All that you need to know about brow lift


Brow lifts, also known as brow lifts, are used to correct various signs of aging such as drooping eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and sagging eyelid skin.

All that you need to know about brow lift


Brow lifts are often combined with other common procedures such as facelifts and eyelid surgery to achieve more dramatic aging results. Dr. Kristin Tarbet will discuss your needs with you, examine your features, and decide which procedure will give you the most satisfying result. We also offer the Novathread treatment to perform a non-surgical brow lift.


Brow lift procedure

Young model with raised eyebrows

A typical brow lift is performed on an outpatient basis and takes 1 to 3 hours, but it can take longer if you decide to supplement the lift with other cosmetic procedures. Depending on the circumstances and Dr. Tarb's preference, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used.

For a brow lift, there are two techniques to choose from: the traditional brow lift or the endoscopic brow lift. Dr. Tarbet will discuss these techniques with you prior to surgery, as the technique chosen depends on several factors. These factors include the thickness, texture, and elasticity of the skin, the patient's bone structure, the general appearance, and the position of the eyebrows and eyelids.

Classic forehead lift

In the classic forehead lift, a long incision is made, usually along the hairline, from the top of the head to the ears. Depending on the structure of the patient's forehead, a coronal incision may be necessary behind the hairline. Dr. Tarbet then removes excess skin and fat and repositions the remaining skin and muscle mass to achieve the desired appearance.

Endoscopic Forehead Lift

For the endoscopic brow lift, Dr. Tarbet makes 3 to 5 short incisions at the hairline. He may then insert a camera into one of the incisions to view the work area, and then use another instrument to manipulate the tissue through the other incisions. In this way, the eyebrows, eyelids, and forehead can be lifted and rejuvenated. Because this procedure requires shorter incisions than the traditional brow lift, recovery time is shorter and scar tissue formation is minimal.


Are there any risks associated with the eyebrow lift?

During your consultation with Dr. Tarbet, we will discuss with you the risks of surgery and, in particular, the brow lift. By choosing a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Tarbet, patients reduce the risk of complications. Risks of an eyebrow lift include.

  • Dryness/irritation of the eyes
  • Asymmetry of the face
  • Hair loss in the area of the incision(s)
  • Elevation of the hairline
  • Damage to the facial nerve


What results can I expect from an eyebrow lift?

A brow lift can result in a subtle or dramatic change in a patient's appearance. This is determined based on the patient's appearance and goals prior to the procedure. The forehead, nose bridge, and eyes are less prominent and appear more open. Although you may look younger and more rested after a few days, it can take up to a year for healing and improvement.


How long is the recovery time after an eyebrow lift?

Patients can go home within hours after surgery. Sutures are removed after about a week. Some swelling may appear a few days after surgery. Most of the swelling disappears within two weeks. However, it may take about 6 months for the swelling to disappear completely. To avoid bleeding, patients should not lift objects or bend over in the days after surgery.


Who can undergo an eyebrow lift?

Eyelid and eyebrow wrinkles begin to fall off around age 40. However, some people naturally have lower or heavier eyebrows due to hereditary factors. An eyebrow lift may be appropriate for both situations. Surgeons evaluate candidates not only by age, but also by health, lifestyle, and expectations. It is important to know exactly what you can and cannot achieve with a brow lift to be prepared to achieve the most satisfactory result.


Ideal candidates for a brow lift are usually concerned about one or more of the following:

  • Drooping eyebrows
  • Heavy upper eyelids
  • Tired or uncomfortable appearance
  • Deep furrows between the eyebrows
  • Horizontal lines on the forehead


What are the most important factors to consider if you want to undergo an eyebrow lift?

The decision to undergo a brow lift involves weighing the risks and benefits. Your doctor can help you take the right steps to achieve the best possible results during a detailed consultation, in which he will explain the procedure and the expected results. 

Through a physical examination, the doctor can determine if it is the eyebrows that are causing the heavy or cloudy appearance or if it is the skin of the upper eyelid that needs special attention. The doctor must also consider hairline and eyelid factors to ensure that the eyes close properly after the procedure and that the face looks naturally rejuvenated, not "done" or "surprised."


What is the ideal age for a brow lift?

There is no optimal age for a brow lift. Some adults develop drooping brows at an early age due to heredity, while others do not notice a change in their facial expression at rest until they are 40 years old. Regardless of their age at the time of surgery, brow lift candidates can enjoy long-lasting results.


Is it best to begin facial plastic surgery before you need it?

Not necessarily. If cosmetic surgery is to correct the signs of aging, it is best to take care of the skin. By using a sunscreen every day and scheduling regular collagen treatments, you can provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to age more gently and discreetly. 

For example, you can delay the need for anti-aging surgery by using quality skincare products and undergoing treatments such as Morpheus8 once or twice a year. At our Bellevue practice, we offer both surgical and non-surgical beauty procedures. Here we can help you find the best way to solve your aesthetic problems.


Will I have scars?

Yes, all surgical procedures leave scars. All surgical procedures leave scars. In the classic brow lift, an incision is made along the hairline at the top of the forehead. The endoscopic brow lift is performed through several short incisions in the same area or possibly at the temples. At first, the scars may appear red and swollen. Over time, they fade until they are no longer visible.


How is the eyebrow held in place during healing?

The eyebrow is held in place with various fixation devices while the tissue heals in its new position. Surgical "pins" and sutures are examples. Some devices are noticeable and painful to the touch. They usually dissolve within six months.


How do I decide which type of brow lift is best for me?

Dr. Tarbet determines the best type of brow lift or other surgical procedure based on a thorough examination and observation of the face, eyelids, eyes, hairline, and other aspects. The goal of the procedure is to skillfully and respectfully raise the eyebrow to a more youthful position without over-correction. This includes correcting the slope and curvature of the brow in relation to the eyes and the overall shape of the face.