Brow lift in San Jose & Los Gatos is an operation that raises and sculpts the eyebrows and improves the appearance of the forehead. This operation is commonly combined with other operations of the face, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and facelift. The brow lift (forehead lift) is an important component of a balanced and natural facial rejuvenation.
Why People Choose Brow Lift Surgery
Patients may choose to have a brow lift for many reasons. Commonly, they feel that their brow position is too low and they are constantly using their forehead muscles to raise their brow into a more favorable position. Additionally, some patients have wrinkles on the forehead (frown lines) that they would like treated. Brow lift can soften wrinkles and extra skin above and around the brows.
About a Brow Lift
During a brow lift, the forehead skin is repositioned and the attachments of the brow released to allow a natural elevation and sculpting. There are many types of brow lift. The most important thing is to select the correct type of brow lift that is appropriate for the patient:
- mini-brow
- endo-brow
- temporal brow lift
- coronal brow lift
All brow lifts conceal the incision at or behind the hairline. The selection of an appropriate type of brow lift depends on the patient’s facial structure, amount of hair, and amount of brow elevation desired. Most patients do very well with a mini-brow or an endo-brow. Patients who have a very low brow may require the traditional (coronal) brow lift. Dr. Liu is well-trained in all types of brow lift and will help you select the most appropriate operation.
The Consult
A brow lift consultation will take approximately 1 hour. Because brow lift surgery is one component of facial rejuvenation, our plastic surgeons will perform a complete facial analysis as part of the decision making process. Important considerations include assessment of the skin, facial volume, and signs of aging. Combined, these elements will determine the necessary components of a comprehensive plan for facial rejuvenation.
The goal of the consultation is for you to obtain all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding brow lift surgery. As part of the consultation, we will help you with the decision making process and answer all of your questions. We pride ourselves on building a “partnership” with you, the patient, during the consultation.
Before & After
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Pre-Operative
Approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery, you will have a pre-operative appointment. At this time, you will sign the surgical consent, have photos taken, and receive an information packet. The pre-operative packet includes detailed instructions for before and after surgery. It is important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinning medications for at least two weeks before surgery. If you are having your operation with local anesthesia and sedation, do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to surgery. If you are only having local anesthesia, you may eat a light breakfast.
About the Operation
Limited incision brow lift surgery (mini-brow) takes approximately 90 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. Endo-brow, temporal brow lift, and coronal brow lift are outpatient operations and are performed at an accredited surgical facility. There is always an anesthesiologist present, whether under general anesthesia or local with sedation. Having an anesthesiologist present allows Dr. Liu to concentrate on attaining the best cosmetic result instead of dividing his attention between the operation and monitoring the vital signs of the patient.
Recovery
Patients go home on the same day as surgery but should have a responsible adult stay with them for 24 hours. The recovery period is relatively rapid with most patients feeling very well by 2-3 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 1 week. Dr. Liu will follow you closely during the recovery period and will let you know when you can resume full activities. Swelling and bruising from brow lift surgery usually lasts around 5 days.
Brow Lift FAQs
How do I know if my heavy eyelids are caused by a low brow rather than excess eyelid skin?
What is the difference between a mini-brow lift and an endoscopic brow lift?
Will a brow lift soften deep forehead lines and frown lines?
Will my hairline change after brow lift surgery?
Can a brow lift be safely combined with eyelid surgery or a facelift?
How do I know if my heavy eyelids are caused by a low brow rather than excess eyelid skin?
Many patients assume their concern is excess eyelid skin, but a low brow position can significantly contribute to eyelid heaviness and a tired appearance. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate brow position, forehead muscle activity, and eyelid anatomy to determine whether a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or a combination will provide the most natural and balanced result.
What is the difference between a mini-brow lift and an endoscopic brow lift?
A mini-brow lift uses limited incisions near the hairline and is best suited for patients who need mild to moderate brow elevation. An endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions hidden behind the hairline and a camera-assisted technique to lift and sculpt the brow more comprehensively. The appropriate option depends on your anatomy, hairline, and degree of brow descent.
Will a brow lift soften deep forehead lines and frown lines?
Yes. Brow lift surgery can soften horizontal forehead wrinkles and frown lines by repositioning the brow and releasing underlying muscle tension that contributes to these lines. While it does not replace treatments like Botox, it can provide longer-lasting improvement in brow position and forehead smoothness.
Will my hairline change after brow lift surgery?
Brow lift incisions are placed at or behind the hairline to keep scars discreet. In most patients, the hairline remains natural and unchanged. For patients with a higher or receding hairline, the surgical technique is carefully selected to avoid unwanted hairline elevation while achieving the desired brow lift.
Can a brow lift be safely combined with eyelid surgery or a facelift?
Yes. Brow lift surgery is commonly combined with eyelid surgery or facelift to achieve balanced upper-face rejuvenation. Combining procedures can enhance facial harmony and reduce overall recovery time compared to having surgeries separately. Your surgeon will advise if combination surgery is appropriate based on your goals, anatomy, and health.
