Brow lift
About brow lift
What is a brow lift?
As we age, the outer part of the eyebrows tends to droop, creating heaviness along with wrinkles and skin folds around the corners of the eyes. A brow lift (also called a forehead lift) is a surgical procedure that improves the heaviness in the upper eye area and re-positions the brow.
A brow lift can be combined with other procedures, and works particularly well in combination with an upper blepharoplasty in suitable patients.
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.
About brow lift
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You might be a candidate for a brow lift if you:
Have drooping or heavy eyebrows for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Are in good general health.
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
Do not smoke, or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery.
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Dr Law performs brow lift surgery using either a direct or open approach. The most suitable option for you will be discussed during your consultation, which will begin with a conversation about your goals and expectations. Please feel free to be as detailed as possible, and bring any questions you may have.
As part of the consultation, clinical photographs will be taken, and the procedure will be explained in detail —covering what it can and cannot achieve. Dr Law will also discuss the surgical process, possible risks, and complications. To ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your decision, a second consultation will be arranged before proceeding with surgery. This gives you the opportunity to ask additional questions.
Some patients also choose to consider adjunct procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) at the same time as having a brow lift, which can be discussed further during your appointment.
Procedure Information
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You might be a candidate for a brow lift if you:
Have drooping or heavy eyebrows for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Are in good general health.
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
Do not smoke, or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery.
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Dr Law performs a transpalpebral brow lift, direct brow lift, or gliding brow lift, and the best option for you can be discussed during your consultation for this procedure.
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You can expect some bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in your forehead after surgery.
You may also notice limited movement in the area at first.
Most patients need around two weeks off work and light activities.
During the first week, you’ll likely need pain medication that can make you drowsy, so you won’t be able to drive.
After your two-week follow-up, you can usually return to most daily activities, including work, although some people choose to take a bit more time off until the swelling goes down.
You’ll need to avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
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Injectables such as botulinum toxin can be injected into the muscles at the outer corners of your eyes (orbicularis oculi). This weakens this sphincter muscle which indirectly opens up the lateral 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
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Drug reactions: You can have reactions to anaesthesia. However a fully qualified anaesthetist will speak to you before surgery to ensure your anaesthetic will be as safe and smooth as possible.
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions are possible. We will ask about any known allergies beforehand to help avoid exposure during surgery.
Infection: This is a rare complication. You will be given antibiotics at the start of your surgery (as you go to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics afterwards, to help minimise this risk.
Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot): a bit of bleeding onto the dressing is common and usually stops on its own. There is a very small risk of blood clots, requiring drainage.
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Potential complications include:
Swelling and bruising.
Scarring or hair loss near the incisions.
Facial asymmetry: Facial asymmetry before surgery is very common. While every effort is taken to achieve as symmetrical a result as possible, small degrees of asymmetries may still persist after surgery.
Numbness around the forehead and scalp is common and usually short-lived, but some nerves can be temporarily affected.
Occasionally, brow movement may be slightly uneven for a few weeks.
The brow may settle slightly lower than its initial position. It is usually placed slightly higher during surgery to allow for this. If needed, minor adjustments can be made after 3–6 months.
Choosing a specialist plastic surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.
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