Sagging or drooping brow areas in the face can not only make people feel self-conscious, but they can also create an appearance of looking constantly sad, tired or angry. At Tarola Plastic Surgery, our brow lift procedure creates smooth, younger-looking skin and a refreshed look.
Contact us today at our Murfreesboro office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nicholas Tarola, a board-certified plastic surgeon, who will discuss the procedure with you to help you determine whether a brow lift is right for you.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift is a surgery that creates a younger, fresher look by lifting the eyebrow area and minimizing the lines and furrows that can create drooping or sagging. Although there are a few ways to perform a brow lift, the conventional method involves an incision across the head behind the hairline to minimize scarring.
What a Brow Lift Can Address
Drooping or Sagging Eyebrows
Eyebrows tend to shift downward as the soft tissues of the forehead lose elasticity. Gravity and natural volume loss in the skin can pull the brows below their original position and make the upper face appear tired or heavy. A surgical brow lift can reposition these tissues and restore a more open and alert look.
Deep Horizontal Forehead Lines
Repeated movement of the frontalis muscle, which lifts the eyebrows, creates horizontal lines across the forehead. These lines tend to deepen as collagen production slows and the skin becomes less able to recover from frequent expressions. While non-surgical methods like neuromodulators can reduce motion, a brow lift physically smooths and tightens the area to reduce the deep creases that remain even when the face is at rest.
Glabellar Lines
Vertical lines between the brows, called glabellar lines, form from the muscles that pull the brows inward when you frown or focus. If the lines become deeply set, softening them may require more than temporary treatments. A brow lift can smooth the skin in this central area.
Eyebrow Asymmetry
Differences in brow height or shape can appear naturally or after previous treatments. Some patients are born with a slight imbalance, while others notice the difference becomes more obvious with facial aging. Adjusting the position of the underlying tissues provides a lasting and precise correction.
Hooding of the Upper Eyelids
When the brow begins to descend, it can create a heavy or puffy look above the eyes. This heaviness is not always due to the eyelids themselves but rather to a lowered brow position. Lifting the brow improves both facial expression and, in some cases, peripheral vision.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Brow Lift?
- Long-Lasting Results: A brow lift repositions the underlying tissue for results that can last years. It is a good option for those who want long-lasting improvements without frequent appointments.
- Addresses Multiple Concerns at Once: This surgery can address heavy brows, wrinkles, and more with one surgery.
- Natural-Looking Results: By lifting the deeper layers and preserving muscle function, the brow maintains its natural movement while looking smoother and more youthful.
- Customization Based on Facial Structure: Different techniques allow us to match the approach to your anatomy, whether you want subtle elevation or a more marked lift across the entire forehead.
- No Waiting for Visible Improvement: Although recovery time is a part of the process, the changes from a brow lift are visible as soon as swelling and bruising subside. This appeals to patients looking for a one-time procedure with noticeable results rather than gradual or temporary changes.
Types of Brow Lift
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift uses a special viewing device called an endoscope to lift the brow while minimizing incisions. The endoscope has a tiny camera and light that transmit images of the internal structures to a screen, allowing for precise visualization without a large open incision. We use separate surgical instruments to adjust and elevate the tissue while watching the monitor for guidance. This method works well for patients who want a moderate lift and a less invasive surgery.
Temporal Brow Lift
A temporal brow lift focuses on the outer third of the eyebrow. We make small incisions just behind the hairline near the temples and use them to reposition the underlying tissue. This method works well for patients who notice heaviness or sagging at the brow tail rather than the full brow. It creates a subtle lift that opens the eyes and softens the upper face.
Coronal Brow Lift
A coronal brow lift involves a longer incision placed across the scalp, from ear to ear, behind the hairline. We lift the forehead skin and adjust the deeper tissues before removing any excess. This method creates a substantial and long-lasting lift and can be a good choice for patients with deep forehead lines or more advanced brow descent.
Hairline Brow Lift
A hairline brow lift, also called a pretrichial lift, places the incision at the front of the hairline. We use this technique when a patient has a high forehead or prefers not to raise the hairline further. By removing a small strip of skin at the top of the forehead, we can elevate the brows without shifting the hairline upward.
Brow Lift Before and After
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?
Although brow lifts are mostly performed on individuals aged 40-60 in order to minimize the effects of aging, they can also be performed for other age groups, as forehead lines and furrows can also develop prematurely due to stress or muscle activity.
In general, patients who are approved for a brow lift have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot do for them. An ideal candidate is also one who does not smoke and is in good health. Doctor Tarola will discuss during your consultation whether a brow lift meets your cosmetic and personal goals.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your brow lift consultation gives us a chance to evaluate your concerns, review your goals, and determine whether surgery is the right approach. We begin by examining your forehead, brow position, and eyelids while your face is at rest and in motion. We also assess skin elasticity, muscle activity, and overall facial balance to decide which brow lift technique would suit you best. Clear communication matters during this visit, so expect a detailed conversation about your preferences, lifestyle, and any procedures you may have had in the past.
We want you to feel comfortable asking questions during your consultation. Ask which technique we recommend for your anatomy, how much lift you can realistically expect, and what the recovery process will involve. If you have concerns about scars, downtime, or combining a brow lift with another procedure like eyelid surgery, we are happy to give you all of the information you need to make a decision.
