Pre Operative Brow Lift Information

This page provides pre-operative information for patients preparing for brow lift surgery. A downloadable PDF version is available: Browlift Pre-Operative Information (PDF) →

All surgery carries risks — read the full browlift risks page →

About Brow Lift Surgery

A brow lift — also known as a forehead lift or browplasty — is a surgical procedure that addresses the position of the eyebrows and the overlying forehead skin. It may be considered where the brows have descended below their natural position with age, where forehead creases and glabellar (frown) lines are a concern, or where brow descent is contributing to a heavy appearance of the upper eyelids. Brow lift surgery is often performed alongside blepharoplasty or facelift where multiple concerns in the upper face are being addressed together. Whether surgery is appropriate for your circumstances is assessed individually at consultation.

Types of Brow Lift

Several techniques exist for performing a brow lift, each suited to different degrees of brow descent and patient anatomy. The appropriate technique is selected based on individual assessment at consultation.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

Small incisions (typically five) within the hairline allow an endoscope (a small camera) and surgical instruments to be inserted. The forehead skin and underlying tissues are elevated and the brow is secured in its repositioned position using sutures, small screws, or an absorbable fixation device. This approach is generally suited to mild-to-moderate brow descent. Scarring is minimal due to the small incisions within the hairline.

Coronal Brow Lift

A longer incision across the top of the scalp within the hair-bearing skin allows more extensive tissue elevation and the option to remove excess skin. This approach may be considered where the degree of brow descent is significant. Scarring is concealed within the scalp, though the incision is longer. Some patients experience scalp numbness following this approach, which may be temporary or permanent. This technique may raise the hairline, which can be a consideration for patients with a high forehead.

Lateral (Temporal) Brow Lift

Small incisions within the temporal hairline allow elevation of the outer portion of the brow. This approach is suited to patients whose primary concern is lateral (outer) brow descent. It has a more limited effect on the central forehead and medial brow.

Trichophytic (Hairline) Brow Lift

The trichophytic brow lift — also called a hairline brow lift or pretrichial brow lift — places the incision along the anterior hairline rather than within or behind it. The incision is carefully designed to follow the natural irregular edge of the hairline, with a bevelled technique that allows hair to grow through the scar and further conceal it over time. In most patients the healed scar becomes very difficult to detect at normal social distance, particularly once hair has regrown through it.

The key advantage of this approach over the coronal brow lift is that it does not raise the hairline — and can in fact lower it slightly, making it particularly well suited to patients with a long or high forehead who would be made worse by the hairline elevation that the coronal approach produces. It also allows direct access to the full forehead and glabellar region, enabling comprehensive correction of brow descent and forehead creases in a single approach.

The trichophytic incision does leave a scar at the hairline, and scar healing varies between individuals. Patients with a history of poor scar healing or who are very particular about the hairline appearance should discuss this with Dr Roth at consultation. It is generally not the preferred approach in patients with a low or average hairline who do not require hairline lowering, as the coronal or endoscopic approach will keep all scarring hidden within the scalp.

Direct Brow Lift

Incisions are made directly above the eyebrows, allowing precise removal of skin and lifting of the brow. This technique allows targeted correction and is sometimes used in patients with significant asymmetry, a high forehead, or where other approaches are not suitable. The incisions are more visible than hairline approaches and this is discussed at consultation.

The Procedure

Brow lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia. The type and location of incision depends on the chosen technique. The forehead skin is elevated and the underlying muscles and tissues are adjusted where appropriate. The brow is secured in its repositioned location using sutures or fixation devices. Incisions are closed with sutures or staples, which are removed at approximately seven to ten days.

Before Your Surgery

• Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay overnight — this is a requirement
• Arrange at least one to two weeks away from work
• Do not colour or chemically treat your hair within four weeks before or after surgery
• Arrive with clean hair, no styling products, no makeup, no jewellery
• Purchase post-operative medications in advance

Recovery

Risks

Brow lift surgery carries risks including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, changes in sensation (numbness or tingling of the forehead and scalp), hair loss along incision lines, and anaesthesia risks. Dr Roth will discuss all risks relevant to your circumstances at consultation. Read the full browlift risks page →

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