Look younger—and more relaxed

Did you know that the upper 1/3 of your face is responsible for a big portion of your facial expressions? For some, a drooping brow line, frown lines, heavy eyelids, and wrinkling across the forehead create an unwanted tired, or even angry look. We can perform a Boston brow lift, also called a forehead lift, to correct this problem and rejuvenate the upper one-third of the face, creating a refreshed, more alert appearance. This procedure is the perfect complement to a Boston facelift.

Before & After »

See patient results in our before and after gallery

What does a brow lift correct?

  • Drooping brow
  • Brow asymmetry
  • Excess upper eyelid skin with hooding, for which a brow lift is often paired with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Benefits of a brow lift

  • Enhanced facial symmetry
  • Improved vision in cases where sagging brows obstruct sight
  • Reduces the impact of excess eyelid skin (hooded eyes)

Types of Brow Lifts

In your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals and craft a surgical plan to help you meet them. Dr. Samaha or Dr. Alannah Phelan utilize different brow lift techniques to correct your concerns and achieve ideal results:

An endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions behind the hairline and specialized tools to lift the brow line. An endoscope is a tiny camera that allows us to view underlying structures and make adjustments without making additional, and more obvious incisions and is minimally invasive.

A subcutaneous lateral brow lift targets the outer portion of the eyebrows to achieve a more youthful and elevated appearance. We place a small incision, which is hidden in the hairline, on each side of the head directly above the outer ends of the eyebrows. These incisions allow us to lift and reposition underlying tissues and remove excess skin. This brow lift technique is particularly effective for patients who experience sagging at the sides of their brows and have prominent crow’s feet and hooding around the outer eyes. 

Due to its targeted nature, the subcutaneous lateral brow lift typically results in less swelling and faster recovery compared to more extensive brow lift techniques.

This brow lift technique is less common and uses incisions placed directly above the eyebrows and is typically recommended for patients with very deep forehead wrinkles and significant brow drooping.

Mature woman smiling with raised brow

The Brow Lift Procedure

Brow lifts are performed under either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

To begin, your surgeon will make incisions to coincide with the brow lift technique that will best achieve your goals and keep scars concealed within your hairline. Through the incision(s), we address tissues and underlying muscles of your forehead and brow area.

Using careful techniques, we lift your brow for a smoother appearance. Once the desired effect has been achieved, your surgeon will close the incision with sutures, affixing the brow in a more youthful position. 

“Excellent team! I went for a consultation, Dr. Samaha and his entire team were amazing. Dr. Samaha was honest and open about what I was looking for and suggested options that he felt would be more successful than spending money on options that would not have any results. I immediately noticed his incredible bedside manner, he answered all my questions and never felt rushed for one second. He has gained 100% of my confidence and will return to him when I am ready to proceed.”
—5-star Google review 

Brow Lift Recovery & Aftercare

After the surgery, you will need transportation as well as help around the home for a day or two. Swelling and bruising in the forehead and around the eyes is expected and will gradually diminish after about one week. Most patients report minimal pain, though you’ll have prescription pain medication to help you manage the temporary discomfort in the initial recovery period. 

As you heal, you will need to care for the incisions and take caution when showering or washing your hair—we provided detailed, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions based on your procedure plan so you have a smooth recovery.

You will need to limit your activity and take a few days to a week off work. Your sutures will be removed at your follow-up appointment between 7-10 days post-procedure. Based on your progress, Dr. Samaha or Dr. Phelan will clear you for certain activity levels. 

Brow Lift Results 

You will notice an immediate improvement in the position of your brows and the smoothness of your forehead. The final results from your brow lift in Boston will become more apparent as the swelling subsides and your tissues heal into the intended position. This process takes about 3-6 months, with any residual swelling resolving by 12 months. 