Pre-Surgery Instructions for Brow Lifts
Preparing properly helps create a smoother recovery and supports the best possible outcome. We will review your medical history, go over any current medications, and may ask you to get lab work or clearance from your primary doctor. Stop taking blood thinners, certain supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications in the days before surgery, since these can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Follow all medication adjustments exactly as directed, and let us know if you have questions about anything you currently take.
Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery, and do not smoke or use nicotine products, since they can interfere with healing. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Stock your recovery space with soft foods, clean linens, and anything else that will make resting easier.
How Is a Brow Lift Performed?
The first step of a brow lift is anesthesia to make you comfortable. After the anesthetic takes effect, your surgeon will make the incisions needed for your particular brow lift technique. Once the incision is made, excess forehead skin and portions of facial muscle are removed in order to create a lifted, more alert appearance. We take care to reposition the underlying tissue in a way that supports long-term results while preserving your natural facial expressions. The area is then sutured, and dressings are placed to protect the area.
What Is the Recovery Like?
After surgery, you will spend time in a recovery area at our practice. During this time, we make sure that you are recovering well from anesthesia and that there aren’t any complications. Then a friend or family member will be able to take you home and get you settled into your recovery space.
Once at home, your recovery experience depends on the type of brow lift performed. You may experience numbness and discomfort at your incision sites, which can be controlled with prescription medication. You may be advised to elevate your forehead for 2-3 days until swelling subsides, and any residual swelling in the cheeks or eyes will typically go away after a week. Any stitches or sutures are also generally removed after a week.
Your healing process will be monitored by Dr. Tarola, and after your bandages are removed after a few days, you may be able to shower and wash your hair. Most patients are able to stand up and move around in the first few days, but prepare to be away from your normal routine for up to 10 days.
More Common Questions About Brow Lifts
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of A Brow Lift?
All surgeries come with certain risks or potential complications such as scarring, infection, and pain. All risks and side effects associated with this procedure will be discussed with you by Dr. Tarola, and you will also be advised on any aftercare that is necessary for your incision sites in order to reduce the risk of infection and complications.
How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?
The cost of a brow lift depends on the technique used, whether additional procedures are performed, and the specifics of your surgical plan. Pricing typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs. We will provide a detailed estimate after your consultation so you understand exactly what to expect. Financing options may be available if you wish to break the cost into monthly payments.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used During a Brow Lift?
Brow lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia, although some limited techniques may use local anesthesia with sedation. We will recommend the safest and most effective option based on your health, the complexity of the procedure, and your comfort level. Anesthesia will be administered and monitored by a licensed professional throughout the entire surgery. You will receive detailed pre-operative and post-anesthesia care instructions as part of your surgical plan.
How Long Will the Results of a Brow Lift Last?
Results from a brow lift can last for several years, although natural aging will continue. The underlying tissue is repositioned during surgery, which gives the results greater stability than temporary treatments. Skin elasticity, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices can influence how long the improvements remain noticeable.
How Do I Maintain My Brow Lift Results?
Protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding smoking, and following a consistent skincare routine can help preserve your results. Periodic treatments such as neurotoxin injections may also support brow position by limiting muscle activity. Staying hydrated and maintaining a stable weight will also help your skin age more gradually. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor changes and recommend touch-ups or maintenance options.
Will a Brow Lift Change the Shape of My Eyes?
A brow lift does not directly alter the eyes themselves, but can affect how they appear by lifting the tissue above them. When the brow is repositioned, the eyes may look more open, alert, or rested, especially if there was previous hooding or heaviness. Dr. Tarola takes care to preserve your unique features while making subtle adjustments for a refreshed look.
What Can I Expect From My Brow Lift Scars?
Brow lift incisions are carefully placed within the hairline or along natural skin creases to keep scarring as discreet as possible. In most cases, the scars fade over time and are easily concealed, even with shorter hairstyles. Proper aftercare, including avoiding sun exposure and following wound care instructions, helps support healing. If you have concerns about visible scarring, Dr. Tarola can discuss the best incision type for your hairline and skin type.
Can a Brow Lift Be Combined With Other Surgeries?
There are other procedures that may be performed along with a brow lift, which can be discussed with Dr. Tarola during your consultation. You may choose to combine a brow lift with eyelid surgery, facelift, or skin resurfacing treatments to address multiple signs of aging in one surgical session. Combining procedures can reduce overall downtime, improve facial harmony, and help you reach your aesthetic goals more efficiently.
Why Choose Tarola Plastic Surgery for Your Brow Lift?
At Tarola Plastic Surgery, we take an individualized approach to every brow lift procedure, focusing on your facial structure, goals, and long-term results. Dr. Nicholas Tarola is a board-certified plastic surgeon with training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including specialized experience with facial procedures. His background includes education and surgical training at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation Today
A brow lift can raise low-set brows, smooth deep forehead lines, and reduce heaviness around the upper eyelids by repositioning the underlying tissue rather than just treating the surface. Dr. Tarola uses techniques that match each patient’s facial anatomy to improve symmetry, expression, and definition.
Contact Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro today to schedule a consultation and get started on the journey to improvement. You can call (615) 624-8914 or reach out through the online form.
