How Does a Brow Lift Work?

• 10 February 2022
• MCC Marketing

Last updated on July 9, 2024

The forehead is often the first part of the face to show significant signs of ageing. Frown lines and sagging eyebrows can make a person seem much older than they actually are. At My Cosmetic Clinic in Sydney, NSW, these signs of ageing can be addressed with a brow lift, which works by lifting and smoothing the area from the upper eyelids to the hairline.

What Can be Achieved with a Brow or Forehead Lift

The terms “brow lift” and “forehead lift” both describe the same procedure, which aims to reverse signs of ageing such as drooping eyebrows, deep furrows across the forehead, and frown lines between the brows. The practitioner essentially lifts and tightens the forehead tissues to restore a more youthful contour and open up the eye area. While this procedure will not completely erase all forehead wrinkles, it will lift and smooth out this area significantly.

Lifting Methods

Forehead lifts can be performed in a couple of different ways. In most cases, the incision will be made across the top of the head behind the hairline, where scarring will not be visible. The skin is then lifted upward, with fat, tissues, and muscles adjusted accordingly. Some people prefer to have their incision at the anterior hairline (this may be suitable if a patient has a higher forehead). There is also an endoscopic option that has become popular in recent years.

During your consultation, we determine the best incision placement based on the shape of your face and your surgery goals. In all cases, the incisions will be made in such a way to ensure the least amount of visible scarring possible. Over time, scars fade to a colour that is closer to your skin tone, and should be mostly covered by hair.

After the Procedure

Since a forehead lift is performed under general anesthesia, you will feel quite groggy when you wake up. It is very important to have someone who can take you home and stay with you for the first day as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Getting plenty of rest after the procedure makes a big difference, so ideally you will have some help at home for several days.

There will be a bandage and dressing across your forehead that should stay in place for the first 24 hours post-surgery. These must be kept dry, so you will be advised not to shower until the following day. You will be provided with care instructions to follow when you get home, and these must be adhered to closely to ensure optimal healing.

Follow-Up Care At Home

Following your at-home care instructions closely is very important if you wish to have the most seamless recovery possible. If you are uncertain about anything, you should call your practitioner’s office to seek clarification. The instructions your practitioner will give you typically include the following:

• Take pain medication as prescribed
• Do not use aspirin or NSAIDs
• Use cold compresses on the forehead
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated
• Be very gentle when washing your hair and face

The Recovery Process

Patients who follow the doctor’s instructions can expect to feel much like themselves again within a week, although it can take several weeks for the forehead to heal completely. Stitches will normally be removed at some point during the second week post-surgery.

It is very important to make time for all follow-up appointments so that your healing progress can be monitored closely. These appointments are also a good opportunity to ask the doctor about any concerns you might have. For example, you might notice some numbness along the hairline – this is perfectly normal and should disappear within a few weeks.

Deciding if a Brow Lift Is Right for You

Having surgery is a big decision but many people find that the benefits of having a forehead lift are worth it. If you have significant signs of ageing around the forehead and brow line, a surgical lift will produce much more noticeable and long-lasting results than a less invasive treatment.

A simple test you can do at home to determine if you might benefit from a brow lift is to gently pull back the skin directly above the eyebrows to see if this improves your appearance or not. If you find that this action opens up your eye area and eliminates much of the excess skin around your brows, then a forehead lift could be right for you.

Reasons To Consider Brow Surgery

People who come in for a consultation often complain that they have a permanently sad or angry expression, or that the dropping skin around their upper eyelids is making it harder for them to effectively apply makeup. Problems of this nature may seem superficial to some but can significantly harm a person’s self esteem. If you are bothered by your appearance and wish to look younger and more refreshed, this is enough reason to schedule a consultation.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for this Procedure?

If you are in good overall health and a non-smoker, there is normally no reason that you can’t undergo a procedure of this nature. The reason being a non-smoker is important is because this habit can impede the recovery process. During your consultation, your medical history will be reviewed, as well as any medications you are currently taking. If there is any reason at all why surgery is not recommended at this time, you will be advised at the consultation.

Having Realistic Expectations

In addition to being healthy enough to undergo surgery, we also look for signs that the patient is emotionally and psychologically prepared to undergo a procedure of this nature. Some people might have unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved with surgery. Yes, a forehead lift will make you look younger, but it will not dramatically alter your appearance or make you look the way you did when you were 20.

When a Less Invasive Treatment is Recommended

In some cases, it may be determined that a patient would benefit from a less invasive treatment such a thread lift.  Perhaps the signs of ageing are not yet that significant, or there are other reasons why a patient would not be a suitable candidate for surgery at this time.

A thread lift uses fine, barbed sutures to lift the sagging contours of the brow (and other parts of the face and neck if you wish). The threads are completely invisible beneath the skin. The effects will not be as significant or long-lasting as those achieved with a surgical brow lift, but can still produce excellent results when the signs of ageing are not too advanced.

What About Botox or Fillers?

Anti-ageing results can definitely be achieved on the forehead with a combination of Botox and fillers, but the results will not be the same as those that can be achieved with surgery. A patient who wishes to address forehead wrinkles can benefit from these treatments, but if they are looking for a lifted appearance and to bring the eyebrows back up to their original position, surgery will be recommended.

What to Expect Long-Term with Surgery

If you do opt for surgery, you can expect the results of a brow lift to last for up to 10 years. If you take very good care of your skin and stay out of the sun, these results can last even longer. While a surgical approach does require a longer recovery period, the benefit of being able to enjoy the results for much longer can be worth it for some patients.

Being Aware of Risks Associated with Surgery

While most patients experience positive results from a forehead lift, it is important to note that this is a surgery and with any surgery comes certain risks. While these risks are extremely rare, we ask all patients to be aware of potential complications, and to be very upfront with their practitioner about any health issues they have.

Finding the Best Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Sydney

If you are considering a brow lift or any other type of cosmetic procedure, finding a reputable clinic and an extremely skilled practitioner is absolutely essential. Contact us today at My Cosmetic Clinic in Sydney, NSW so that we can schedule a consultation and learn more about you and your beauty goals. We offer both surgical and non-invasive treatment options.