Key Benefits
  • Reduces the appearance of sagging brows and forehead wrinkles
  • Corrects asymmetry in the brows and improves facial proportions
  • Improves the field of vision in cases where the brow line or eyelids obscure vision 
  • Smooths out deep forehead creases and frown lines between the eyebrows
Glossary
  • Anesthesia: Anesthesia is used during a brow lift to ensure patient comfort.
  • Complications: Complications from a brow lift can include infection, scarring, weakness of the forehead muscles (frontalis), or changes in skin sensation, though they are rare when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.
  • Tissue: Tissue repositioning is a key part of a brow lift, adjusting and tightening the underlying skin and muscle to create a lifted appearance.
  • Frown lines: Frown lines are deep creases between the eyebrows that a brow lift aims to minimize for a smoother, more relaxed forehead.
  • Eyebrow lift: An eyebrow lift specifically targets the eyebrow area, lifting sagging brows and enhancing the overall facial expression.
  • Endoscopic brow lift: Endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera to lift the brow, offering quicker recovery and less scarring.
  • Cosmetic surgery: Cosmetic surgery encompasses procedures like brow lifts designed to enhance or alter the appearance for aesthetic purposes.
  • Cosmetic surgeon: A cosmetic surgeon is a medical professional specializing in procedures like brow lifts to improve the aesthetic appeal of facial features.
  • Eyelid surgery: Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is often performed alongside a brow lift to rejuvenate the upper face and eliminate drooping eyelids.
  • General anesthesia: General anesthesia is used in some brow lift surgeries to ensure the patient is completely unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
  • Reconstructive surgery: Reconstructive surgery, unlike cosmetic surgery, focuses on restoring function and appearance due to trauma or medical conditions, but techniques may overlap.
  • Injectable gel: Injectable gel, such as Juvéderm, can be used in conjunction with a brow lift to fill in wrinkles and add volume to the forehead area.
  • Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia is often used in brow lift procedures to numb the specific area, allowing the patient to remain awake but comfortable.
  • Side effects: Side effects of a brow lift can include temporary swelling, bruising, and numbness, which typically resolve during the recovery period.
  • Facial plastic surgery: Facial plastic surgery includes procedures like brow lifts that aim to improve the appearance and structure of the face.
  • Juvéderm Volbella: Juvéderm Volbella is a type of dermal filler that can complement a brow lift by smoothing fine lines around the eyes and forehead.
  • Upper eyelids: Upper eyelids are often addressed during a brow lift to reduce sagging skin and improve overall facial aesthetics.
  • Upper face: The upper face, including the forehead and eyebrows, is the primary focus of a brow lift to achieve a more youthful appearance.
  • Upper blepharoplasty: Upper blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is an eyelid surgery that can be combined with a brow lift to address drooping eyelids and improve vision.
  • Botox brow lift: Botox brow lift involves the use of Botox injections to temporarily lift the eyebrows and smooth forehead lines without surgery.
  • Neck lift: Neck lift is another cosmetic procedure that can be performed alongside a brow lift to address sagging skin in the neck and jawline area.
  • Juvéderm Voluma: Juvéderm Voluma is a dermal filler used to restore volume to areas like the cheeks and temples.
  • Scars: Scars from a brow lift are usually minimal and well-concealed within the hairline or natural facial contours.
  • Juvéderm Vollure: Juvéderm Vollure is another dermal filler that can be used alongside a brow lift to smooth deep wrinkles and lines.
  • Juvéderm Ultra Plus: Juvéderm Ultra Plus is a robust dermal filler that can be used to add volume and smooth deep lines.
  • Facelift: Facelift is a procedure that can be combined with a brow lift to address sagging and wrinkles across the lower face.
  • Thread lifts: Thread lifts use specialized threads to lift and tighten the skin of the mid and lower face temporarily.
  • Facial fillers: Facial fillers like Juvéderm are often used to enhance volume and smooth wrinkles in the face.
  • Post-operative: Post-operative care is crucial after a brow lift to ensure proper healing, minimize complications, and achieve the best possible results.

Brow Lift FAQs

Yes, we often combine facial plastic surgery procedures to address multiple areas of the face for complete facial rejuvenation. Procedures combined with a forehead lift include:

Yes, however, the natural aging process will continue and eventually impact your results.

You can maintain and extend your brow lift results by using daily SPF, a medical-grade skincare routine, and professional treatments tailored to your skin condition. Some of the best maintenance treatments include:

Our Dermfit Skin Fitness program is perfect for anyone looking to preserve their surgical results and those who want to significantly improve the health and appearance of their skin for confident aging!

The cost of a brow lift in Boston will depend on your surgery plan. We provide a cost estimate during your consultation and offer financing options.

If you notice significant sagging of the brows, deep forehead creases, crow’s feet, frown lines between the brows, or if others frequently comment that you look tired or angry, you may benefit from a brow lift.

Good candidates for brow lifts are generally healthy and want to improve the appearance of their upper face. We recommend scheduling a consultation with a plastic surgeon to confirm your candidacy.

References »

Broadbent T, Mokhktarzadeh A, Harrison A. Minimally invasive brow lifting techniques. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2017. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000391

Cho MJ, Carboy JA, Rohrich RJ. Complications in Brow Lifts: A Systemic Review of Surgical and Nonsurgical Brow Rejuvenations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2018. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001943

Karimi N, Kashkouli MB, Sianati H, Khademi B. Techniques of Eyebrow Lifting: A Narrative Review. Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research. 2020. doi: 10.18502/jovr.v15i2.6740

Nicholas J. Panella, Jordan L. Wallin, and Neal D. Goldman. Patient Outcomes, Satisfaction, and Improvement in Headaches After Endoscopic Brow-lift. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2013. http://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2013.924

Richard W. Swift, William B. Nolan, Sherrell J. Aston, Adam L. Basner, Endoscopic Brow Lift: Objective Results After 1 Year, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 19, Issue 4, July 1999, Pages 287–292, https://doi.org/10.1053/aq.1999.v19.100009001

Schedule a consultation to learn more

Do you want to learn more about brow lift surgery or get information about costs and financing? Please contact us for a personal consultation with our Boston plastic surgeons, Dr. Fouad Samaha or female plastic surgeon Dr. Alannah Phelan. They can discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. Call or contact us online to get started.

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