Everything you wanted to know about Brow Lift

Mar 06 2023

A smooth, supple and relaxed face radiates energy and is the first part of the body to show the signs of ageing! As one age, we notice lines across the forehead and between the eyes. As these lines gradually deepen, the skin loses elasticity and the distance between the eyebrows & eyelashes reduce. As a result, the face appears dull and tired despite all the efforts on relaxation and sleep restoration.

The process of ageing is quite predictable. We become flatter and angular in our face the once arched eyebrows appear flatter due to the combined effect of stress, gravity and the sun. The brows may even droop over the eyes.

A brow lift, also termed as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the forehead, the brow and the area around the eyes by removing excess skin from the forehead area, creating a youthful and sharper look. The procedure can also soften the facial lines, and raise the eyebrows to restore a softer, pleasing and youthful appearance.

What is Brow Lift Surgery?

Brow lift, or forehead lift surgery, is performed to get rid of the lines and wrinkles formed on the forehead and brow region which make you appear older, less vibrant and more tired. The result lasts for nearly a decade, providing you lead a healthy and active lifestyle post-surgery.

Why is Brow Lift surgery done?

People choose Brow Lift surgery to:

Elevate the forehead area and the drooping upper eyelids
Reduce the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead and on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes
Raise sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids and arches them
Place the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position
Repositions and tightens the skin that sits over the brow
Minimise the frown lines
Rejuvenate the face for a youthful look.

When should I consider a Brow Lift procedure?

Unless for hereditary or genetic concerns, a brow lift is a procedure commonly undertaken by anyone from the late ’30s to early ’60s for cosmetic reasons.

A simple test at home can determine if the brow lift is to be considered by you:

Stand in front of a mirror
Gently lift the skin above the brow into an appealing position
If most of the excess skin bearing down on the upper eyelid is eliminated, you may consider opting for a brow lift

Anyone who is interested to improve the appearance of their forehead and brows is generally a good candidate for a brow lift surgery. Hence, you may consider a brow lift if you have any of the following signs:

Sagging or low eyebrow position, creating a tired, sad or grumpy appearance
Deep horizontal creases across the forehead
Frown lines or furrows between the eyebrows or across the top of your nose
Excess skin or fatty tissue hanging over your eyes
Vertical furrows between your eyebrows
Eyebrows appearing flat or horizontal due to sagging skin bearing down on them
The skin directly above the nose beginning to sag
Upper eyelids beginning to droop

What is involved in the Brow lift procedure?

Depending on your facial anatomy and the concerns, our Plastic Surgeons will decide upon one of the techniques for the brow lift:

Endoscopic brow lift
Temporal or limited incision brow lift
Classic or coronal brow lift
Trichophytic lift

The following steps are performed in the brow lift procedure:

Step 1) Administration of the Anaesthesia (if opting for general anaesthesia)

Anaesthesia general or intravenous sedation is administered to make you comfortable and relaxed during the surgical procedures. Some patients may opt for local anaesthesia, which is an option the surgeon will discuss with you

Step 2) The incision

A. The Endoscopic incision:

A less invasive method in which a series of very small incisions (inch in length) are made behind the hairline, to ease concealing. An endoscopic camera is used to guide the repositioning of the muscles and the facial tissue is lifted. The excess fat and skin are removed depending on the need and then the skin is repositioned.

B. Temporal or Limited Incision Brow Lift:

This method is done with slightly longer incisions (1 Inch) in comparison to the endoscopic brow lift made above each temple behind the hairline. Through these incisions, the brow is accessed, lifted and repositioned.

C. Coronal incision

A coronal incision is the traditional brow lift method, in which a single long incision is created from ear to ear across the top of the head behind the hairline, to access all parts of the brow and the forehead. The forehead skin is then elevated and muscle adjustments are made under direct visualization. Any excess skin, fat and tissue are trimmed. The resulting scar is concealed within the hair.

D. Trichophytic Lift

This is a brow lift technique especially suited to people with high foreheads and higher hairlines. It is a modified version of the coronal brow lift – with a shorter incision (4-cm long) made at the junction of the hairline and forehead. Excess forehead skin and fat is removed.

