Brow and Forehead Lift
Whereas a face lift can improve jowling and sagging of the lower face, a brow lift is the procedure that improves hooding of the upper outer corners of the eyes and sagging of the brow and forehead region. A brow lift is different from an upper eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, which is a procedure used to trim excess eyelid skin or fat. A brow lift is in fact a lift of the entire upper third of the face. Brow lifts are commonly combined with upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, fat grafting, and with face lift and neck lift procedures.
Before & after brow lift (forehead lift) and upper blepharoplasty by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary
How does the upper face age?
The brow and the forehead are often the first region to show signs of aging. Drooping of the forehead creates a heaviness and hooding most noticed in the upper outer corners of the eyes. The droopy brow crowds the space between the brow and the upper eyelid crease (red line), giving a heavy and tired look to the eyes.
What can a brow lift achieve?
By repositioning the brow to a more natural position, the eyes will appear larger and less tired. A number of brow lifting techniques exist to improve the appearance of the aging forehead and brow region. These include the coronal brow lift, the hairline or trichophytic brow lift, the mid-forehead lift, the direct brow lift, and the endoscopic brow lift. Choosing the optimal procedure depends on many factors including hair-style, density of hair, position of the hair-line, and presence of frown lines. Dr. Naficy is experienced in all modern techniques of brow lifting and custom tailors the procedures to the needs of each patient. After a brow lift, the eyes appear less heavy and more open.
Brow lift (forehead lift), lower blepharoplasty, and fat grafting by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow Lift Photo Gallery
You may wish to browse through the gallery of representative before and after brow lift pictures. Click on any of the thumbnails to enter the slide show. All procedures were performed by Dr. Sam Naficy and some patients may have had more than one surgical procedure performed. The text accompanying the photos describes the details of the procedures performed.
* Individual results may vary.
What procedures may be combined with a brow lift?
Brow lifts can be performed as a standalone procedure or be combined with a number of other facial procedures. Some of the more common combinations involving brow lifts include:
- Brow lift with upper eyelid lift and/or lower eyelid lift
- Brow lift with fat grafting
- Brow lift with face lift and/or neck lift
- Brow lift with laser resurfacing
Brow lift together with Eyelid surgery
There are some scenarios where a both brow lift and eyelid lift need to be perfromed together to get the best outcome. In these situations there is a combination of hooding in the upper outer corners as well as excess fold of skin above the crease of the eyelid.
Brow lift (forehead lift) and upper blepharoplasty by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow lift as part of a Full Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
There are many scenarios in which a brow lift (forehead lift) is performed as part of a complete facial rejuvenation procedure which includes the upper and lower eyelids, a face and neck lift, as well as fat grafting to the face.
Brow lift (forehead lift), upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, fat grafting, face & neck lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow lift (forehead lift), lower blepharoplasty, fat grafting, face & neck lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow lift and Fat Grafting
Brow lift and facial fat grafting also make a very good combination for rejuvenation of the upper face and upper cheeks. This is a very common combination for younger patients in their mid 40's who are starting to have heavier brows and losing some volume from their cheeks.
Brow lift (forehead lift) and fat grafting by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow lift and Laser Resurfacing
Combination of a brow lift (forehead lift) and laser skin resurfacing is ideal for patients with droppy eyebrows who also have significant aging of facial skin, facial skin wrinkles, and sun damage. The laser resurfacing can be performed on the whole face or only on select regions.
Brow lift (forehead lift), fat grafting, and laser resurfacing of the full face by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Forehead Reduction (Shortening) with a Brow lift
Brow lift surgery can be done in a manner that can help shorten the height of the forehead in patients with high foreheads. This is a type of brow lift called a pretrichial forehead lift.
Brow lift (forehead lift) and forehead reduction by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow lift (forehead lift) and forehead reduction by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Brow lifts in Men
Endoscopic Brow lift (endoscopic forehead lift) and upper eyelid lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Endoscopic Brow lift (endoscopic forehead lift), upper and lower eyelid lift, and face/neck lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
What type of anesthesia is used?
A number of anesthesia options are available and your anesthesia provider will discuss with you which one is most appropriate for your health status and procedure. Some procedures require general anesthesia, while others may be done with IV sedation. With either, your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen levels are monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider.
General anesthesia means that you are completely asleep for surgery and the placement of an intravenous line and a breathing tube is required. Frequently, numbing medication is also placed during surgery by your surgeon.
IV sedation is also called “monitored anesthesia care” or MAC. This involves receiving sedation and pain medication through an intravenous line (IV). At the beginning of the procedure, when you will be the sleepiest, your surgeon will be placing numbing medication in the area of the surgery. Once the area is numb you will require less sedation and pain medication but you will continue to receive enough medication to keep you sedated and comfortable during the entire procedure. During your surgery you may be receiving oxygen. Airway devices may be placed during IV sedation to keep you breathing normally.
Anesthesia guidelines [21kb PDF]
What is the recovery like?
There may be some tightness of the head for the first 1-2 days after the surgery. Discoloration and swelling around the eyes will typically improve over 5-7 days. Most patients are able to return to work and social activities by 2 weeks after surgery but individual recovery times vary.
Post-operative care instructions [17kb PDF]
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering this procedure we encourage you to complete this Surgical Consultation Intake Form. Dr. Naficy will tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure and inform you of the potential risks of the procedure. There is great variety in brow shape, hairline height, and forehead features so that each procedure must be custom tailored for the best possible result. You will also have a chance to view before and after photo albums of his patients who have undergone procedures similar to what you are considering.
