Brow Lift

A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is designed to lift sagging brows and correct “frown lines” — the vertical wrinkles that form when your brow is furrowed. As men and women age, support for the upper face often weakens and causes the eyebrows to droop from their original position. This can make you look older or more displeased than you actually feel. A brow lift can be a helpful solution to rejuvenate the upper face and provide a brighter, more youthful look. The procedure can also contribute to a friendlier resting expression, since deep frown lines can create an impression of seriousness or anger.

Dr. David Bottger, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, can help determine whether a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or other cosmetic treatments can address your concerns for the best possible results. Schedule your consultation today by calling 610-227-6121 and start your journey to a more beautiful you.

What Concerns Can Be Treated with a Brow Lift?

Brow lift surgery addresses the upper-third of the face, excluding the eyelids. If indications of aging mainly affect your upper or lower eyelids, blepharoplasty is typically the ideal procedure to provide the best possible results. Alternatively, both surgeries are often combined for patients who would like to achieve a more comprehensive, harmonious outcome. A brow lift can generally:

While highly effective in refreshing the upper face, a brow lift still has its limitations and cannot treat sagging skin in the lower face. Fortunately, Dr. Bottger also performs facelift surgery to improve jowls and loose tissue along the neck and jawline, allowing you to appear more youthful without sacrificing results that look natural.

How is the Brow Lift Procedure Performed?

A brow lift can be completed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether or not multiple procedures will be performed. There are two main techniques to perform a brow lift:

• Open Technique: The open technique involves an incision of variable length made behind the hairline, through which the brow is lifted and anchored in place.
• Endoscopic Technique: The endoscopic technique is more advanced and results in less scarring, making it Dr. Bottger’s preferred method. In this technique, a few small incisions are made behind the hairline and an endoscope is inserted while the forehead is lifted.

Generally, brow lifts are performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to stay overnight at the hospital. If you are having multiple procedures performed at once, however, it may be recommended that you stay overnight.

Although the endoscopic technique is favored by Dr. Bottger, not everyone is a candidate for this type of brow lift. Dr. Bottger will examine you carefully, listen to your concerns and goals, and let you know which type of brow lift would best achieve your goals.

What is Recovery From a Brow Lift Like?

Immediately following surgery, the head will be wrapped in a bandage. This bandage is removed the next day and no further bandages are required. You can wash your hair and shower after the bandages are removed. Small staples are used to close the incisions, and these are usually removed after one week.
After a brow lift, you will experience some swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes. This should resolve within 10 to 14 days. Sleeping with your head elevated will help manage the swelling and you should refrain from strenuous activity during this time.

You may experience some pain after your surgery, but it should be easily managed with the medication Dr. Bottger will prescribe. In addition, you may experience some numbness of the scalp, which should resolve over several months.

Scarring should be minimal and well-concealed behind the hairline. There is always a risk of unfavorable scarring, but Dr. Bottger has years of experience performing brow lifts and creating the most minimal, well-hidden scarring possible.

How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?

Although the natural aging process will continue, the results of a brow lift tend to last indefinitely. Thanks to the rejuvenation provided by a brow lift, patients should always look more youthful than individuals of the same age who did not undergo the procedure. That said, the brow may eventually begin to exhibit mild signs of aging after so many years. In general, the best way to preserve your brow lift results is preventative skin maintenance, such as:

• Wearing sunscreen and skin protection on a daily basis
• Using high-quality skincare products to protect your skin health
• Receiving facials, chemical peels, and other non-surgical touch-up treatments every so often

If you begin to notice wrinkles and creases reappearing in the brow, our Philadelphia office also offers injectables to improve volume loss, expression lines, and other signs of aging. Depending on which product is utilized to rejuvenate the brow, results can last many months and help you prolong the longevity of your brow lift.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

Brow lift costs vary from patient to patient since the details of each person’s treatment plan differ. Rest assured that you will receive a personalized quote unique to your needs after your consultation. Factors that can affect brow lift costs include:

• The extent of your concerns
• The surgical technique used (open vs. endoscopic surgery)
• The overall complexity of the procedure
• Whether other procedures are being performed simultaneously

We invite you to ask about our financing options, which include plans accepted through CareCredit^® for qualified patients. After being approved, CareCredit^® offers short- and long-term payment plans to accommodate virtually any budget. Please don’t hesitate to contact our practice if you have any questions about the cost of a brow lift.

Can I Combine a Brow Lift with Complementary Treatments?

Brow lifts are often combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) procedures for a complete rejuvenation of the eye area. If you are interested in rejuvenating the entire face, a brow lift can also be combined with a facelift or cheek lift. Other treatments that can be combined with a brow lift include BOTOX^® Cosmetic or dermal fillers. These non-surgical, injectable treatments can help resolve wrinkles and volume loss for more comprehensive results.

If you are thinking about a brow lift to create a more youthful appearance, call Dr. Bottger today at 610-227-6121 to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in Philadelphia, Newtown Square, and other nearby areas of Pennsylvania.