Brow Lift

What is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift (forehead lift) is a surgical procedure that elevates sagging eyebrows and reduces forehead wrinkles to restore a more youthful, alert, and approachable appearance. As we age, gravity, sun damage, and repeated muscle movements cause the brow to descend, creating a tired, angry, or sad expression that doesn't reflect how you actually feel. Heavy brows can also contribute to upper eyelid hooding, making you look older than your years. A brow lift repositions the brows to their natural, youthful height, typically at or just above the bony orbital rim, while simultaneously smoothing horizontal forehead lines and reducing vertical frown lines between the brows. Dr. Kurtzman offers both traditional and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, which produce similar results; the endoscopic approach uses small, hidden incisions with minimal scarring. The procedure is often combined with blepharoplasty for full upper face rejuvenation, as addressing both the brows and eyelids creates a harmonious, natural-looking result that neither procedure alone can achieve.

Ideal Candidates

Brow lift surgery delivers excellent results for patients experiencing age-related brow descent. During consultation, Dr. Kurtzman will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss whether brow lift addresses your concerns:

• Sagging or low-positioned eyebrows that make you look tired, angry, or sad
• Heavy brows that contribute to upper eyelid hooding or obstruct peripheral vision
• Deep horizontal creases across the forehead that persist at rest
• Vertical frown lines (glabellar lines) between the eyebrows that create an angry appearance
• Brow asymmetry where one brow sits noticeably higher than the other
• Good overall health without conditions that impair healing
• Non-smoker or willing to quit for optimal healing
• Realistic expectations, understanding that brow lift refreshes but doesn't stop aging

The Procedure

Brow lift can be performed using a traditional or an endoscopic approach; both produce similar results. The endoscopic technique described here uses smaller incisions with minimal scarring:

Recovery & Results

Recovery from endoscopic brow lift is relatively quick. Days 1-3: Mild to moderate swelling and bruising, primarily around the eyes. Sleep with head elevated. Forehead may feel tight or numb (temporary). Days 4-7: Swelling begins to subside. Sutures or clips removed around day 7-10. Most patients feel presentable for public by end of week 1. Week 2: Return to work and most normal activities. Avoid strenuous exercise. Minor bruising may still be fading. Weeks 3-4: Resume full activities including exercise. Final positioning of brows continues to settle. Months 2-6: Numbness or itching in the scalp gradually resolves, which can take up to six months. Final results visible by months 2-3.

You'll see improvement immediately, though final results emerge over 2-3 months as swelling resolves completely. Brows will be higher, forehead smoother, and you'll look more alert and rested. Results typically last 5-10 years, the aging process continues, but from a more youthful starting point. Many patients extend their results with periodic Botox treatments to the forehead and frown lines.