Brow Lift

(Forehead Lift)

• What Is a Brow Lift?
• Brow Lift Candidates
• Brow Lift vs. Facelift Surgery
• What Does the Brow Lift Consultation Involve?
• Brow Lift Process
• Endoscopic Brow Lift
• Coronal Brow Lift
• In-Office Lateral Brow Lift
• Brow Lift Recovery
• How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?
• Brow Lift Cost

What Is a Brow Lift?

Brow lift surgery, sometimes referred to as a forehead lift, is a procedure that is intended to provide facial rejuvenation by tightening skin and underlying tissues throughout the upper third of the face. It is often combined with a facelift and/or blepharoplasty, for more comprehensive results.

Over time, facial features undergo age-related changes that may make you look tired, angry, sad, or older than you feel. These changes often occur first in the forehead and eyebrow region. A brow lift performed by Philadelphia plastic surgeon Joseph DiBello, MD, FACS can reduce forehead lines, creases, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Sagging eyebrows may also be lifted with this procedure, restoring the natural arch of the eyebrows, yielding a more youthful appearance to the upper portion of your face.

Two alternative procedures for lifting the forehead are a coronal forehead lift and the endoscopic forehead lift, which is described in this animation. Moreover, patients with early signs of aging or drooping in the outer brow may benefit from a lateral (or “mini”) brow lift, which can be performed in‑office under local anesthesia.

Who Is a Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

Individuals in good health who seek to address sagging or flattening of the eyebrows, as well as reduce deep wrinkles, skin laxity, and other signs of aging in the forehead region are typically considered good candidates for brow lift surgery. A brow lift can address these concerns by tightening loose skin in the forehead region, smoothing prominent facial lines, and elevating the brows to a more rejuvenated position.

The aging process and environmental factors, like sun damage, cause the skin’s support network of collagen and elastin to break down. As a result, the skin loses its structure and elasticity and becomes lax, which in turn typically leads to a flattening or more horizontal appearance of the brow. Additionally, layers of muscle weaken, causing lines and wrinkles in the brow region to become increasingly apparent. An aesthetically pleasing or youthful position for eyebrows at rest is above the orbital rim, with a gradual arching to the side, and the outer end (or “tail”) of the brow located higher than the inner portion. An endoscopic forehead lift tightens loose skin on the forehead and adjusts underlying muscles, which contribute to frown lines.

In general, ideal candidates for a brow lift procedure experience:

• Sagging eyebrows, which may create the appearance of upper eyelid hooding
• Horizontal forehead creases
• Vertical lines, or “frown lines,” between the eyebrows
• A perpetually sad, fatigued, or angry appearance as a result of drooping eyebrows

Brow Lift vs. Facelift Surgery

While both procedures address visible signs of facial aging, a brow lift and a facelift target distinct areas of the face. A brow lift focuses exclusively on the upper third of the face with its ability to smooth forehead lines, reduce frown lines between the brows, and elevate the eyebrows to a more youthful position. A facelift, by contrast, addresses lower areas of the face, targeting sagging skin, jowling, and loss of definition along the jawline and neck.

For patients whose primary concerns involve a heavy or drooping brow, a brow lift alone may be sufficient. However, because aging affects the entire face, the two procedures are frequently performed together (often along with eyelid surgery) to achieve more comprehensive, harmonious rejuvenation. Dr. DiBello will help you determine which approach, or combination of approaches, best aligns with your individual anatomy and goals.

What Does the Brow Lift Consultation Involve?

Your consultation with Dr. DiBello is an opportunity to discuss your concerns openly and learn which brow lift technique may be most appropriate for you. Dr. DiBello will evaluate your forehead, brow position, skin laxity, and overall facial structure, taking into account both your anatomy and your aesthetic goals. He will explain the differences between the endoscopic, coronal, and lateral approaches, and discuss whether combining your brow lift with another procedure, such as eyelid surgery or a facelift, could enhance your outcome. You will also receive a transparent, all-inclusive cost estimate tailored to your personalized treatment plan before leaving the office.

What Does the Brow Lift Procedure Entail?

Once scheduled for your procedure, Dr. DiBello’s staff will provide you with instructions relative to which medications and supplements should be discontinued before surgery to reduce complications, as well as information for your pre-operative testing appointment at the hospital where your procedure will be performed. If you are a smoker, Dr. DiBello requires that you commit to stopping for six weeks prior to and at least six weeks after surgery, for more predictable healing. You will also be seen a second time before surgery, at which time Dr. DiBello will review the consent forms and post-operative instructions with you, as well as provide you with prescriptions for nausea control, pain control, and an antibiotic. On the day of surgery, just prior to the start of your procedure, surgical guidelines will be drawn on and around your forehead. If you are having an in-office lateral brow lift, you will be given local anesthesia, administered by Dr. DiBello. If you are having either the endoscopic brow lift, or a coronal brow lift, you will be given one of two types of anesthesia to make you as comfortable as possible. General anesthesia causes you to sleep through the procedure; local anesthesia with IV sedation causes the surrounding tissues to be numb and allows you to relax, but you may not be entirely asleep.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

An endoscopic forehead lift is performed using a surgical video device, called an endoscope, and other surgical instruments inserted into small incisions within the hairline around the forehead. Dr. DiBello will loosen and separate the skin and underlying muscle tissues from the frontal bone, which makes up the forehead. Small portions of the corrugator muscles, which form frown lines at the bridge of the nose, are snipped away to remove frown lines and prevent new ones from forming. The brow will be lifted and fixed in a higher position either by placing sutures beneath the skin, or by inserting absorbable fixation devices between the tissues. The incisions will be closed with sutures, and bandages may be placed around your head. The internal sutures or devices will often dissolve in approximately nine months, after the muscles and connective tissue layer, called the fascia, have healed and re-fastened in their new elevated position.

