Brow Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, can restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance by elevating drooping eyebrows and smoothing lines across the forehead. Many people seek this procedure when they feel that their facial expression looks tired, angry, or sad. At Carolina Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform brow lift surgery with artistry and precision, focusing on natural-looking results that enhance facial balance and harmony.

What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is a cosmetic surgery designed to elevate the position of the eyebrows and reduce forehead wrinkles or creases between the brows. As we age, skin and soft tissues naturally lose elasticity, causing the brows to descend and the upper face to appear heavy or furrowed. A brow lift rejuvenates the area by gently tightening underlying muscles and lifting the skin to restore a smoother, more youthful expression.

The goal isn’t to change how you look; it’s to help you look more like yourself again. Patients often say they feel that their outside finally matches how youthful and energetic they feel on the inside.

Who Is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Ideal candidates for a brow lift are individuals who are in good overall health and wish to address signs of aging in the upper face, such as:

Sagging or low-positioned eyebrows
Deep horizontal forehead lines
Vertical frown lines between the eyebrows (“11” lines)
Excess skin causing heaviness above the eyes

Patients should also have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns, and recommend a personalized plan tailored to your goals.

What Does the Brow Lift Procedure Entail?

During brow lift surgery, your plastic surgeon carefully repositions the tissues of the forehead and brow to create a more lifted, rejuvenated appearance. The procedure typically involves making discreet incisions, often hidden along the hairline or within natural creases, to allow access for tightening muscles and smoothing the skin. Excess tissue may be adjusted or removed to refine the brow’s contour and soften lines across the forehead.

Brow lift surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia and takes about one to two hours, depending on your individual needs. Our surgeons are meticulous in their approach, placing incisions thoughtfully to minimize visible scarring and ensure that results look balanced and natural.

What Can I Expect in the Brow Lift Recovery?

Recovery after a brow lift varies depending on the technique used, but most patients are able to return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Some swelling and bruising are common during the first few days, often improving significantly after the first week. See below for a typical recovery timeline:

First few days: Mild discomfort, swelling, and tightness around the forehead.
Week 1–2: Stitches or staples (if present) may be removed. Bruising begins to fade.
Week 2–3: Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities.
After 4–6 weeks: Most swelling resolves, and final results begin to take shape.

Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably and optimize your results. While every patient heals differently, our team is committed to supporting you throughout your recovery and ensuring your outcome looks both natural and refined.

Can I Get a Brow Lift Without Surgery?

For those not ready for surgery or with mild brow sagging, BOTOX^® injections can offer a non-surgical lift or a “baby brow lift.” When injected strategically into the muscles that pull the brows downward, BOTOX^® Cosmetic relaxes those muscles, allowing the forehead muscles to gently elevate the brows and smooth wrinkles.

While results from BOTOX are temporary and subtle compared to a surgical brow lift, it can be an excellent way to refresh your look with minimal downtime. Many patients choose BOTOX^® Cosmetic to maintain their surgical results or to delay the need for surgery altogether.

How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?

A brow lift offers long-lasting rejuvenation, with many patients enjoying results that can last 10 years or more. While aging continues naturally, the repositioned tissues and tightened skin help maintain a smoother, lifted appearance for years to come. Protecting your skin from the sun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can further extend your results.

Complementary Procedures for Brow Lift Surgery

For more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a brow lift can be performed alongside other procedures such as:

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): To remove excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids for a refreshed eye area.
Facelift or neck lift: To address lower facial or neck laxity for a fully balanced rejuvenation.
Non-surgical treatments: Options like dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or skin tightening can further enhance your results.

Your surgeon will help you decide whether combining treatments may provide the most harmonious outcome for your goals.

Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation

A brow lift can help you look as vibrant and confident as you feel. At Carolina Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques and a compassionate approach to ensure every patient feels heard, understood, and cared for from consultation through recovery. To learn more about brow lift surgery or schedule your personal consultation, please contact our office today.