What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is a facial rejuvenation procedure designed to elevate the position of the eyebrows and refresh the upper face. This treatment can also smooth wrinkles on the forehead for a more rejuvenated appearance. Over time, gravity, repetitive muscle movement, and natural collagen loss can cause the brows to descend, contributing to a tired, stern, or heavy appearance. In some cases, brow drooping can also accentuate forehead lines or create the illusion of excess upper eyelid skin.

Brow lift surgery works by repositioning the underlying tissues of the forehead to restore the brows to a more youthful, balanced location while maintaining natural facial expression. When thoughtfully performed, the result can produce a smoother forehead, more open-looking eyes, and an overall refreshed appearance that still looks like “you.” Our skilled double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Emily Hrisomalos, customizes each brow lift approach based on facial anatomy, brow position, hairline characteristics, and aesthetic goals to help ensure harmonious and long-lasting results.

Brow Lift At a Glance

Potential Benefits:: Elevates sagging brows and smooths forehead creases; creates a more rested, approachable appearance
Candidates:: Individuals with brow drooping, heaviness, or brow asymmetry; patients seeking long-term improvement rather than temporary correction
Procedure:: Most often performed using an endoscopic technique with small, discreet incisions; surgery is tailored to facial structure and degree of lift needed
Recovery:: Initial swelling and bruising should improve within 10–14 days; gradual refinement should become more noticeable over several weeks
Surgeon’s Experience:: This procedure is performed by our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Emily Hrisomalos. Her extensive expertise with advanced brow lift techniques along with treatment plans customized to each patient’s unique facial anatomy and overall goals can produce results that look both natural and beautiful.

Brow Lift Benefits
Brow Lift Candidates
Brow Lift vs. BOTOX^® Injections
Brow Lift Procedure
Brow Lift Recovery
Brow Lift Results
Brow Lift Longevity
Brow Lift Scars
Brow Lift Cost
Non-Surgical Brow Lift
Complementary Procedures
Additional Brow Lift FAQs

What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift?

A brow lift can provide dramatic, long-lasting benefits by reducing facial creases and eliminating sagging or drooping skin above the eyebrows. By tightening the forehead skin and lifting the deep tissues, the brows can be restored back to a higher and more youthful position. This often also indirectly improves the appearance of the upper eyelids. Dr. Hrisomalos uses only the latest cosmetic surgery techniques to make sure that the results remain natural-looking and nicely compliment the other facial features.

Brow lift surgery is most often performed endoscopically, however in certain cases other techniques may be optimal depending on each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. Other types of brow lifting performed by Dr. Hrisomalos may involve incisions directly above the eyebrows (direct brow lift), within creases on the forehead (indirect brow lift), or just in front of the hairline (trichophytic brow lift). These each have unique benefits and some are preferable and individualized for patients based on their hairline (or lack thereof!), the degree of lift desired, or in the presence of brow asymmetries. If there are deep wrinkles or lines on the forehead, brow lifting is often combined with non-surgical aesthetic treatments like neurotoxins (such as BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic or Dysport^{^®}) and/or laser treatments for skin resurfacing.

Who Is a Good Brow Lift Candidate?

Generally, good candidates for a brow lift have brows that have descended or become ptotic with age and time, which can give a tired or angry appearance. This can also make the eyes look smaller and often patients raise their eyebrows throughout the day to compensate for this heaviness. This constant raising of the brows can create unwanted lines on the forehead as well. During your consultation, Dr. Emily Hrisomalos will perform a detailed examination of the brows, forehead, and eyelids in order to determine whether a brow lift is the best procedure for you to achieve your desired goals.

Brow Lift vs. BOTOX^{^®} Injections

While BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic injections can temporarily soften forehead lines and provide a subtle lateral brow “lift” in select patients, they do not address excess skin or significant brow descent. Injectable treatments are also short-lived and must be repeated regularly to maintain results. A surgical brow lift, on the other hand, repositions the deeper tissues of the forehead for a more comprehensive, long-lasting correction. During the consultation, Dr. Hrisomalos can help you determine whether non-surgical treatments, surgery, or a combination approach can best meet your goals.

