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What is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure designed to elevate sagging brows, smooth forehead wrinkles, and address signs of aging in the upper face. By removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues, a brow lift enhances the appearance of the forehead and restores symmetry to the upper face.1

Benefits of a Brow Lift

A brow lift can address a range of concerns, providing results that:

  • Elevate sagging brows for a more alert expression.
  • Smooth forehead creases, frown lines, and furrows.
  • Minimize hooding and sagging in the upper eyelid area.
  • Create a naturally more youthful appearance without looking overdone.
  • Complement other procedures like eyelid surgery or dermal fillers for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Who is a Good Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

The ideal candidate for a brow lift is someone who:

  • Experiences sagging brows, forehead wrinkles, or hooding in the upper eyelids.
  • Is in good physical health and a non-smoker.
  • Has realistic expectations for what can be achieved through plastic surgery.
  • Is seeking a refreshed appearance to match how they feel inside.2

If you’re unsure whether a brow lift is right for you, Dr. Esmailian will assess your needs during a consultation and recommend the most effective treatment options.

Brow Lift Techniques

Dr. Esmailian offers several advanced brow lift techniques, including:

Endoscopic Brow Lift

This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions made behind the hairline. Through these incisions, Dr. Esmailian inserts a camera and specialized instruments to lift and reposition the brow. This technique offers a shorter recovery time and reduced scarring.

Traditional (Coronal) Brow Lift

For patients requiring more extensive correction, the traditional brow lift involves a longer incision across the top of the head within the hairline. This method effectively removes excess skin, smooths forehead creases, and repositions the brow for dramatic results.

Pretrichial Brow Lift

Ideal for patients with a high hairline, this technique places incisions just in front of the hairline to avoid further elevating it while addressing excess skin and sagging brows. During your consultation, Dr. Esmailian will discuss these options to determine the best approach for your unique needs.

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Preparing for Your Brow Lift

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful brow lift surgery. The process begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Farbod Esmailian, where he will:

  • Evaluate Your Concerns: Dr. Esmailian will listen to your goals and assess areas of concern, such as sagging brows, forehead wrinkles, or hooding in the upper eyelids.
  • Discuss Your Medical History: Be prepared to share your full medical history, including any prior surgeries, chronic conditions, and allergies. You’ll also need to provide a list of medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking.
  • Explore Your Options: Based on your concerns and goals, Dr. Esmailian will review the different brow lift techniques and recommend the most appropriate approach for your unique needs.
  • Create a Personalized Plan: Together, you and Dr. Esmailian will outline a customized treatment plan, including the type of anesthesia, surgical technique, and any additional procedures that may complement your brow lift, such as eyelid surgery or dermal fillers.

Pre-Operative Instructions:

To ensure optimal results and minimize risks, you’ll be given specific guidelines to follow leading up to your cosmetic surgery, such as:

  • Stop smoking at least several weeks before surgery to support healing.
  • Avoid certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist with your care during the initial recovery period.

Dr. Esmailian’s team will provide you with a comprehensive list of instructions and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared for your procedure.

The Brow Lift Procedure

Brow lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can return home the same day. To ensure your comfort, Dr. Esmailian’s board-certified anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, allowing patients to sleep through the surgery. Additionally, local anesthesia is injected after the patient is asleep to help reduce post-operative discomfort and promote a smoother recovery experience.

During the procedure, Dr. Esmailian uses one of several brow lift techniques based on the patient’s unique needs:

  • Endoscopic Brow Lift: Small incisions are made behind the hairline, enabling the use of a camera and specialized instruments to lift and reposition the brow with minimal invasiveness.
  • Traditional (Coronal) Brow Lift: For more extensive concerns, a longer incision is made across the scalp, concealed within the hairline, to remove excess skin and smooth deep wrinkles.
  • Pretrichial Brow Lift: For patients with a high hairline, this approach places the incision at the hairline to avoid further elevation while addressing sagging brows and excess skin.

Through these incisions, Dr. Esmailian adjusts the underlying muscles and tissues, removes excess skin, and repositions the brows to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Once the adjustments are complete, the incisions are closed with precision using sutures or staples, minimizing visible scarring and ensuring optimal healing.

Dr. Esmailian’s meticulous technique ensures results that look natural and harmonious with your facial features, helping you achieve your cosmetic goals with confidence.

Brow Lift Recovery

  • No matter which method Dr. Esmailian uses to perform a brow lift, swelling and bruising are common during the healing process. These symptoms generally last about 10 days. Some patients experience swelling in other areas as well, including the eye and cheek areas. This is nothing to be concerned with.
  • Patients need to keep their heads elevated for the first 48 hours following their brow lift procedure. Keeping the head elevated reduces swelling.
  • Use cold compresses as a means to reduce swelling.
  • As the incisions heal, many patients experience a bit of numbness and itching. Both of the symptoms will fade with time.
  • Dr. Esmailian usually removes the staples within 10-14 days of the brow lift procedure. Patients who have bandages should expect them to be removed sometime between one to three days.
  • The majority of Dr. Esmailian’s patients recover within two weeks; however, patients may still need to avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks.

Brow Lift Results

Dr. Esmailian’s patients often achieve long-lasting results that include smoother forehead skin, lifted brows, and a refreshed appearance. By addressing signs of facial aging in the upper face, a brow lift can help you look naturally youthful without a “pulled” or overdone appearance.

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Ready to achieve a more youthful, refreshed look? Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to providing personalized care in Orange County. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about brow lift surgery and other cosmetic procedures.

FAQs About Brow Lift Surgery

What is the cost of a brow lift near me?

What are the risks and potential complications of brow lift surgery?

How long will the results of brow lift surgery last?

Will I have visible scars after my brow lift?

How do I know if a brow lift is right for me?

Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures?

What is the cost of a brow lift near me?

The cost of a brow lift varies based on your personalized treatment plan and the specific techniques required to achieve your desired results. In Orange County, CA, factors like anesthesia, surgical facility fees, and the complexity of your procedure can influence the total price. During your consultation with Dr. Esmailian, you will receive a detailed cost estimate tailored to your needs. Financing options are available for qualified patients to make your procedure more accessible.

What are the risks and potential complications of brow lift surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, brow lift surgery carries some risks. Temporary side effects such as swelling, bruising, or bleeding are common during the recovery process. Rare complications may include scarring, changes in skin sensation, or hair thinning near the incision site.3 Dr. Esmailian will review all potential risks with you in detail before your surgery and provide guidance to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.

How long will the results of brow lift surgery last?

The longevity of brow lift results depends on factors such as the type of procedure performed, your skin quality, and the natural aging process. While results can last for many years, your forehead and brows will continue to age over time. Dr. Esmailian may recommend incorporating non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or dermal fillers to maintain your refreshed appearance and extend the results of your brow lift. Personalized skincare advice will also be provided to help you preserve your youthful look.

Will I have visible scars after my brow lift?

Dr. Esmailian places incisions carefully, often behind the hairline, to ensure scars are minimally visible.

How do I know if a brow lift is right for me?

During your consultation, Dr. Esmailian will evaluate your concerns and recommend the best treatment option to meet your goals.

Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine a brow lift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), dermal fillers, or a facelift and/or neck lift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

1 Mayo Clinic. Brow lift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brow-lift/about/pac-20393257. Accessed December 18, 2024.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for a brow lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/candidates. Accessed December 18, 2024.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of a brow lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/safety. Accessed December 18, 2024.

Page updated: January 06, 2025

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