How Does A Brow Lift Work?

• 4 September 2024
• Dr Joseph Rizk

Last updated on September 5, 2024

With age, a natural sagging of the skin can create deep lines along the forehead, eyebrows and upper eyelids. A solution? Brow lift surgery. This popular cosmetic procedure can help patients achieve a more natural and youthful facial contour, and smooth and reduce those deep lines.

Most commonly, people consider brow lift surgery for a few specific reasons. The surgery can help to reverse:

• A sagging eyebrow position that causes a sad or tired look
• Deep horizontal lines and folds across the forehead
• Sagging eyelids or fatty tissue causing droopiness around the eyes
• Crow’s feet and wrinkles around the bridge of nose and eyes
• Frown lines and vertical lines between the eyebrows

Fortunately, advances in brow lift technique have enabled surgeons to act with greater precision, and the process is fairly straightforward. No longer does a brow lift leave that stretched look along the forehead. Today, results are much more natural and subtle.

Brow Lift Technique Types

Broadly speaking, a brow lift requires an incision or a series of incisions to be made within the hairline. This provides the surgeon with access to the underlying facial tissue and muscle, which can then be repositioned and excess fat removed.

Yet, there are some distinctions between the different types of incisions and techniques. Three main brow lift techniques are most commonly used. They include:

• Endoscopic Incision: Endoscopic brow lifts require a series of small incisions to be made within the hairline. The surgeon then uses a long, tubular endoscopic camera to view the various facial structures. Although this technique requires minimal incisions, it’s not ideal for every patient. Endoscopic procedures work well for people with light to moderate wrinkles and sagging along the brow.
• Coronal Incision: This classic brow lift technique requires a longer incision to be made, which is traditionally hidden within the hairline. The surgeon can then access the underlying structures, reposition muscles and remove excess skin and fat. Coronal brow lifts are often reserved for people with deep wrinkles and moderate to advanced sagging along the brow.
• Limited Incision: This type of brow lift is often completed with an upper blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. The technique requires small incisions to be made at the corners of the hairline. This allows the surgeon to reposition the skin at the corners of the face, and it’s an ideal option for reversing crow’s feet around the eyes. Additional areas of the brow may then be targeted during the eyelid surgery.

Brow Lift Recovery Time and Results

Following the surgery, the incision(s) is closed using removable sutures, skin adhesives or other types of medical suture. Since the incisions are typically well hidden within the hairline, visible scarring isn’t usually associated with brow lift.

Typically patients experience swelling, soreness and bruising for the first few weeks post-surgery, but the results become apparent shortly thereafter.

Overall, these procedures are fairly straightforward, but the big difference is in technique. Typically, your surgeon will determine which technique suits your needs.

Dr Rizk is a leading Sydney-based plastic surgeon. He specialises in facial plastic surgery, as well as breast and body surgeries. Want to learn more about our options for a brow lift at our Sydney clinic? Contact us today to schedule a consultation

About The Author

Dr Joseph Rizk

Dr Joseph Rizk is a trusted advanced Plastic Surgeon based in Sydney. He has undergone significant training to become an expert in the fields of breast, face and body surgery.