Forehead/Brow Lift (Browplasty)

Everyone ages differently depending on facial bone and tissue structure, skin type, sun exposure and several other factors. In cases where the eyebrows droop and crowd the eyelids, a procedure to elevate the eyebrows may be appropriate. A brow or forehead lift serves to tighten and smooth the wrinkles and skin folds of the forehead.

At the Henry Ford Henry Ford Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we offer varying forehead and brow lift techniques. Discuss with your surgeon which procedure best fits your needs.

• Coronal forehead lift (bi-coronal forehead lift): Incisions are placed on your scalp above your forehead about an inch into your hairline. If your hairline is relatively high, the incisions may be placed directly in front of where your hairline begins.
  • This is the preferred method if you have thick skin or advanced forehead/brow drooping.
• Endoscopic forehead or brow lift: Using a small camera (an endoscope) and other specialized tools, your scalp is loosened and elevated through one-inch long incisions hidden in your hairline.
  • This is the preferred method if you have thick hair, a low hairline, normal or thin skin and a slight brow droop.
• Mid-forehead lift or direct brow lift: For a more dramatic lift, incisions are placed either in the middle of your forehead or just above your brow. However, due to the prominent scar from this procedure, a mid-forehead or direct brow lift are rarely used for cosmetic purposes.
• Internal brow lift: Typically done during an upper eyelift (blepharoplasty) incision, this procedure stabilizes and elevates your brow.
• Non-surgical brow lift: For a more subtle brow lift, Botox (botulinum toxin A) is injected to relax the muscles that pull your eyebrow down. Your other surrounding brow muscles can now naturally elevate your eyebrow. A non-surgical brow lift is the least invasive technique.

Common Questions about Forehead and Brow Lifts

What causes my forehead to droop?

Sun damage, smoking, and stretching from swelling or obesity all cause your forehead or brows to droop.

How long does a forehead or brow lift surgery take?

The length of your procedure depends on the surgical approach you receive for your forehead or brow lift. The longest procedure is the coronal forehead lift approach, which may take up to two hours.

What type of anesthesia is used for a forehead or brow lift surgery (browplasty)?

You will either have local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your level of comfort.

What are the risks associated with a forehead or brow lift (browplasty)?

Surgical incisions for a forehead or brow lift are placed in the thicker skin of your scalp and are more likely to be noticeable than eyelift or blepharoplasty incisions. Mild hair loss or thinning may occur where the incision is placed in your hairline and you may experience persistent numbness above the incisions.

Permanent forehead drooping can occur if you experience injury to a forehead never.

How long is the recovery process for forehead or brow lift surgery?

You may experience some bruising and swelling, but most discoloration is gone within about 10 days. While recovery time is different between individuals, you should be able to resume normal activity within three days. Most people prefer to avoid work and public places for one to two weeks. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least one week after surgery.

Does insurance cover forehead or brow lift surgery (browplasty)?

No, most insurance companies will not cover forehead or brow lift surgery. We do offer flexible payment options. Discuss with your surgeon the finance options we offer.