How Is an Endoscopic Brow Lift Performed?

The patient is given anesthesia before the procedure begins to ensure that the surgery is as comfortable as possible. Sedation or general anesthesia is recommended. Dr. Hrisomalos most often uses the endoscopic approach for brow lift surgery, meaning that she uses an endoscope (a thin telescope with a camera) and other special equipment during the surgery to visualize the deep tissues while minimizing the length of incisions. Dr. Hrisomalos carefully makes small incisions within the hairline and gently elevates the brow tissue through those incisions under endoscopic visualization. She pays special attention to the tissues, muscles, and ligaments beneath the skin to achieve the desired result. After the necessary changes have been made and the deep tissues are anchored in place, Dr. Hrisomalos closes the incisions meticulously.

“I am so glad I chose Dr. Hrisomalos to be my surgeon! She is so kind and truly cares about her patients. She is extremely talented and I could not be happier with my results. I feel so much better about myself thanks to her! I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a great facial plastic surgeon.”

– Actual Patient

What Is Recovery from a Brow Lift Like?

There will initially be a head-wrap in place during the first few days after surgery. This is important to seal and stabilize the tissues as well as to
protect the area during the early phases of healing. It generally takes about 2 weeks for the majority of swelling and bruising to resolve, and patients are generally feeling well enough to go back to work around this time (10-14 days). It is important to keep in mind that there will still be a degree of swelling and often numbness present by the 2-week point, and all patients heal at different rates. We recommend keeping the head elevated as much as possible, including at nighttime, along with the use of cold compresses during the first week of recovery. These strategies help in significantly increasing the resolution of swelling and rate of recovery. “Social” recovery is unique to each patient and when they feel most comfortable going out in public. Makeup can often cover up bruising, and Dr. Hrisomalos will let patients know when it is okay to apply cosmetic products. In order for recovery to be as quick, comfortable, and successful as possible, it is important for brow lift patients to carefully follow the post-surgical instructions that Dr. Hrisomalos provides them.

What Can I Expect From My Brow Lift Results?

Brow lift results can vary depending on each patient’s unique anatomy, goals, and overall facial structure. Unique features and characteristics that can affect outcomes include gender, age, ethnicity, prior trauma or scar tissue, bony structure of the forehead and orbits, strength and thickness of muscles in the area, position of the hairline and/or lack of hairline (alopecia), as well as thickness of the scalp. The goal is to achieve a rested and rejuvenated result without being “overdone” or unnatural in appearance. Sometimes lifting is very slightly over-corrected to allow for settling into the proper position with time.

How Long Do the Results of a Brow Lift Last?

When performed by an experienced surgeon, the results of brow lifting should be long-lasting. Of course, this rejuvenation procedure resets the clock, however, aging will continue to occur, and decreases in collagen along with continued aging and time will eventually lead to the descent of the tissues, as is the case with any surgery that “lifts.” Dr. Hrisomalos chooses the techniques she uses for their safety, longevity, and natural outcomes and the procedure is customized to each patient. Following the post-procedure care instructions provided by Dr. Hrisomalos is the best way to support a proper recovery and ensure the most successful long-term brow lift outcomes.

Will I Have Brow Lift Scars?

Typically, with an endoscopic brow lift (the surgical approach most often used by Dr. Hrisomalos), the procedure leads to very little noticeable scarring, as these are placed behind the hairline and are hidden well. During the procedure, a few small incisions are meticulously placed in discreet locations in the scalp. Upon healing, the residual scars should gradually fade and become virtually undetectable.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

The price of a brow lift varies depending on the patient’s unique treatment plan, which includes surgery, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and all post-operative follow-up appointments. There are many factors that can influence the full price of a brow lift, including:

Complexity of treatment
Surgeon’s fee
Anesthesiologist’s fee
Surgical facility fee
Post-operative medications

During your consultation, a member of our team will provide an accurate price quote and go over available financing options that work best for your budget. Brow lift surgery is considered cosmetic and is typically not covered by medical insurance.

