You may be a candidate for a forehead lift, or brow lift, if you have a sagging forehead or brows that hang too low and too close to the eyes. You may also desire a forehead or brow lift if you have deep vertical furrows between the eyebrows (frown lines).

A forehead lift (browlift) is intended to give a more youthful and rested appearance to the forehead and upper eyelids.

Browlift surgery is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or monitored sedation. The incisions are usually made behind the hairline. This makes scars much less visible to anyone. For patients with high foreheads, the incisions can be placed in front of the hairline. This will also result in hidden scars. The operation is done using an endoscope (a narrow hollow instrument with a fiber optic light source and camera, through which the procedure is done with small special instruments.) The forehead skin is lifted and repositioned. The muscles that cause frown lines are weakened.

For a conventional brow lift, an incision (indicated by dashes) usually is made across the top of the head, a few inches behind the hairline or sometimes along the hairline. Alternatively, some patients may be candidates for an endoscopic forehead lift, requiring several small incisions (indicated by circles) at or within the hairline. The number of incisions and their placement may vary.

The forehead skin is gently pulled upward, and any excess skin is removed. Some of the forehead muscles may be modified as needed. A postoperative patient will have eyebrows elevated, unobstructed upper eyelids, and smoothing of forehead creases and frown lines.

The patient goes home with their head wrapped in dressings, which are usually removed on the first or second day after surgery. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Sutures or staples are removed within ten days and most swelling and bruising is gone in seven to ten days.

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of a forehead lift are lower and/or upper eyelid lift, face lift, or other facial procedures or implants.

Browlift surgery is almost always considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is typically responsible for payment.

The specific risks and the suitability of the forehead lift procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

By following the instructions given to you by your cosmetic surgeon, you will achieve the best results. He or she will let you know how to properly care for your wounds and what you should and shouldn’t avoid eating, taking, doing, etc. Don’t try to out-think your surgeon as he or she will know what is best for you.