Brow Lift (Forehead Lift) in National Harbor, MD

WHAT IS A BROW LIFT?

A brow lift elevates the brows and forehead to create a more youthful look. This procedure smooths wrinkles across the forehead and between the eyes, reduces frown lines, and lifts sagging brows that can cause hooded eyelids.

QUICK GUIDE TO BROW LIFT SURGERY

Procedure Time: 1-4 hours
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (temporal brow lift), IV Sedation
Stitch Removal: 7-10 Days
Time off Work: 7-10 Days
Final Results: 6-12 Months
Time to Exercise: 3 Weeks
Wearing Makeup: 5-7 Days
Hair Color: 6 Weeks

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BROW LIFT?

ENDOSCOPIC BROW LIFT

Small incisions hidden in the hairline allow Dr. Costeloe to use a tiny camera and tools to lift the forehead and brows. This method offers faster healing and minimal, well-concealed scars.

CORONAL BROW LIFT

This technique involves an incision across the top of the head in the hair-bearing skin. It’s ideal for significant lifting but may leave a more noticeable scar.

PRETRICHIAL “HAIRLINE” BROW LIFT

In this method, Dr. Casteloe places the incision at the hairline. This allows her to lift the brow and forehead while removing excess skin.

TEMPORAL BROW LIFT

This approach targets the outer brow and corners of the eyes. The incisions go in the hairline above the temples, making it less invasive and suitable for in-office procedures under local anesthesia.

DIRECT BROW LIFT

The doctor places the incisions above the eyebrows for precise lifting. This method is ideal for patients with heavy, drooping brows or asymmetry, but it may result in more visible scars.

HOW IS A BROW LIFT PERFORMED?

Here is what happens during a brow lift procedure at Bella Cosmetic Surgery: 

• The procedure is typically performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The choice largely depends on your health, the extent of the procedure, and Dr. Costeloe’s judgment.
• Dr. Costeloe carefully places the incisions along the hairline or within your natural forehead creases to minimize visible scars. 
• Through these incisions, Dr. Costeloe lifts and repositions the brows, smooths forehead lines, and removes any excess skin that gives you a heavy or tired appearance. 
• For patients with prominent frown lines, she may make adjustments to the underlying muscles to soften these features. 
• Once the enhancements are complete, she closes the incisions with sutures, adhesives, or clips, depending on the technique used.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR SURGERY

Brow lift surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the day of surgery. The recovery timeline will vary based on the type of brow lift surgery you have. 

With coronal and pretrichial brow lifts, you might encounter some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision site. 

For an endoscopic brow lift, you’ll have some discomfort around the incision sites and mild swelling. Those prone to headaches may also experience a general headache, but both headaches and pain can be managed with prescribed medication. 

It’s important to keep your head elevated for the first few days post-surgery to help reduce swelling, which may extend to the eyes and cheeks.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM A BROW LIFT?

Dr. Costeloe will provide specific aftercare instructions for aftercare, depending on the type of surgery you have. This timeline shows what to generally expect after your surgery, from the first few days to several months later:

First 48-72 Hours

• Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling and bruising. Using extra pillows or sleeping in a recliner can help.
• Apply cold compresses to the eye area to help minimize swelling and discomfort. We usually recommend doing this for the first 48 hours.
• You may shower and gently wash your hair with baby shampoo two days after surgery.
• Pain is generally mild, and you can manage it with over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers. We may also prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops to prevent infection.

Week 1

• Any bruising around your eyes will reach its peak and then begin to fade. You may use make-up to cover up bruising.
• We typically remove sutures within 7-10 days after surgery.
• Most patients can go back to work after 7-10 days.

Weeks 2-4

• Most of the inflammation will disappear, and you’ll start to see the effects of your surgery.
• You may resume strenuous activities, including bending and lifting.

Several Months

• You may color your hair six weeks after your surgery.
• It can take several weeks to a few months for all swelling to fully resolve and for the final results to become apparent.
• The incision lines will gradually fade and become less noticeable over time.

WHY CHOOSE BELLA COSMETIC SURGERY? 

Dr. Anya Costeloe is a fellowship-trained, board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over a decade of experience specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, head, and neck. She completed five years of advanced surgical training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan State University, and refined her skills during a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 

Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Costeloe actively gives back through humanitarian efforts, providing surgical care to individuals in need through programs like FACE TO FACE. Dr. Costeloe’s combination of advanced training, board certification, and commitment to patient care makes her a trusted choice for patients from Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and beyond.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY) OR A BROW LIFT BEST FOR SAGGING EYELIDS?

Deciding between a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and a brow lift depends on the cause of your concerns. If sagging eyelids are primarily due to excess skin on the upper eyelids, a blepharoplasty might be the right choice. However, if the drooping is caused by descending eyebrows that push down on the eyelid area, a brow lift could better serve you.

In many cases, combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift will give you the best results to address both excess eyelid skin and eyebrow position.

Dr. Costeloe will assess your facial structure during a consultation and recommend the procedure, or a combination of procedures, that will help us reach your goals.

WHAT IS A FOX EYE LIFT?

The Fox Eye Lift is inspired by the “fox-like” eyes seen in many models and celebrities (think Bella Hadid), characterized by a sleek, lifted look. 

The lift typically combines a temporal brow lift and a canthoplasty (a surgical reshaping of the outer corners of the eyes). The temporal brow lift elevates the outer brow area, while the canthoplasty adjusts the eye’s angle for a more elongated appearance. 

Dr. Costeloe often performs the Fox Eye Lift under local anesthesia, offering a less invasive option with minimal downtime. 

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BROW LIFT?

A good candidate for a brow lift is someone who experiences drooping brows, forehead lines, or frown lines that make them look tired, angry, or older than they feel. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking for a long-term solution to rejuvenate the upper face. During your consultation, Dr. Costeloe will evaluate your concerns and determine if a brow lift is the right option for you.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF A BROW LIFT TYPICALLY LAST?

The results of a brow lift can last for 10-15 years or more. While the procedure can significantly delay visible signs of aging, natural aging will continue over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following skincare recommendations can help prolong your results.

WILL A BROW LIFT CHANGE MY HAIRLINE OR CAUSE HAIR LOSS NEAR THE INCISION SITE?

Depending on the technique used, a brow lift can slightly alter your hairline position. For example, a coronal or pretrichial brow lift may move the hairline upward or closer to the brow area. Temporary hair thinning near the incision site can occur but typically resolves as the area heals. Dr. Costeloe uses precise techniques to minimize these effects and preserve your natural hairline as much as possible.

CAN A BROW LIFT IMPROVE VISION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DROOPY EYEBROWS?

Yes, a brow lift can improve peripheral vision issues caused by heavy, drooping brows that obstruct the upper field of vision. By elevating the eyebrows and reducing excess skin, a brow lift can help open the eye area, making it easier to see.

HOW CAN I MINIMIZE SCARS AFTER A BROW LIFT?

To minimize scars, follow Dr. Costeloe’s post-surgery care instructions closely. Keep incisions clean, avoid direct sun exposure, and use sunscreen once the area heals. Silicone gel or sheets may also be recommended to improve scar healing. Over time, scars will fade and become less noticeable, especially when incisions are strategically placed in natural creases or the hairline.

SCHEDULE YOUR BROW LIFT SURGERY

At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, our skilled facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Costeloe, is dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look. Dr. Costeloe will meet with you to discuss your concerns, evaluate your facial structure, and outline the best surgical options for your needs. Call today to book an appointment for a brow lift in Maryland and DC.