Brow Lift

A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, repositions the eyebrows to a higher, more balanced position. It can reduce the appearance of brow droop that may contribute to hooding of the upper eyelids and forehead lines. The procedure may be planned alone or combined with upper eyelid surgery depending on anatomy and goals.

Not all upper eyelid heaviness comes from the brow. A specialist evaluation helps determine whether your concerns are driven by brow descent, excess eyelid skin, ptosis or a combination, which affects the safest plan.

Benefits depend on anatomy, technique and healing. A consultation is needed to confirm what is realistic.

• Elevated brow position: improving brow height and shape in selected cases
• More open upper eye area: reducing heaviness from brow descent
• Smoother forehead lines: softening some forehead and frown line appearance
• Better symmetry: addressing uneven brow height when anatomy allows

Brow lifts should be planned conservatively to maintain a natural expression and avoid an over lifted appearance.

A brow lift may be considered for patients with brow descent that affects appearance or contributes to upper eyelid hooding. Only a qualified specialist can confirm eligibility after an examination and review of your health history.

• Brow descent: low brow position or asymmetry that aligns with your concerns
• Stable expectations: preference for a natural result and understanding of scarring and healing
• General health: medically fit for anesthesia and surgery
• Travel readiness: ability to stay in country for early incision checks and travel clearance

Some factors require extra planning, such as a history of poor scarring, bleeding disorders, certain neurologic conditions or significant eye dryness. Your surgeon will advise based on your assessment.

Several techniques can lift the brows. The best approach depends on your anatomy, hairline position, degree of lift needed and whether frown muscles are being addressed. Your surgeon should explain scar placement and expected recovery.

Steps vary by technique and whether the brow lift is combined with other procedures. Your surgeon should explain incision placement, tissue repositioning and the follow up schedule.

Brow lifts are often performed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia depending on the technique and whether other procedures are combined. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history and confirm the safest option for you.

Discomfort is commonly described as tightness, forehead pressure, headache like sensation and scalp tenderness. Bruising and swelling can extend around the eyes. Your team should provide a symptom management plan and clear warning signs that require urgent review.

Preparation for a brow lift abroad includes medical readiness and a travel timeline that supports early incision checks. Planning is especially important if the incision is in the scalp or along the hairline, because wound care and swelling management affect comfort.

• Medical review: share your medication list, allergies and any bleeding or clotting history
• Smoking and nicotine: nicotine can impair wound healing and increase complication risk
• Medication guidance: some medicines and supplements increase bleeding risk and should be reviewed by a clinician
• Hair and scalp planning: ask about shampooing timing, hair styling limitations and incision care
• Travel planning: allow time for early checks, suture or staple care if used and clearance to fly

Do not start or stop medications without guidance from your treating clinicians.

Timelines vary by technique and whether other procedures are combined. Your surgeon will confirm follow up timing and when it is reasonable to fly.

Recovery depends on technique and individual healing. Swelling and bruising are common early and usually improve over weeks, while scar maturation continues for months.

After returning home, aftercare focuses on incision care, swelling management and protecting the brow and scalp area. Your team should provide clear written instructions and a plan for remote check ins.

• Incision care: gentle cleaning and shampooing as directed and avoiding scratching the scalp
• Swelling management: head elevation and activity limits until cleared
• Sun protection: protecting incision areas from sun exposure to support scar healing
• Remote follow ups: photo reviews can help monitor healing and brow symmetry

Seek urgent local care if you develop fever, increasing redness, drainage, worsening pain, sudden severe swelling or vision changes and notify your surgical team.

A brow lift is a common facial procedure, but it still carries risks. Your surgeon should explain your specific risk profile and how complications are managed.

• Common and expected: swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness or tingling in the scalp
• Possible complications: infection, bleeding, visible scarring, asymmetry, hairline changes, hair thinning near incisions
• Nerve related risks: temporary or less commonly persistent weakness or altered sensation
• Less common but serious: significant bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, need for revision surgery

Careful technique, conservative planning and follow ups reduce risk, but no outcome can be guaranteed.

For brow lift surgery, international patients often look for surgeons with facial anatomy expertise, facilities that support safe anesthesia and a clear plan for early incision checks and suture or staple care before returning home. Coordination matters because bruising and swelling can affect comfort and because follow ups help ensure safe healing.