Brow lifting can provide a variety of aesthetic and functional benefits and can be truly life-changing. If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hrisomalos, please contact us today.

Can I Get a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?

While a surgical brow lift is the optimal way to achieve the most personalized, natural-looking, and long-lasting results, there are non-surgical options that can produce benefits for qualified patients. For example, BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic injections may be able to help to soften the appearance of creases, lines, and wrinkles in the forehead, reduce frown lines between the eyebrows, and modestly raise the lateral brows to open the eye area for a more refreshed aesthetic. However, if patients have excess tissue on the forehead, the upper eyelids may actually become heavier after BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic injections as the brow tissue relaxes and descends. Additionally, for patients that have more advanced changes including skin laxity and significant drooping of the brows, appreciable improvement cannot be addressed with injectables alone. When used in appropriate candidates, BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic is naturally metabolized by the body over three to four months, at which point touch-up appointments will need to be scheduled to maintain the results.

Overall, while neurotoxin injections such as BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic may be temporarily effective in achieving a subtle lift, improvements achieved through a surgical brow lift are considered to be significantly more effective and long-lasting. Consultations with Dr. Hrisomalos include a detailed discussion of your cosmetic concerns through which a treatment plan will be developed including surgical and non-surgical options, and possibly a combination of both.

Complementary Procedures

Brow lift surgery is often performed alongside other facial rejuvenation procedures to create a more balanced and comprehensive result. Because brow descent frequently affects the appearance of the upper eyelids and forehead, combining treatments can enhance overall harmony while maintaining natural-looking outcomes.

Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the most common complementary procedures, particularly for patients with excess upper eyelid skin or heaviness that cannot be fully corrected with brow lifting alone. A brow lift may also be paired with facelift or neck lift surgery for patients seeking more extensive facial rejuvenation, allowing the entire face to be refreshed in a single surgical plan.

Non-surgical treatments are frequently incorporated as well. Neuromodulators such as BOTOX^{^®} Cosmetic or Dysport^{^®} can help soften dynamic forehead lines, while laser skin resurfacing or other energy-based treatments may improve skin texture, tone, and fine wrinkles. Dr. Hrisomalos carefully evaluates facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine which combination of procedures can provide the most natural-looking, long-lasting improvement.

Additional Brow Lift FAQs

Is a brow lift the same as a forehead lift?

Yes, the terms “brow lift” and “forehead lift” are often used to describe the same procedure. Both refer to treatments that address drooping brows and forehead aging; however,
“brow lift” more precisely describes the goal of elevating the eyebrow position, which is typically the primary focus of the surgery.

Will a brow lift change my eye shape?

A brow lift is not designed to change the natural shape of the eyes themselves. Instead, it repositions the brows to reduce heaviness and open the eye area, which can make the eyes appear brighter, more rested, and less tired without looking artificial or overdone.

What are the risks of brow lift surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, a brow lift carries some risks, including swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry, or scarring. Serious complications are uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed by a highly trained facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Hrisomalos carefully reviews risks during consultation and uses meticulous techniques to prioritize safety and optimal healing.

Does a brow lift help with hooded eyes?

Yes, brow lift surgery can significantly improve hooded eyes when brow descent is a contributing factor. By lifting the brows to a more youthful position, excess skin and heaviness above the eyes are reduced, often creating a more open and refreshed appearance. In some cases, brow lifting is combined with upper eyelid surgery for optimal correction.

How painful is a brow lift?

Most patients describe brow lift discomfort as mild to moderate rather than painful. Tightness, swelling, or soreness in the forehead area is common during early recovery and is typically well managed with prescribed medications. Discomfort should improve steadily during recovery as healing progresses.

If you are interested in learning more about brow lift surgery, or would like to schedule a consultation with our experienced facial plastic surgeon, please contact us today.