Guide to Brow Lift

JUMP TO:
About
Benefits
Who is a Candidate
Anesthesia
Procedure
Risks
Recovery
Outlook
Next Steps

Reviewed by the physicians of Columbia’s Plastic Surgery Team, July 2026

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes the eyebrows while smoothing wrinkles caused by aging. The procedure can create a younger, more rejuvenated appearance. Brow lift surgery is commonly performed for cosmetic reasons, but may also be recommended when drooping eyebrows interfere with vision.

Key Info

  • Brow lift surgery raises the eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles, targeting signs of aging.
  • Most brow lift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.
  • Brow lift surgery is sometimes combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), neck lift, or facelift.

What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift repositions the forehead tissues and underlying muscles to elevate the brows and smooth wrinkles.

Several techniques may be used depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.

  • Endoscopic Brow Lift ‒ A minimally invasive approach using small incisions hidden in the hairline. A tiny camera (endoscope) allows the surgeon to reposition the brow tissues.
     
  • Coronal Brow Lift ‒ An incision is made across the scalp behind the hairline, allowing the surgeon to lift the forehead skin and remove excess tissue.
     
  • Temporal (Limited) Brow Lift ‒ Small incisions near the temples allow the outer portion of the brow to be lifted.

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your facial anatomy.

What Are the Benefits?

A brow lift can provide:

  • A more youthful and refreshed appearance
  • Smoother forehead skin
  • Reduced frown lines
  • Elevated eyebrow position
  • Improved facial balance
  • Enhanced upper eyelid appearance

Results can make patients appear less tired or stern while maintaining a natural expression.

Who Is a Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have drooping eyebrows or forehead wrinkles
  • Are in good overall health
  • Do not smoke or are willing to stop before surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about results
  • Have stable skin elasticity

A consultation with a facial plastic or cosmetic surgeon helps determine the best approach.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?

Brow lift surgery may be performed using:

  • Local anesthesia with sedation
  • General anesthesia

The type depends on the surgical technique and whether additional procedures are being performed.

How Is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?

Typical steps include:

  • The surgeon marks the forehead and brow areas before surgery.
  • Anesthesia is administered.
  • Small incisions are made within the hairline or scalp.
  • The underlying forehead tissues and muscles are adjusted.
  • The brow is repositioned to a more youthful height.
  • Excess skin may be removed if necessary.
  • Incisions are closed with sutures or small surgical clips.

The procedure usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on the technique used. A brow lift is often performed with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, a face lift, or neck lift, which will add to the overall time in surgery.

What Are the Risks?

Although brow lift surgery is generally safe, possible risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Numbness in the scalp or forehead
  • Hair loss around incision sites
  • Asymmetry
  • Scarring
  • Nerve injury affecting forehead movement (rare)

Selecting an experienced surgeon helps minimize these risks.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery typically includes:

  • Swelling and bruising for several days
  • Mild tightness in the forehead
  • Elevating the head during sleep
  • Avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks

Sutures or clips are removed after about 7–140 days, and most patients can return to work within the same span.

Is Brow Lift Surgery Painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, tightness, or headaches after surgery. Pain is usually manageable with medication and improves within a few days.

How Long Does Full Recovery Take?

  • Initial recovery takes 1–2 weeks
  • Most swelling resolves in 2–3 weeks
  • Final results are usually visible in 4-6 months

Will There Be Scarring?

Incisions are typically placed within the hairline or scalp to minimize visibility. When healed, scars are usually difficult to see.

What Is the Outlook?

Brow lift surgery can produce long-lasting improvements in facial appearance. By restoring brow position and smoothing forehead wrinkles, the procedure can help patients look more rested, approachable, and youthful.

Maintaining results often depends on natural aging, sun protection, and overall skin care.

Next Steps

If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, our team is here to help. Call us at (212) 305-3103 or request an appointment online.
 

Related

This content has been created by Columbia’s Health Guide Team. Learn more about our efforts to bring you the clearest, most accurate, and most human health resources available.