Also called a forehead lift or upper facelift, Columbus Facial Plastics offers several brow lift options to help you revitalize the appearance of your upper face and brow area.
While most patients are familiar with the term “brow lift”, many do not know there are different types of brow lift procedures that can achieve more significant results or minimize recovery and downtime.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle improvement or a more dramatic transformation, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Nogan and our experienced team can help you choose the right brow lift procedure for your individual needs and desired results.
Brow Lift at a Glance
Areas of Improvement
Brow, Forehead
Results Will Last
7-10 years
Recovery Time
7-10 days
Recovery Process
Some swelling and bruising expected for 7-10 days. Temporary forehead numbness improves over 3 months. Resume exercise after 1 week.
Traditionally, brow lifts involved a long incision spanning the entire forehead. The first brow lifts recorded in the US were performed around 100 years ago! Thankfully, techniques have evolved considerably and patients now have several advanced options to lift the brows and upper face.
The endoscopic brow lift was developed to reduce incision length and downtime. The procedure involves 3-5 small incisions within the hairline. Through these, the upper face is elevated, released and lifted. The forehead is then secured using dissolvable devices called Endotines. Endoscopes and cameras are sometimes used for visualization, but not always required.
This lifts the entire brow region, including the medial brow, lateral brow and temples. An endoscopic brow lift is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia in a surgery center. Downtime is 7-10 days with full resolution of swelling in 6-8 weeks.
As you will see below, brow lifts are not “one-size-fits-all” procedures. We use a customized approach and advanced techniques to create a natural-looking result that will enhance your facial features and restore a more youthful appearance.
The trichophytic brow lift and forehead lowering procedures in Columbus are different techniques that can improve the position of the brows as well as change the length of the forehead. This procedure is ideal for those who have a longer forehead or high hairline. The trichophytic brow lift ensures that the hairline does not recede further back when the brows are lifted. The forehead lowering procedure specifically lowers the hairline to reduce the vertical length of the forehead. This can be done alone or in combination with brow lifting.
These procedures involve a longer incision right at or within the hairline. This is designed in such a way as to camouflage the scar as best as possible. The scalp is elevated in front of and behind the incisions, and the brows are released and elevated in the trichophytic technique. The hair-bearing scalp behind the incision is released and lowered in the forehead lowering procedure. Once the brows and hairline are in the appropriate position, mini-endotine devices are used for anchoring. Sutures are placed, and occasionally drains are used.
The procedure is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia in a surgery center. Down time after the procedure is 7-10 days with complete resolution of swelling in 6-8 weeks.
A lateral brow or temporal lift focuses solely on the lateral brow and temple region, without lifting the medial brow or central forehead. This is our most common brow lift technique due to its ability to isolate and lift the heavy, ptotic lateral brow without changing the rest of the upper face appearance. This minimizes the risk of a surprised or overcorrected look.
A lateral lift does an excellent job of rejuvenating the outer brow and upper eyelid for a refreshed look. The incisions are hidden 1-2 cm behind the temporal hairline and sutures anchor the lift. Because it is less invasive, a lateral brow lift can often be done under local anesthesia. Downtime is 5-7 days with full resolution of swelling in 3-6 weeks.
Several other minor brow lift techniques are indicated in certain cases, such as patients with asymmetry due to facial paralysis or prior procedures. These include:
Each can be performed in-office under local anesthesia with limited downtime. During your consultation, Dr. Nogan will examine you and discuss your candidacy for these procedures if appropriate.
Brow lifts can also be combined with other surgical and/or non-surgical procedures to enhance results, such as eyelid surgery or Botox/fillers.
As discussed, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right brow lift procedure.
Recovery time for an endoscopic brow lift, trichophytic lift or forehead lowering is typically 1-2 weeks. A lateral or minor brow lift may have a shorter 5-7 day recovery in many cases. Final resolution of swelling usually takes 6-8 weeks regardless of technique.
The procedures also require different anesthesia. Endoscopic, trichophytic and forehead lowering involve IV sedation or general anesthesia in a surgery center, which carries additional risks and costs compared to local anesthesia (used for lateral and minor lifts).
Selecting the best procedure requires careful review of the risks, benefits, alternatives and your goals. Take time to have a detailed discussion with our team so we can help you make a fully informed decision.
If you’re considering a brow lift, our team can help you work through this very important decision-making process. Whether you’re looking for an endoscopic brow lift, trichophytic brow lift, forehead or hairline lowering, lateral brow or temporal lift, or one of the other minor brow procedures that we perform, trust that we have the experience and expertise to help you achieve your desired results.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our brow lift options at Columbus Facial Plastics.