Brow Lift
Many factors, including age, heredity, and gender, determine your brow position. Ideal positioning for women is to have the eyebrows resting slightly above the brow bone, while for men it should be at the brow bone. As we age, the fat in the brow pad deflates, lowering it from the youthful position and causing a sad or tired look.
In order to correct this problem, a brow lift (also known as a “forehead lift”) may be in order. The goal of a brow lift is to elevate the brow conservatively for a pleasing brow position that “opens” the eyes without a “surprised” look. This is done through elevation and outward movement of the brow pads by moving the deeper plane tissues appropriately. The effects can last for ten years or longer.
Internationally-renowned Bethesda plastic surgeon Mark Richards, MD performs a brow lift using a viewing instrument called an endoscope. If you believe a brow lift may be your ideal solution, Dr. Richards can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to achieve the best possible results.
*Individual Results May Vary
- Brow Lift Candidacy
- Complementary Procedures to Brow Lift Surgery
- Brow Lift Procedure
- Brow Lift Recovery
- Brow Lift Scars
- Brow Lift Cost
- Non-Surgical Brow Lift
- Additional Brow Lift FAQs
Brow Lift Surgery at a Glance
- Sedation: General anesthesia
- Potential Benefits: Reduction of unwanted eyebrow drooping, heavy eyelids, lines, or a prematurely aged appearance; a more vibrant, “alert” facial aesthetic
- Potential Risks: Swelling, bruising; (less commonly) infection, nerve damage, scarring, adverse reactions to anesthesia*
- Procedure Length: Between one and three hours*
- Recovery Time: In most cases, patients can continue normal activities within one to two weeks; more strenuous activity should be avoided for a few more weeks afterward
- Cost: From approximately $5,700, depending on specifics of the procedure
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?
Candidates for a brow lift include those with drooping eyebrows, lines in the forehead, frown lines just above the nose, or an unwarranted angry or sad upper facial appearance. Even those who are bothered or impaired by heavy upper eyelids may see more improvement after a brow lift than blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), as fixing the structures of the eyebrows and forehead tends to unfold the eyelids.
These conditions most commonly plague people in their forties or older, though inherited conditions can also cause them, and this younger group may just as easily benefit from a brow lift. At your consultation, Dr. Richards will discuss your ideal outcome, as well as any risks applicable to you.
Complementary Procedures to Brow Lift Surgery
Dr. Richards is often able to combine facial contouring treatments for a more dramatic and comprehensive improvement. While a brow lift can make an amazing difference by itself, it can also be performed in conjunction with procedures such as cheek lift, facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty. During your initial consultation, Dr. Richards can help you determine the most suitable treatment or combination of treatments to achieve your goals.
How Is the Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure Performed?
The groundbreaking endoscopic brow lift involves only a few small incisions in the scalp just above the hairline, as the device can clearly see the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the area. Dr. Richards can make adjustments to the various tissues with little risk of damaging the nerves or causing hair loss. Through these adjustments, lines are smoothed, the brows are raised, and the entire face is given a more youthful, rested appearance.
What Is Recovery From a Brow Lift Like?
Recovery from brow lift surgery tends to be quite straightforward. Expect minor swelling and soreness in the days following the procedure, both of which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Bruises around the eyes may occur. Patients are usually able to resume their normal activities within one to two weeks.
Will I Have Brow Lift Scars?
In an endoscopic brow lift, scars are often virtually undetectable to others. The incisions are located in the scalp. They are small enough that they should be barely noticeable after a few months, even by your hairdresser. Unlike many other surgeons, Dr. Mark Richards uses no screws or devices to suspend the brow as these devices can cause pain and hair loss. As such, scarring is usually minimal.
How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?
Pricing for brow lift surgery at our practice begins at $5,700. Please note, however, that this only includes the surgeon’s fee; the precise cost of your procedure will depend on several additional factors.
We never want the cost of a procedure to keep our patients from getting the treatment they deserve. To ensure a smooth, cost-effective process, we accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks. We also partner with third-party financing companies to offer qualified applicants the option of paying for their plastic surgery treatment over time. Learn more about our financing options here.
Is a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Possible?
While many people hope for a less intensive solution to achieve the same dramatic results as a surgical brow lift, a true non-surgical brow lift is not technically possible. Although non-surgical treatments (namely BOTOX® Cosmetic) can yield exceptional results in minimizing signs of dynamic lines and wrinkles, these options cannot deliver the precise, long-lasting results of a surgical brow lift.
That said, Dr. Richards is amenable to discussing any surgical or non-surgical strategy you feel meets your needs. If you are interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic injections or another alternative to brow lift surgery, feel free to discuss this with Dr. Richards at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift Surgery
Is hair loss likely due to a brow lift?
An endoscopic brow lift does not require the hair to be shaved or even trimmed. The incisions are made in the scalp, but the surgeon works well beneath the hair follicles to minimize damage to them.
Will the brow lift result in an unnatural or surprised look?
A successful brow lift delivers significant improvement without distortion. If the sagging of the brow is a result of aging, the surgeon can sometimes use old photographs to map out the most natural restoration of the patient’s old look.
How can I tell whether a brow lift or eyelid surgery would be best?
A brow lift is meant to restore the entire upper region of the face to its most natural position. If heavy upper eyelids seem to be a result of the downward migration of the brow and forehead, then a brow lift is likely most appropriate. If the patient notices lines across the forehead or above the nose, or experiences frequent headaches, these are also signs that the brow, and not just the eyelids, may need to be reshaped. Sometimes a brow lift is performed first, and then a better assessment as to the degree of excess upper eyelid skin can be performed.
Patients who undergo brow lift surgery at Ageless Impressions –Plastic Surgery Institute are frequently surprised by just how much their brow lift has improved their look. They often comment that they look younger, happier, and more rested. Dr. Richards is extremely grateful for the opportunity to help patients achieve these results. Contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Richards.