Facial Surgery
Brow and Forehead Lift
Repositioning a descended brow to a natural height, easing upper eyelid heaviness and a tired or frowning look.
Overview
With age, the brow can descend, especially at its outer tail, making the face look tired or stern and adding heaviness to the upper eyelid. A brow lift returns the brow to a position in harmony with the face.
The aim is a natural brow position, not an over-elevated, surprised look.
Who May Benefit
- Patients with brow descent or a drooping outer brow
- Patients whose upper lid heaviness is caused by the brow
- Patients with uneven brow height
- Patients planning upper eyelid surgery who need brow assessment
Conditions Treated
- Brow ptosis
- Lateral (temporal) brow descent
- Brow asymmetry
- Forehead and frown lines related to brow position
Diagnosis
Brow position, shape and symmetry are assessed together with upper eyelid skin, hairline height and forehead length, as these determine the most suitable technique. Concerns that need surgery are distinguished from those that injectables can improve.
Treatment Planning
The technique is chosen according to forehead shape, hairline and degree of descent. Alternatives such as botulinum toxin for a mild lift, and combining surgery with upper blepharoplasty, are discussed.
Surgical Overview
Options include an endoscopic lift through small incisions within the hair, a temporal lift for the outer brow through a small incision in the temple, and a hairline (pretrichial) lift for patients with a long forehead, which avoids raising the hairline. The brow is secured in its new position, and anaesthesia is chosen according to the technique.
Recovery
Swelling, which may track down towards the eyes, bruising, and scalp tightness or numbness are common and improve over weeks to months. Most patients resume light activities within one to two weeks.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries risk. Potential risks are discussed in detail during consultation, and may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Numbness or itching of the forehead and scalp
- Temporary weakness of forehead movement, rarely permanent
- Hair loss at incision sites
- Asymmetry or over-elevation
- Partial recurrence of brow descent over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the brow be lifted without surgery?
Botulinum toxin can give a mild, temporary brow lift in selected patients; marked descent usually needs surgical correction.
Will my hairline move up?
Some techniques can raise it slightly, so patients with a long forehead are usually offered a hairline approach that preserves or lowers the hairline.
The information on this website is for general educational purposes and does not replace a consultation. Suitability for any procedure, and its potential benefits and risks, can only be determined following an individual clinical assessment. Individual results vary.
Related Procedures
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)Upper or lower eyelid surgery for excess skin and fat bulging, restoring a more rested appearance without changing the character of the eyes.
- Scar RevisionImproving the appearance of facial scars from injuries or previous surgery, making them less noticeable and more in keeping with the face.
Discuss your options with Dr. Bakri
A consultation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an individual plan.