Step 3) Suturing the incisions

Brow lift incisions are closed with:

Skin adhesives
Removable or absorbable sutures
Special clips

Step 4) Final Outcome

Results can be seen within a few weeks, once the swelling and bruising subsides, revealing a smoother forehead and a youthful, rested appearance!

Will the scar be visible after the surgery?

The advanced techniques like the endoscopic brow lift has minimal incisions made in the hairline, making the scars of the surgery are almost unnoticeable.

Although the incision made while using any other methods is larger than the one made in an endoscopic procedure, our Plastic Surgeon is able to ensure it is covered well by the hairline and concealed with the hair after the surgery.

What is the recovery time?

Generally, you can start mild activities within a few days post-surgery and resume work within 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Vigorous activities need to be avoided until the doctor advises.

Bruising and swelling and later itching is common after the surgery; which may be a little bad by the third day, then gradually subside.

Follow the surgeon’s advice for optimum results, all of which will be discussed with you in advance of the surgery.

How long will the results last?

The results from a brow lift last for almost a decade, depending on a healthy lifestyle, controlled exposure to sun and smoking habits.

Are there any risks involved?

The Brow Lift is safe cosmetic surgery procedure, but may have some complications though rare, minimal and generally temporary. Like any other surgery, a brow lift poses a possibility of bleeding, infection and a reaction to anaesthesia.

Some possible risks may include:

Scarring
Asymmetry in the position of the brows.
Loss of hair around the incisions
Elevated hairline
Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis
Fluid accumulation
Loss of skin
Changes in skin sensation
Skin contour irregularities
Skin discolouration

All possible risks and complications will be discussed with you prior to the surgery and any related concerns will be addressed to as well by the team of efficient cosmetic surgeons at Pall Mall Medical.

Book with Confidence

The final results of the procedure may take several months to be significantly visible, but once healed completely, you will be revitalized with a refreshed appearance – a forehead free of creases and the repositioned eyebrows – sharp and appealing.

For more information about the brow lift surgery and understanding its positive effect, contact our dedicated team to book a free of charge consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions.

What does a brow lift correct?

A brow lift addresses sagging eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, drooping upper eyelids, and excess skin hooding over the eyes. It's designed to soften these age-related changes and restore a more refreshed, rested look.

What age is best for a brow lift?

There is no limit on the appropriate age for a Brow lift as long as you're above the age of 18. It is more commonly performed on people from their late 30s to early 60s, but can depend on personal preference or individual signs of ageing rather than age alone. Some people may consider it earlier due to hereditary or genetic factors.

What are the different types of brow lift techniques?

There are four main approaches:

Endoscopic brow lift – uses small incisions and a camera for a minimally invasive lift
Temporal (limited incision) brow lift – slightly longer incisions above each temple
Classic (coronal) brow lift – a single incision from ear to ear across the top of the head
Trichophytic lift – a modified coronal technique suited to those with high foreheads

Is a brow lift performed under general anaesthesia?

It can be. Many patients opt for general anaesthesia for comfort, though local anaesthesia is also an option in some cases. Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable choice for you.

Will I have visible scarring after a brow lift?

Scarring is generally well concealed. Endoscopic techniques leave minimal, virtually unnoticeable scars within the hairline, while incisions from other methods are also positioned so they can be hidden by the hair once healed.

What is the recovery time after a brow lift?

Most patients can resume mild activity within a few days and return to work within 7 to 10 days. Some bruising, swelling, and itching is normal, often peaking around day three before gradually subsiding. Vigorous activity should be avoided until your surgeon advises it's safe.

Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures?

Many patients choose to combine a brow lift with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, to address multiple signs of ageing at once. Real Housewives of Cheshire star, Tanya Bardsley, even combined her Endoscopic Brow Lift with a Tummy Tuck in a recent surgery at Pall Mall.

Your surgeon can advise on the best combination for your goals during a free consultation.

How can I find out if a brow lift is right for me?

The best way to know is to book a free consultation with a qualified surgeon, who can assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable technique for natural, long-lasting results.

Last Updated: July 10th 2026