Cosmetic Upper Face Lift Surgery (Brow Lift)

Variations: The number of different cosmetic surgical approaches to achieve brow lift is large and include:

Coronal upper face lift, in which the scalp is cut ear to ear over the top of the head

Endoscopic forehead lift, in which the forehead is elevated through several incisions in the scalp

Temporal face lift, in which the incision is made in the temple and the outer portion of the eyebrow is lifted

Midforehead lift, in which the incision is placed along a wrinkle in the middle of the forehead

Direct brow lift, in which the incision is made above the eyebrow hair

Internal brow lift, in which the brow is lifted from within the blepharoplasty incision

Advantages: If the brow and forehead are drooping noticeably, eyelid surgery will not remedy the problem. If both brow and eyelid changes are present, both procedures may be performed.

Care and recovery: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are more pronounced than with blepharoplasty. Recovery is generally rapid, especially with endoscopic surgery skillfully performed.

Risks and complications: The most common complication is scarring. When performed through the hairline, scars are hidden but may become depressed and be associated with some loss of hair. If incisions are made in exposed skin, the scars may be noticeable and not well hidden by natural creases. Other less common complications include hematoma, nerve damage, excessive bruising and swelling, asymmetry, and scalp itching.

Comments: Unless you have facial paralysis or marked forehead droop from aging, lifting your forehead may change the normal layout of your face. When overdone, the look that is created is sometimes described as one of surprise.