Eyebrow Lift / Forehead Lift

What Is an Eyebrow Lift?

An eyebrow lift, which is also commonly referred to as a forehead or 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. Tarbet will talk to you about your desires, examine your features, and decide which procedure will give you the most satisfying results.

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.

Before & After Brow Lift

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.

Eyebrow Lift Results

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.

Risks of an Eyebrow Lift

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