Sometimes called a forehead lift, the Brow lift is a surgical technique to smooth the forehead by removing the weight of sagging skin along the upper eyelids. This outpatient procedure will relieve the tired, stressed, or unhappy look that can sometimes develop with age. While often overlooked and misunderstood, the Brow lift can dramatically rejuvenate the upper face and have a powerful effect on one’s appearance.
The ideal patient for a Brow lift will be anyone in good health, who is seeking an improvement for their aging forehead and brow. The Brow lift may be performed on its own, or combined with the blepharoplasty for added rejuvenation of the upper face. For a complete facial rejuvenation, the Brow lift, blepharoplasty, and a facelift can be combined.
All surgical procedures are performed by Dr. Vitenas at the Houston Surgery Center. These private, accredited surgical suites are in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery. Patients can expect their Brow lift to take from one to two hours, under general anesthesia. While recovery can be done at home, Dr. Vitenas also offers an overnight recovery suite for one-on-one care during the first 23 hours post-op.
There are several possible locations for the incision. For the traditional approach, a coronal incision is made which is located at or behind the hairline and runs from ear to ear. The less extensive hairline incision is another option and is located at the top of the forehead within the hairline. This incision does not raise the forehead and may be best for patients with high hairlines. The endoscopic approach is the least extensive and involves several very small incisions made within the scalp. The surgical technique for a Brow lift will depend upon the particular patient and their specific goals. In general, however, excess tissue is removed, the forehead muscles are altered or released, the eyebrows may be elevated, and excess skin is trimmed.
The recovery after a Brow lift takes from seven to fourteen days. Initially, there will be some degree of swelling, which will normally fade in about a week. Bruising may occur, and can take up to three weeks to fully resolve. While the recovery from a Brow lift only results in mild to moderate discomfort, Dr. Vitenas will prescribe needed pain medications. Patients undergoing a traditional Brow lift with a coronal incision may also experience some itching. The recovery after an endoscopic Brow lift is generally shorter and less extensive than after a traditional Brow lift. Stitches are removed within five to ten days. Work can usually be resumed after in two weeks or less. However, no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise is allowed for four to six weeks.
*Client testimonials are based on personal experience. Individual results may vary.
Brow Lift FAQ
The Brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is an invasive technique to lift the brow area and remove weight from the upper eyelids. The procedure can dramatically rejuvenate the upper face and relieve a tired, stressed, or mean look that may develop with age.
The average cost of a Brow lift will range between $7,000 and $8,000. The price will depend on several factors, including the extent of correction and what, if any, other techniques will be utilized. To get a better idea of how much your Brow lift will cost, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas or fill out our contacts form.
If you are in overall good health, and are unhappy with the look of a wrinkled, sagging brow, then a Brow lift may be for you. Patients should understand the procedure and have realistic expectations for their Brow lift results.
The consultation appointment with Dr. Vitenas is a good time to get to know the surgeon and his techniques. During this time, Dr. Vitenas will review your medical history and perform a physical examination of the facial features. After he explains the Brow lift in detail, Dr. Vitenas will show before/after photos of his recent patients; he can also use computer imagery to explain potential results. Finally, the full price of a Brow lift will be established, and a patient coordinator will go over all of your payment options.
All surgical procedures, including the Brow lift, are performed at the Houston Surgery Center. An accredited outpatient surgery center, these private operating suites are located the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery building on Richmond Avenue.
Dr. Vitenas will use general anesthesia during the Brow lift for complete patient comfort.
What is the surgical process for a Brow lift?
For the Brow lift, there are several possible locations for the incision. The traditional approach involves a coronal incision, which starts at or behind the hairline and runs from ear to ear. A less extensive option is the hairline incision, which is located within the hairline at the top of the forehead. The least extensive endoscopic approach involves several very small incisions which are located on the scalp. While the surgical technique may vary, the Brow lift is generally performed by removing excess tissue, altering or releasing the forehead muscles, elevating the eyebrows, and trimming excess skin.
How long can I expect my Brow lift surgery to take?
The traditional Brow lift involves a coronal incision which begins at or behind the hairline and runs from ear to ear. A less extensive hairline incision, located at the top of the forehead within the hairline, is another option. For an endoscopic Brow lift, several very small incisions are made on the scalp. The Brow lift surgery is about one to two hours long.
Does the Brow lift leave scars?
Though patients will have scars after the Brow lift, they are generally well-concealed within the hairline.
Is the Brow lift painful?
While mild to moderate discomfort may be experienced the first several days following a Brow lift, Dr. Vitenas will prescribe the necessary pain medications to ensure a comfortable recovery.
What is the expected length of my Brow lift recovery?
The average Brow lift recovery will take from seven to fourteen days.
What will my Brow lift recovery be like?
Some swelling is common after a Brow lift, and can take from one to two weeks to fade. Bruising often occurs and may take three to four weeks to dissipate. Itching may also occur with a traditional Brow lift performed with a coronal incision. Patients undergoing an endoscopic Brow lift generally have a shorter and less extensive recovery.
When can I go back to work after a Brow lift procedure?
Almost everyone will be feeling well enough to return to work one to two weeks after their Brow lift surgery.
Is exercise allowed after a Brow lift procedure?
Patients are encouraged to postpone vigorous exercise and the lifting of heavy objects for four to six weeks after their Brow lift, in an effort to let the area properly heal.
Will I have stitches that need to be removed after my Brow lift?
Yes, Dr. Vitenas will remove the Brow lift sutures five to ten days after the procedure.
Are there any risks or complications associated with the Brow lift?
The Brow lift is a safe procedure, but as an invasive technique, some complications may occur. Problems associated with a Brow lift are rare but can include excessive bleeding, permanent nerve damage, and loss of muscle function around the eye.
What are my Brow lift payment options?
Patients have the option of paying for the Brow lift with cash, credit card, personal check, and healthcare financing through CareCredit. Visit our financing page or speak with one of our patient coordinators for more information.