detail.
It is important to discuss the risks and potential complications of a brow lift procedure with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and to carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions for pre- and post-operative care to reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome.
How much does a forehead lift cost?
Several factors will determine the overall cost of your brow lift procedure, and the final quotation will be given after your face-to-face consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.
- Browlift alone or browlift combined with blepharoplasty or other facial rejuvenation procedure
- Local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic
- Primary or revision brow lift
Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators who may be able to give you a rough costing before having a consultation for a brow lift procedure.
RELATED: How much does a brow lift cost?
Always remember that price should never be the determining factor when it comes to choosing your provider. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instil in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.
Brow lift Surgery at Centre for Surgery
- Over ten years experience with all types of brow lift surgery – endoscopic brow lift, short-scar mini eyebrow lift and the traditional open browpexy
- We regularly receive patients from overseas at our London facial cosmetic surgery specialist centre.
Specialist Facial Plastic Surgeons
A facial plastic surgeon is trained to undertake cosmetic surgery procedures in the facial region. They are dedicated sub-specialists. Compared with general plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons are inherently better trained to perform delicate facial procedures. The extra years of surgical training by facial specialists focused on the facial region results in an exceptionally high degree of skill.
RealSelf Top Doctors
RealSelf’s top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community. This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities. RealSelf’s top doctors are rated among the best surgeons in the United Kingdom.
Our surgeons are full members of:
The Centre for Surgery approach to aftercare
Our aftercare programme was recently described as ‘outstanding’ by our regulator, the Care Quality Commission.
Our postoperative support team calls our patients the day after their procedure and is continuously available for the first two weeks. The proactive nature of our postoperative support gives every patient the best opportunity for a smooth postoperative recovery free of complications. In many cases, if complications were to occur, their impact would be markedly lessened by early detection, prompt clinical assessment and correct treatment. When a patient expresses concern to our team over the phone, we often call patients on the same day for assessment with one of our expert nursing team. Even if there is no significant issue, our team’s careful explanation and calm reassurance can help alleviate any worries you may have experienced.
FAQs
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What is a brow lift?A brow lift, otherwise known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that lifts the brows, removing wrinkles and frown lines and tightening the skin on the forehead.
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What’s the difference between a brow lift and blepharoplasty?A brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) is a cosmetic surgery procedure to raise the position of the eyebrows and smooth out wrinkles on the forehead.
Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that targets the eyelids, either the upper or lower lids. It aims to remove excess skin and fat to improve the appearance of droopy or puffy eyelids and restore a more youthful look.
So, the main difference is that a brow lift addresses the brow and forehead area, while blepharoplasty focuses specifically on the eyelids.
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Can I have a brow lift?If you are unhappy with the appearance of your forehead and brows, want to remove wrinkles and frown lines or want to correct brow asymmetry, you may be a suitable candidate for this procedure. This procedure is suitable for both men and women of any age above 18 years old.
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What anaesthetic will be used for a forehead lift?A forehead lift will be performed under a TIVA anaesthetic, so you will be asleep throughout the procedure and unable to feel anything in the treatment area.
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How long will the brow lift take to perform?A brow lift will take 2-3 hours to complete.
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Will I have to stay overnight after brow lift surgery?You will be able to return home on the same day as your procedure once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.
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What is brow lift recovery like?After a brow lift, it is normal to experience bruising and swelling. You will have a dressing applied and may have drains left in to help drain any fluid. The drains will be removed after the first few days.
It is recommended that you sleep on your back to avoid damaging the incision site. You may also wish to sleep with multiple pillows so your head is more elevated; this will help to reduce swelling. -
What is the recovery time for a brow lift?The recovery time for a brow lift procedure varies from person to person, but most patients are able to return to work and light activity within one week of the procedure. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one to two weeks to allow proper healing. The swelling and bruising typically resolve within 7 to 10 days, and the final results of the procedure will become apparent once the swelling and bruising have resolved, typically within a few weeks to several months.
It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully during the recovery period and to attend all follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and make sure the incisions are healing properly. Any concerns or problems should be reported to the surgeon during these visits. The recovery time and the overall outcome of the procedure can be influenced by factors such as the method used, the patient's overall health, and the patient's ability to follow the surgeon's instructions for pre- and post-operative care. -
Is a brow lift painful?A brow lift procedure can cause some discomfort, but the level of pain experienced varies from person to person. Many patients report minimal pain after a brow lift and are able to manage it with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain medication provided by the surgeon. Your surgeon can also provide you with specific instructions on how to manage any discomfort during the recovery period. In general, the endoscopic method is less invasive and results in less discomfort compared to the traditional open method. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully and to report any concerns or problems to the surgeon during follow-up visits.
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How long will I need to take off work after a forehead lift?This will vary from person to person, but you may need to take up to one week off work.
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When can I exercise after a brow lift?You will need to avoid strenuous exercise, including heavy lifting, for at least four weeks.
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Will I have scars after a brow lift?As the procedure involves incisions, you will have scars. However, these scars will be within your hairline, in the eyebrows or within fold lines in the forehead, and as such, will not be clearly visible.
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When will I see the results of a brow lift?You will start to see the results of a brow lift procedure once the swelling and bruising have resolved, typically within 7 to 10 days after the procedure. The final results of the procedure will become apparent once the swelling and bruising have fully resolved, which can take several weeks to several months. The results of a brow lift can last for several years, depending on factors such as your age, skin quality, and overall health. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions for pre- and post-operative care to help ensure the best possible outcome and longevity of the results.
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How long does a brow lift last?The results of a brow lift procedure can last for several years, although the exact length of time varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as age, skin quality, and overall health. The effects of ageing and gravity will eventually cause the brow to droop again, but the results of a brow lift can be maintained with regular skin care and by avoiding factors that contribute to the ageing process, such as exposure to the sun and other sources of UV radiation. Touch-up procedures can also be performed in the future if desired. It is important to discuss the expected longevity of the results with your plastic surgeon and to attend all follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome.