Face
Restoration of the brow to a more youthful position.
The brow lift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses the descent of the brow and forehead with age. Over time, the brow descends, contributing to a heavy, tired, or angry appearance, and often exacerbating hooding of the upper eyelids.
A brow lift repositions the eyebrows and forehead to their more youthful position, restoring a relaxed appearance to the upper face. It is often performed in combination with blepharoplasty when both the brow and upper eyelids are contributing to a heavy appearance.
Several techniques exist for brow lift, ranging from limited approaches through small incisions in the hairline to more extensive approaches. The right technique depends on the individual patient’s anatomy, hairline position, and goals.
The best candidates for brow lift are patients in good health who have at least one of the following aging changes: a descended brow position, hooding of the upper eyelids that is primarily driven by brow descent, or a heavy, tired, or angry appearance of the upper face.
Brow lift is anatomy-dependent, not age-dependent. Patients typically seek brow lift in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Brow lift is often combined with blepharoplasty. During consultation, Dr. Nissan will determine whether the primary contributor to a patient’s appearance is the brow position, the upper eyelid skin, or both.
Every case begins with an unhurried consultation. Dr. Nissan will examine the brow position, forehead, and upper eyelids, discuss what you notice and what you hope to change, and offer a candid opinion on the treatment that would best serve your goals.
Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Bruising and swelling of the forehead and around the eyes are most pronounced in the first week and resolve substantially by two to three weeks. Most patients are comfortable returning to social settings by two weeks.
How is a brow lift different from blepharoplasty?
A brow lift addresses the position of the eyebrow and forehead. Blepharoplasty addresses the skin and fat of the eyelids themselves. Both procedures affect the appearance of the upper face, and they are frequently combined. Which one you need depends on where the aging changes are anatomically located.
Where are the incisions?
Incisions vary by technique. Endoscopic brow lift uses several small incisions hidden within the hairline. Other approaches may use incisions along the hairline. Dr. Nissan will discuss the approach best suited to your anatomy and hairline position.
Will it change my hairline?
The concern with brow lift is that it may raise the hairline slightly. This is minimized with proper technique and incision selection. Patients with high hairlines are candidates for approaches that avoid or reverse hairline elevation. Dr. Nissan will discuss this during consultation.
How long does a brow lift last?
A brow lift produces a durable restoration of the brow to a more youthful position. Like other facial rejuvenation surgery, it does not stop the aging process; patients continue to age forward from surgery, but from a younger baseline.
Is a brow lift painful?
Most patients describe the recovery as tight and uncomfortable rather than painful. Discomfort is managed with a short course of medication in the first several days.
What happens at the consultation?
The consultation is a conversation as much as an examination. We will take your photos, and Dr. Nissan will ask what you notice in the mirror. He will discuss the underlying anatomy driving those observations and recommend the treatment strategy that best serves your goals.
To discuss brow lift with Dr. Nissan, please request a consultation.
Request a ConsultationOr call the office at 312.469.0123