Also known as a forehead lift, or together known as browplasty, the brow lift is a common cosmetic procedure. Perfect for people dealing with sagging or drooping in the upper third of the face, brow lifts can help restore the face above the eyes to give you a more vibrant appearance.

What are the simple types of brow lifts, and why might such a procedure be right for you?

Basics and Types

The goal of a brow lift is to remove sagging skin on the forehead. Muscles and tissues under the skin are then repositioned, correcting a sagging brow with deep furrows and making it smoother and younger-looking. There are three broad types of brow lift surgery:

  • Endoscopic brow lift: Due to its less-invasive nature, the endoscopic brow lift is becoming more popular. It involves much smaller incisions than other types (usually only about three-quarters of an inch), and uses a small camera on a surgical instrument that helps guide the surgeon during the procedure.

  • Temporal or limited incision lift: This format also uses incisions that are smaller than traditional surgeries, though these incisions are a bit longer than those for the endoscopic lift (about 1 inch). There is no camera involved.

  • Classic brow lift: Also called the coronal brow lift, this used to be the only brow lift technique available. It’s used less often today because newer techniques can achieve the same results with fewer risks.

Which type of brow lift is best for you will depend on factors such as your goals, facial structure and the corrections you desire.

Why It’s Done

Some people naturally have a heavier, thicker brow. Others just lose elasticity over the years. In either case, people choose brow lifts for several reasons:

  • Approachability: People with a heavier brow may appear to be angry or frustrated even when they aren’t. A brow lift can help correct this, allowing you to appear friendlier and more approachable.

  • Self-confidence: Like many cosmetic treatments, a brow lift can help you feel better about yourself.

  • Brightness: A brow lift will make your eyes open wider, thus making you appear more alert.

Surgery and Recovery

The process for your brow lift will depend on several factors, including which type of procedure you’re having and the level of correction you require. There’s generally no significant pain, though you may feel slight discomfort or tightness in the forehead for a few days. Here’s a basic recovery timeline to consider, though this could vary:

  • Day of: You’re able to walk around and do basic tasks.

  • 1 or 2 days after: You are allowed to shower, though you should be careful around incision areas.

  • 1 week after: You can return to your job if it doesn’t require any exertion (this might be possible earlier in some cases).

  • 1 to 2 weeks after: You can resume driving once you’re fully mobile and have stopped taking pain medications.

  • 2 to 4 weeks after: You can resume exercising. Start slowly and ask your surgeon for any recommendations.

You may notice some swelling and bruising for up to two weeks after surgery. If these are bothersome, ask your surgeon about good makeup options that can help cover bruising.

For more on the brow lift procedure, or to learn about any of our cosmetic surgery procedures, speak to the staff at the offices of Dr. Steven Mobley, MD, today.