A brow lift (or forehead lift) is a surgical procedure that raises the soft tissue and skin of the forehead to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and eye area. A brow lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as eyelid surgery or a facelift.

As we age, our skin starts to sag, which is no exception to our brows. In addition, the brows begin to move down as the skin and soft tissues lose elasticity.

When the brows move down, the lower position can cause you to look tired, grumpy, or sad. Conversely, undergoing a brow lift can raise eyebrows and restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

You may be a good candidate for a brow lift if you:

• Have eyebrows that droop

• Have eyes that have a tired or heavy appearance

• Are physically healthy

• Don’t smoke

• Have realistic expectations

There are many different brow lift techniques, and they will vary depending on your desired result.

Step One – Anesthesia 

Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be given during this procedure to keep you comfortable.

Step Two – The Incision 

Endoscopic Incision: Some surgeons prefer to use a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) and special instruments placed through small incisions made in the hairline. Using this method allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be adjusted and correct visible creases and wrinkles in the forehead.

Coronal Incision: Within the hair-bearing skin, a coronal incision is made from ear to ear across the top of the head. The forehead skin is then lifted, and any tissue and muscle adjustments can be made with complete visualization. Scarring from this incision is hidden in the hair.

Hairline Incision: An incision is made just at the anterior hairline for people with particularly large foreheads. Using this method, the brow can be lifted without ever changing the height of the hairline. This method is often used if someone has a high receding hairline. However, a scar might be visible along the hairline depending upon healing.

Step Three – Closing the incisions

Brow lift incisions are usually close with removable/absorbable sutures, skin adhesives, special clips.

Step Four – See the Results

Swelling and bruising will subside after a few weeks, and then you will be able to see your full results.

Depending on the complexity of your surgery, a brow lift can take approx. one to two hours to complete.

Like any surgery, recovery varies from person to person.

Week One: There will be some discomfort the first week after your surgery, especially 24-48 hours after completion. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach and side as it may cause your sutures to loosen and become undone.

Week Two: Your surgeon may encourage you to do some light walking in the first two weeks after your brow lift but avoid heavy workout routines.

Week Three: Post-Op swelling and bruising should subside after 2-3 weeks, but mild swelling may last several weeks after surgery.

Week Four: You May return to your everyday tasks and exercise regimes.

A brow lift provides long-lasting results, but it does not stop the aging process altogether, and it is essential to have realistic expectations. Once you undergo this procedure, you can enjoy a more youthful, lifted appearance for approx. 10-12 years. The length in which your treatment will last is determined by factors such as your age and skincare routine.

Because no two patients are identical, the average cost of a brow lift in Canada can vary depending on the complexity of your surgery. The cost of a brow lift in Canada can range between $3,000-9,000.

As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk of complications. Brow lift risks, while rare, include:

• Numbness in the forehead or on the top of the scalp, either temporary or permanent

• Asymmetry of the brows

• Elevated hairline or hair loss

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Scarring

273/306 people who have undergone a brow lift procedure have rated the procedure “Worth It” (91%)

• Source – Realself.com