A heavy, sagging brow can make you look tired, angry, or older than you feel—even when you're none of those things. A brow lift elevates drooping eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles to restore a natural, refreshed, alert appearance.
Schedule Consultation View ResultsA brow lift—also called a forehead lift—is a surgical procedure that raises the eyebrows, smooths horizontal forehead lines, and reduces the vertical frown lines between the eyes. It's essentially a facelift for the upper third of your face.
As we age, the eyebrows gradually descend due to gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and repeated muscle contractions. This creates a heavy, hooded appearance that can make you look perpetually tired, worried, or angry. A brow lift reverses these changes, restoring the brows to their natural, youthful position.
These are the changes that bring patients to my office—and that a brow lift can dramatically improve.
Brows that have dropped below their natural position, creating heaviness over the eyes
People constantly ask if you're tired or upset when you feel perfectly fine
Horizontal creases across the forehead that remain visible even at rest
Vertical lines between the eyebrows that make you look worried or angry
Excess skin pushing down from the brow onto the upper eyelid
Unconsciously lifting your eyebrows to see better or look more alert
Several techniques can achieve a brow lift. The best approach depends on your anatomy, hairline, and specific concerns.
The most popular technique today. Small incisions behind the hairline allow placement of a tiny camera to lift and reposition brow tissues with minimal scarring.
Targets only the outer portion of the brow through small incisions at the temples. Often combined with upper eyelid surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Incision at the front of the hairline rather than behind it. Ideal for patients with high foreheads who want to lower their hairline while lifting their brows.
Ear-to-ear incision behind the hairline. The most powerful technique for severe brow drooping, though less commonly used today due to longer recovery.
A well-executed brow lift can make a dramatic difference in how rested and approachable you appear.
Eliminate the tired, heavy-lidded appearance.
Return eyebrows to their natural, youthful height.
Reduce horizontal creases and frown lines.
Remove heaviness that pushes onto upper lids.
Stop appearing angry or worried at rest.
Results typically last 10-15+ years.
Wondering if you need surgery or if Botox could achieve your goals? Here's how they compare.
| Factor | Brow Lift Surgery | Botox |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Significant brow drooping, excess skin | Mild brow descent, dynamic wrinkles |
| How Long Results Last | 10-15+ years | 3-4 months |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 weeks | None |
| Degree of Lift | Significant, customizable | Subtle (1-2mm) |
| Addresses Excess Skin | Yes | No |
| Cost Over 10 Years | One-time investment | Ongoing treatments add up |
I was worried about looking surprised or overdone. Dr. Neavin lifted my brows just enough—I look refreshed, not "worked on." My friends think I just got back from vacation!
Brow Lift Patient
"The biggest mistake in brow lift surgery is lifting too much. My patients want to look refreshed, not startled. Subtlety is everything."
A brow lift is one of those procedures where experience really matters. Lift too much, and you look perpetually surprised. Lift unevenly, and you look asymmetrical. Don't address the right muscles, and the results won't last. With over 20 years of facial surgery experience, I've developed a conservative approach that produces natural, lasting results.
Importantly, I always evaluate whether your concerns are truly from brow descent or from excess upper eyelid skin—these require different procedures. Many patients come in thinking they need a brow lift when blepharoplasty is the better solution, or vice versa. Sometimes both are needed. Getting this diagnosis right is crucial to achieving your goals.
Here's what to expect from your forehead rejuvenation journey.
We examine your brow position, forehead, upper eyelids, and overall facial structure. I'll determine whether a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or both will best achieve your goals. We'll discuss technique options based on your anatomy and hairline.
Most brow lifts take 1-2 hours under general anesthesia or sedation. Endoscopic and temporal lifts use small hidden incisions; hairline lifts place the incision at the front of the hairline. The brow is repositioned and secured, muscles are modified to reduce frown lines.
You'll go home the same day with your head wrapped. Swelling and bruising peak around day 3 and may travel down to the eyes—this is normal. Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to minimize swelling.
Most patients return to work in 1-2 weeks depending on the technique. Sutures are typically removed around day 7-10. Final results emerge as swelling resolves over 3-6 months, with results lasting 10-15+ years.
Recovery varies by technique. Endoscopic lifts have the fastest recovery; coronal lifts take longer.
Head elevated. Swelling and bruising develop. Cold compresses help.
Bruising fades. Most swelling resolved. Sutures/staples removed.
Most return to work. Makeup can cover residual bruising.
All swelling gone. Brows settle into final position. Scars fade.
Most adults with brow or forehead aging are candidates for a brow lift. Here's how to know if it's right for you.
Stop looking tired, worried, or angry when you're not. Schedule a consultation to learn how a brow lift can restore a refreshed, natural appearance.
Schedule Consultation (310) 858-8811