Brow lift

What is a brow lift?

As we age, the outer part of the eyebrows can begin to droop, causing heaviness, wrinkles, and skin folds around the corners of the eyes. A brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the brows, helping to reduce this heaviness and open up the upper eye area.

A brow lift can be done on its own or combined with other procedures. It often works well when paired with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in the right patients.

Who is a suitable candidate for a brow lift?

You may be a candidate for a brow lift if:

  • You have drooping or heavy eyebrows for cosmetic or functional reasons.

  • You notice heaviness or deep creases across the forehead or between the brows (frown lines).

  • You have hooding or extra skin over the outer part of the upper eyelids due to a sagging brow.

How is a brow lift performed?

There are several ways of performing a brow lift. These include:

  • Transpalpebral browpexy: The brow lift is performed through a cut on the upper eyelid. This is usually the same cut that is used for upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) if you are having that procedure at the same time.

  • Direct brow lift: This involves cutting away the excess skin immediately above the eyebrow to lift the eyebrow position. This does potentially result in a visible scar above the eyebrows.

  • Gliding brow lift: Two small incisions are hidden in the hairline, special tools are passed under the skin to lift the eyebrow and smooth the forehead, and the new brow position is secured with sutures.

  • Endoscopic brow lift: Small incisions are made in the hair, and a scope can be passed under the skin to detach the eyebrow and forehead. The eyebrow and forehead are moved and secured in a lifted position.

Surgery

  • Before your surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr Law to discuss your goals, the procedure, and any risks. Clinical photos will be taken, and a second consultation will be arranged to answer further questions. It’s important to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to reduce risks. You may need blood tests and other health checks, and will receive instructions to prepare you for surgery.

  • The best brow lift option for you will be discussed during your consultation for this procedure.

  • Dr Law will provide personalised instructions for your recovery, which can vary between individuals. Generally, you can expect some bruising, swelling, and tightness in your forehead, with limited movement at first. Most patients take about two weeks off work and rest during this time, often needing pain medication in the first week. You can usually return to daily activities and work after two weeks, though some prefer extra time to let swelling reduce. Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.

  • Injectables such as botulinum toxin can be injected into the muscles at the outer corners of your eyes (orbicularis oculi). By injecting botulinum toxin here, the muscle is weakened and indirectly opens up the outer corner of the eye.

    However, botox alone:

    • Won’t dramatically lift very heavy or sagging brows.

    • Doesn’t remove excess skin or correct structural issues (surgery may be more appropriate in those cases).

Risks & complications

  • All surgery carries risks and may include:

    • Drug reactions.

    • Allergic reactions.

    • Infection. 

    • Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot).

  • Risks specific to a brow lift will be discussed with you during your consultation and will also be provided in your consent paperwork. These include:     

    • Swelling and bruising.

    • Scars or hair loss near the incisions.

    • Facial asymmetry.

    • Numbness around the forehead and scalp.

    • Uneven or weak brow movement.

    • Recurrent brow droop.

    Choosing a specialist surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Sydney

Contact Dr Law below to request a consultation.