Eyebrow Lift / Forehead Lift

What Is an Eyebrow Lift?

An eyebrow lift, which is also commonly referred to as a forehead lift or a brow lift, is used to correct several signs of aging such as droopy eyebrows, creasing of the forehead, and frown lines as well as drooping skin over the eyelids.

An eyebrow lift is often coupled with other common procedures such as facelifts and eyelid surgery for more dramatic age-defying results. Dr. Kristin Tarbet will talk to you about your desires, examine your features, and decide which procedure will give you the most satisfying results. We also offer Novathread treatment to perform non-surgical brow lifts as well.

What Results Can I Expect from an Eyebrow Lift?

An eyebrow lift can result in a subtle or dramatic change in the patient’s appearance. This is determined based on the patient’s appearance and goals before surgery. Creases across the forehead, bridge of the nose, and between the eyes will be less noticeable and eyes will appear more open. Though you will be able to notice a more youthful, rested looking appearance within days, continuous healing and improvement will occur for up to a year.

Brow Lift Procedure

A typical eyebrow lift is done as an outpatient procedure and takes 1-3 hours, but can be longer if you decide to complement the lift with other beauty enhancing cosmetic surgeries. Local anesthesia with sedation or general sedation may be used, depending on the circumstances and Dr. Tarbet’s preference.

When performing a brow lift one of two techniques will be chosen, the classic lift or the endoscopic brow lift. Dr. Tarbet will discuss these techniques with you before surgery since the technique chosen will depend on several factors. These factors include the thickness, texture, and elasticity of the skin, bone structure of the patient, the overall appearance and position of eyebrows and eyelids.

Classic Eyebrow Lift

The classic lift includes a long incision which typically runs along the hairline, from the top of the head down to the ears. Depending on the patient’s forehead structure a coronal incision may need to be made behind the hairline. Dr. Tarbet will then remove excess skin and fat while repositioning the remaining skin and muscle to achieve the desired appearance.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

In the endoscopic brow lift, Dr. Tarbet will make 3-5 short incisions in the hairline. She can then insert a camera into one of the incisions in order to visualize the working space and then use a different instrument to manipulate the tissue through the other incisions. This is done in order to lift and rejuvenate the eyebrow, eyelid, and forehead region. Since this procedure requires shorter incisions than a classic brow lift the recovery time is shorter and scarring will be minimal.

Brow Lift Before and After Photos

What is the Recovery from a Brow Lift?

Patients can expect to be in the comforts of their own home within hours following the surgery, stitches will be removed in approximately one week. Swelling may occur for a few days following surgery. Most swelling should go away within 2 weeks. However, it can take about 6 months for the swelling to fully fade. In order to prevent bleeding, patients should abstain from lifting and bending in the days following surgery.

Are There Risks to a Forehead Lift Procedure?

In your consultation with Dr. Tarbet, the risks associated with surgery and, more specifically, an eyebrow lift will be discussed. By choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Tarbet, patients will reduce the chance of complications occurring. The risks of a forehead lift include:

• Eye dryness/irritation
• Facial asymmetry
• Hair loss around the incision site(s)
• Higher hairline
• Injury to facial nerves

Who is a candidate for a browlift?

The eyelids and brow lines usually start to descend starting around age 40. However, some people naturally have lower or heavier brows due to hereditary factors. Brow lift surgery may be suitable for either situation. More than age, the surgeon evaluates candidates based on health, lifestyle, and expectations. It is important to be very clear about what a brow lift can and cannot achieve as you navigate your surgical journey so that you set yourself up for the most satisfying outcome.

Ideal candidates for brow lift surgery often have concerns related to one or more of the following:

• Sagging brows
• Heavy upper lids
• Tired or angry appearance
• Deep furrows between the brows
• Horizontal lines across the forehead

What are the most important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to get a brow lift?

Deciding to have a brow lift is a matter of assessing risk versus reward. Your doctor can help you take the right steps toward your best outcome by performing a thorough consultation during which they explain the procedure and anticipated results with you. A physical examination helps the doctor determine if the brows are causing the heavy or sad appearance or if it is the upper eyelid skin that requires attention. The doctor must also consider factors related to the hairline and eyelids to ensure that the eyes will close properly after surgery and that the face will look naturally rejuvenated, not “done” or “surprised”.

What is the best age to have a brow lift?

There is no best age for brow lift surgery. Some adults begin to experience brow descent at an earlier age due to hereditary factors, while others notice a change in their resting facial expression sometime after age 40. Regardless of age at the time of surgery, patients who are good candidates for a brow lift can enjoy results that last many years.

Is it better to start facial cosmetic surgery before you need it?

Not necessarily. If cosmetic surgery is a matter of correcting the signs of aging, the best thing you might do is take excellent care of your skin. Wearing sunscreen every day and scheduling collagen-induction treatments periodically, you can equip your skin with the nutrients that it needs to age more subtly and gently. For example, it may be possible to postpone the need for surgical anti-aging by using quality skin care products and having treatments like Morpheus8 once or twice a year. We offer both surgical and nonsurgical beauty interventions in our Bellevue office. Here, we can help you determine how you might address your cosmetic concerns in a way that works perfectly for you.

Will there be scars?

Yes. All surgical procedures do cause some scarring. The classic brow lift procedure involves an incision along the hairline at the top of the forehead. The endoscopic lift is performed through a few short incisions in the same area, or possibly near the temples. Initially, scars may look red and raised. Over time, they fade to a point of being indiscernible.

How is the brow held up while it is healing?

Various fixation devices are used to hold the brow in place while tissue heals in its new position. Examples include surgical “tacks” and sutures. Some devices can be felt and tender if touched. They typically dissolve over the course of approximately six months.

How will you determine what is the best type of brow lift for me?

Dr. Tarbet determines the best type of brow lift or other surgery based on a thorough examination and observation of the face, eyelids, eyes, hairline, and more. The objective of surgery is to lift the brow in an artful, considerate way that restores a more youthful position without overcorrection. This includes the proper correction of the slant and curve of the eyebrows in relation to the eyes and overall face shape.

Patient Testimonial

Loved every aspect of my experience with Dr. Tarbet! She did such an amazing job with Novathreads for an eyebrow lift. I honestly couldn’t be happier, I’m so pleased with my results. Dr. Tarbet is a really great person too, she is kind and makes the experience fun. I would highly recommend!!!! – Brandon H.