Brow and Forehead Lift in Maryland and DC

Aging in the Upper Face

As we age there are anatomical changes that occur in the upper face. These include a downward shift or sagging of the eyebrows beyond the orbital rim, the draping of eyelid skin over the area where eye makeup is typically applied, and the development of more wrinkles. These include horizontal lines caused by the repeated contraction of muscles used to raise the eyebrows, and vertical lines between the eyebrows resulting from frequent frowning.

What Is a Brow Lift?

Brow lift surgery, also known as a forehead lift or an eyebrow lift, is a procedure we perform in Maryland and DC that is designed to elevate the brows and the forehead area to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The surgery helps reduce the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead and those that occur on the bridge of the nose and between the eyes. It can also improve frown lines and raise sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids.

What Are the Different Types of Brow Lift?

We offer several types of brow lifts to our patients in Maryland and DC, including:

• Endoscopic Brow Lift

  • Small incisions hidden in the hair are used to pass endoscopic instruments and elevate the forehead and brows. This allows for faster healing and minimal scars that are well hidden.

• Coronal Brow Lift

  • This is an open” brow lift and an incision is made cross the top of the head in the hair-bearing skin. The forehead and brow are lifted, and excess skin is removed. This method allows for extensive lifting and can address severe sagging but has a longer and possibly noticeable scar.

• Pretrichial “Hairline” Brow Lift

  • This is a “hairline” brow lift. It is similar to the coronal lift, but the incision is made further back in the hairline, allowing the surgeon to lift the brow and forehead, and remove excess skin.

• Temporal Brow Lift

  • This targets the outer brow area and the corners of the eyes. Incisions are made within the hairline above the temples, and the tissues are lifted and repositioned to raise the outer part of the eyebrows. This technique is less invasive and can be performed in-office under local anesthesia.

• Direct Brow Lift

  • The incision is made directly above the eyebrows in the natural crease or within the forehead wrinkles. The excess skin is removed, and the tissues are lifted to elevate the brow. This technique allows for precise lifting of the brow, but the scar may be more visible compared to other methods. It’s often used for patients with heavy, drooping brows, eyebrow asymmetry or those who lack the hairline necessary to hide the scars from other types of brow lifts.

How is a Brow Lift Done?

Here’s a general overview of the procedure:

Surgery is done in our state-of-the-art surgical suite. The procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete, based on the type of brow lift.  It can be done under general anesthesia, IV sedation or local anesthesia. The specific type of anesthesia and the expected duration of your procedure will be covered during your initial consultation. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home a few hours after the operation.

There are multiple surgical techniques that can be used to perform a browlift. The surgeon makes an incision, either along the hairline, behind the hairline, directly above the brow or within the forehead creases to conceal any potential scarring. The type of incision may vary depending on the patient’s specific condition and the surgeon’s preferred technique.

Through the incision, the surgeon modifies or removes parts of the muscles that cause frown lines, lifts the eyebrows, and removes any excess skin to provide a smoother appearance. The incision is then closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or clips.

What is the Recovery from a Brow Lift?

Post-surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain medication and cooling compresses can help manage these symptoms. Your surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions, which include sleeping with the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities for 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of surgery you have.

Most patients go back to work 7 to 10 days after brow lift surgery. You can shower and wash your hair 2 to 3 days after surgery.

Is a Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) or a Brow Lift Best for Sagging Eyelids?

Often, the sagging appearance of the upper eyelid results from both excess skin and the downward movement of the eyebrow, which compresses the upper lid area. In these cases, a brow lift might be more effective than a blepharoplasty. Sometimes, achieving the best outcome requires both a blepharoplasty and a brow lift.

If you’ve had an upper blepharoplasty before but are noticing eyelid droopiness again, you might be thinking about having another surgery. However, if there isn’t much eyelid skin left to remove, the problem may be drooping of the eyebrows and not the eyelids. In this case, a brow lift would be the appropriate procedure.

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. It offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty or brow lift surgery.

What Is Forehead Reduction Surgery?

Forehead reduction surgery, also known as hairline lowering surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing the height of the forehead for a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance. This surgery is ideal for individuals who feel self-conscious about a high or receding hairline or disproportionately large forehead. By repositioning the hairline, forehead reduction can create a more harmonious facial proportion, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

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 tailored to your needs. Call today to book an appointment for a brow lift in Maryland and DC.