Coronal Brow Lift

In cases where there is extensive skin laxity, a coronal or “conventional” brow lift may be a more appropriate approach. This technique involves a longer incision, usually made along the patient’s hairline, enabling it to be easily hidden. If ideal results cannot be achieved with an endoscopic brow lift, Dr. DiBello may discuss this option with you in your consultation. The coronal brow lift allows for maximum removal of excess skin, compared to other methods, and can yield dramatic improvement.

In-Office Lateral Brow Lift (“One-Stitch”* Brow Lift)

A lateral brow lift is like a “mini brow lift”—incisions are made along the temple areas within the hairline and parallel to the outer eyebrow, as opposed to along the entire hairline. This technique is generally reserved for patients who do not need or desire a full brow lift, but wish to restore the youthful, natural peak of the outer end, or “tail,” of the eyebrow. While the lateral brow lift will not address the central eyebrow, it can reduce sagging skin and wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (“crow’s feet”).

This type of brow lift is frequently combined with an upper blepharoplasty procedure for a more dramatic rejuvenation. The two procedures can typically be performed by Dr. DiBello in our office under local anesthesia. If there is a flattening of the outer arch of the eyebrow and a substantial amount of loose, hanging skin (ptosis) along the outer edges of the eye, Dr. DiBello may recommend this method.

Benefits of the Lateral Brow Lift

The lateral brow lift offers targeted improvement with minimal disruption to your routine. By focusing specifically on the outer brow and temple area, it can restore a more open, refreshed appearance to the upper face without the extended recovery associated with a full brow lift. Many patients also appreciate the subtle, natural-looking lift it provides, particularly when combined with upper blepharoplasty.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for the in-office lateral brow lift are typically those experiencing early to moderate drooping or flattening of the outer brow, mild hooding along the outer corners of the eyes, or loss of the brow’s natural arch, but do not require the more extensive correction of a full endoscopic or coronal procedure. Good general health and realistic expectations are also important considerations.

In-Office vs. Hospital Setting

Unlike full brow lift procedures performed at a hospital or accredited surgical facility, the lateral brow lift can be conveniently carried out here in Dr. DiBello’s Philadelphia office. This eliminates the added steps of a hospital visit while maintaining the same standard of attentive, personalized care.

Local vs. General Anesthesia

The lateral brow lift is performed under local anesthesia, meaning patients can remain comfortable and alert without the need for general anesthesia. This approach typically results in a smoother, more comfortable recovery and allows patients to return home shortly after the procedure.

In-Office Lateral Brow Lift Cost

The in-office lateral brow lift typically costs approximately $3,500; however, the price can vary based on one’s unique treatment plan. As with all procedures at DiBello Plastic Surgery, a personalized cost estimate will be provided following your consultation with Dr. DiBello.

*”One-stitch” refers to the social media phenomena, but these are not the proper terms for these treatments (see this blog for more information).

What Is Recovery from Brow Lift Surgery Like?

Following brow lift surgery, a compressive forehead dressing will be placed, followed by the use of a headband over the forehead for the first five to seven days. Dr. DiBello may recommend cold compresses and certain herbal supplements. Additionally, he advises that you keep your head elevated as you recover, which will help to reduce bruising and swelling. Bruising normally fades quickly and any non-absorbable, external sutures will be removed in approximately seven to ten days. You should avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or exercise, as recommended by Dr. DiBello, to allow your body sufficient time to heal. Scars will be well hidden within your hairline and you should be able to notice the results very soon after your procedure. A forehead lift can significantly reduce the appearance of creases, frown lines and a sagging brow line and will rejuvenate your facial expressions to reflect the way you feel.

How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?

Brow lift results are long-lasting for many patients, though the exact duration varies from one individual to another depending on factors such as the technique used, skin quality, and lifestyle habits. In general, an endoscopic or coronal brow lift can provide results that remain visible for many years. Protecting your skin from sun exposure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following a consistent skincare routine can all help extend the longevity of your outcome. While the natural aging process will continue over time, many patients find that their brow lift results give them a lasting head start on a more youthful appearance.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

Endoscopic brow lift surgery typically costs around $8,000 at DiBello Plastic Surgery.

When researching and comparing the cost of brow lift surgery, please keep in mind that many resources only provide an estimate for the surgeon’s fee, and do not take any other variables into account. The average price noted above reflects the actual overall cost, which includes not only Dr. DiBello’s fee, but also the hospital fees, pre-admission testing, and anesthesia fees. The cost for a “mini” or lateral brow lift performed in the office under local anesthesia is approximately $3,500. A full coronal brow lift at the hospital, due to the increased complexity, would only be significantly more.

To help you get a better idea of what your actual cost might be, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello. Following a thorough assessment, Dr. DiBello can create a personalized treatment plan for you and provide a price quote that is more closely tailored to your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

• Brow lift surgery is designed to rejuvenate the upper third of the face by smoothing forehead lines, reducing frown lines, and restoring the natural arch and position of the eyebrows.
• Three techniques are available — endoscopic, coronal, and lateral — each suited to different degrees of aging, aesthetic concerns, and patient goals.
• Brow lifts are frequently combined with eyelid surgery and/or a facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
• Recovery is generally straightforward, with most patients resuming normal activities within seven to ten days following a traditional brow lift.
• Results can be long-lasting and further maintained with good skincare habits and sun protection.
• Dr. DiBello is a board-certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon known for personalized, natural-looking outcomes.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of brow lift surgery and want to see if it is right for you, please contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and can help you schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. DiBello.