- To reduce forehead wrinkles and creases
- Reduce furrows and other aging signs on the forehead and create a tight refreshed look
- Remove or reduce frown lines (vertical creases).
- Raise eyebrows to give a more youthful look and reposition sagging eyebrows.
Types of Brow Lift
Coronal (traditional) brow lift
For the classic approach, Dr. Khalil places longer incisions along the hairline (which means that the scars are easily concealed). Through these incisions, he removes, repositions and tightens the skin, tissue, muscles and fat on the brow to achieve a smoother, firmer shape. As the most invasive of the brow lift options, it is the most appropriate for patients who have more severe signs of aging.
Endoscopic brow lift
Rather than a long incision, endoscopic brow lift involves making smaller incision along or even inside the hairline. Hence, it is also sometimes called a short scar brow lift. Dr. Khalil then inserts an endoscope, which can reposition the tissue and muscles in the forehead without needing to remove loose skin. Many patients prefer endoscopic brow lift because of its easier recovery.
Temporal brow lift
A temporal (or lateral) brow lift is even less invasive than an endoscopic lift. Instead of addressing the whole forehead, it focuses the attention on the outermost portions where signs of aging are generally the first to appear. It is a good choice for patients who want to tackle initial signs of sagging and wrinkles.
Trichophytic lift
Candidates for this surgical approach generally have two problems they wish to enhance cosmetically: an older looking forehead and a high forehead (i.e. a further back hairline). In addition to smoothing out the skin and minimizing lines, Dr. Khalil can remove some of the forehead skin so that the hairline advances forward.
Benefits of Brow Lift
Minimizing Unwanted Lines and Wrinkles
As skin loses its youthful plumpness and elasticity, the lines that appear on the face when a facial expression is made can linger so long that they become permanent indentations. In addition to diminishing (if not completely eliminating) the horizontal forehead creases, brow lift also reduces the vertical lines between the eyebrows known as frown lines.
Lifting the Eyebrows
Younger people’s eyebrows generally rest higher on the forehead until skin sagging causes them to sink. Not only are older eyebrows lower, but they also lose their appealing arches. Brow lift can elevate the eyebrows while also giving them a rounder shape.
Minimizing Eyelid Sagging
When the brow becomes “heavy,” the excess fat and skin put pressure on the upper eyelids, which may prevent them from opening completely. While upper eyelid surgery, a separate surgery, is the most effective way to handle drooping eyelids, by removing excess tissue from the forehead, brow lift can also help rejuvenate the eyes.
Improving How People Are Perceived
After having brow lift, many patients find that they project a happier, friendlier demeanor. Since forehead creases are associated with angry and frustrated expressions, when they linger on the face indefinitely, they can cause friends and colleagues to read that face as upset or unapproachable. By reducing these lines, patients have an easier time conveying their true emotions.
Brow Lift Recovery and Results
For traditional brow lift, the recovery period is typically between one and two weeks. For the less-invasive forms of brow lift (endoscopic and temporal), the recovery period generally is shorter and with less discomfort. No matter which type of brow lift, patients should prioritize rest and relaxation for the first few days and take pain medication to moderate discomfort.
Results last about 10 years for surgical brow lift, five to eight years for endoscopic brow lift and three to five years for temporal brow lift.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brow Lifts
Are there different types of brow lifts?
Yes. Several techniques include traditional (coronal), endoscopic, trichophytic, and temporal lifts. The choice depends on your anatomy, concerns, and personal goals. Dr. Khalil is highly skilled in all brow lift types and customizes his approach to suit your unique features.
What should I do to prepare for a brow lift?
You must stop smoking at least a few weeks ahead of your brow lift, as smoking can delay your healing and increase the risk of anesthesia complications. Dr. Khalil provides specific advice about blood thinning medications and supplements. In general, patients need to avoid them before surgery as they can increase bleeding. Ask a friend or family member to bring you to the surgery and drive you home. Dr. Khalil and our team provide comprehensive pre-op guidelines during your consultation so you’re fully prepared.
How soon will I see results after my brow lift?
Initial improvements are noticeable within the first week, especially as the swelling recedes. Most patients report looking more rested, refreshed and alert within a month. Final results take some time, though. It’s normal to have some mild swelling for several months. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that final results are usually visible three to six months post-op.
When can I return to work or normal activities after surgery?
Recovery time depends on the brow lift technique used. For a traditional brow lift, most patients take about two weeks off before feeling ready to return to work or daily activities. If you’ve had an endoscopic brow lift with much smaller incisions, you might return to work in about a week. Bruising and swelling are common during the first few days, and keeping your head elevated can help speed things along.
Can a brow lift make me look more awake or youthful?
Yes—and that’s often a main goal that brow lift patients mention! A brow lift raises drooping brows to align with their original, youthful position on your face. Simultaneously, Dr. Khalil smooths forehead wrinkles and softens frown lines between the eyes.
This subtle lift opens your upper face, making you look more awake and youthful. Dr. Khalil is known for his natural brow lift results. He gives our patients a refreshed, awake, youthful appearance without looking surprised or overdone.
Will insurance cover my brow lift if it’s for medical reasons?
Sometimes. If your sagging brow skin pushes your eyelids downward and obscures your vision, you might qualify for medical coverage. For a brow lift to be deemed medically necessary, your ophthalmologist must document the harmful effects that a sagging brow is causing on your vision. However, most brow lifts are considered cosmetic and paid out-of-pocket. Our team can help you check your benefits.
What’s the difference between a surgical and non-surgical brow lift?
A non-surgical brow lift uses Botox to raise the brow temporarily. Botox relaxes the muscles that drag the brow down, so it can provide a refreshed, smoother look for around three months. Although it’s a good option for early signs of aging or those not ready for surgery, Botox can’t provide the same lasting lift as surgery.
In a surgical brow lift, Dr. Khalil expertly repositions deeper tissues for more dramatic and longer-term improvement—often lasting many years.
Will a brow lift change my facial expressions?
When you put yourself in Dr. Khalil’s experienced hands, you need not worry about unwanted changes. A well-done brow lift enhances your natural expressions without changing them. You’ll still look like yourself—just more refreshed!
Can a brow lift help with tension headaches or forehead tightness?
Some patients find relief from tension-type headaches after a brow lift, especially if those symptoms are related to constantly raising the brows to improve vision. Although not a headache treatment, the improved brow position can reduce muscle strain and pressure.
Can I have a brow lift along with other facial procedures?
Yes, brow lifts are often combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelifts, or skin resurfacing treatments for a complete facial refresh. Combining procedures can also reduce overall recovery time and cost.
Can I get a brow lift if I’ve already had a facelift or eyelid surgery?
Absolutely. If you’ve had a previous facelift or eyelid procedure and your brows are now sagging or uneven, a brow lift can complement and extend the results. Dr. Khalil tailors each surgery to your facial structure and surgical history.
Schedule a Consultation
To meet with Dr. Khalil, one of Los Angeles’s most knowledgeable and best reviewed plastic surgeons, schedule a consultation. Together, you can discuss all brow lift options and devise an appropriate plan for rejuvenating your face. Please call (310) 385-8601 for an appointment.
