Brow Lift

A brow lift can be performed in different ways, but they all involve an incision in or near the hairline. The incision allows your surgeon to adjust the tissue and muscle under your skin, removing visible creases and furrows in your forehead. Once the procedure is complete, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and skin adhesives.

A procedure that involves a smaller incision and a less-invasive technique, shortening recovery time.

You may be a good candidate for brow lift surgery if you are over 40 and you’re self-conscious about a drooping brow line and forehead lines and wrinkles.

Some of the possible complications and side effects of brow lift surgery include scarring, asymmetry, hair loss, numbness or loss of movement, soreness in the incision site, bruising, and swelling.

Alternatives to brow lift surgery include injections, such as Botox and dermal fillers, which help create the appearance of a skin lift without the surgical procedure.

Brow lift surgery has a high success rate in reducing wrinkles and creating a more youthful appearance in patients.

You don’t need a referral to see a surgeon about brow lift surgery. 

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required. 

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information.

Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health. Temporary treatments might be used if your surgery is rescheduled.

Consult the price transparency tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much brow lift surgery might cost.

Brow lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it’s unlikely that insurance will cover it. 

Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery and tell your medical team about all of the medications you are taking, including vitamins, supplements, and blood thinners. Your medical team might recommend you stop taking medications—aspirin and ibuprofen included—that make it harder for your blood to clot. If you’re a smoker, try to quit before your procedure, as smoking can delay healing.

You’ll arrive several hours before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area. You’ll remove your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.)  You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions. You’ll meet your anesthesiologist and the members of your surgery team.  An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including general anesthesia—can be administered. If you’re using a different kind of anesthesia, you’ll receive an injection. When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible.

Anything you’ll need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications. You probably will not be there overnight, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.

You will be anesthetized, and then your surgeon will make incisions along or near your hairline. Your forehead will then be smoothed and your eyebrows elevated, improving the appearance of forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over the eyes, frown lines, and forehead furrows. Then the incisions will be closed, a drainage tube might be placed, and your forehead will be loosely wrapped.

A brow lift typically takes 1-2 hours.

While the length of a hospital stay depends on each patient’s individual needs, patients are typically discharged within a few hours following the procedure.

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will stay until you’re ready for discharge. The amount of time you are in recovery depends on the type of anesthesia and pain medication you receive. 

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your brow lift procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

Most brow lift surgery patients receive pain medication immediately following surgery. 

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort associated with the procedure.

Make sure you have groceries for when you arrive home from your brow lift surgery. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for a friend or family member to check in with you.

While physical therapy and rehabilitation are not typically a part of brow lift surgery, our associates will help you arrange the postoperative care you’ll need.

Your doctor will remove your stitches during your follow-up appointment. Any scarring from your brow lift will typically be covered by your hair.

If you have an emergency following your procedure, call your surgeon’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.