A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure to raise the brows.

A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure to raise the brows. It's also known as a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation. A brow lift improves the appearance of the forehead, the brow a

Overview

A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure to raise the brows. It's also known as a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation. A brow lift improves the appearance of the forehead, the brow and the area around the eyes. The procedure involves raising the soft tissue and skin of the forehead and brow.

You might choose to have a brow lift if you have a low, sagging brow or uneven brows. A brow lift might also boost your self-confidence.

A brow lift can be done alone or with other facial procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a face-lift.

Why it's done

Aging typically causes the brows to move down. Skin and soft tissues lose the ability to snap back into place after being stretched. This causes the distance between the eyebrows and eyelashes to shorten.

The lower position of the eyebrows can make you look tired, angry or sad. A brow lift can raise the eyebrows and may provide a refreshed appearance.

You might consider a brow lift if you have a low or sagging brow that's contributing to sagging upper eyelids.

Risks

A brow lift poses several risks, including:

• Scarring. Scarring might be visible after a brow lift.
• Changes in skin sensation. A brow lift can cause temporary or permanent numbness on the forehead or top of the scalp.
• Asymmetry in the position of the brows. A brow lift can result in uneven brows (asymmetry), with one or both eyebrows appearing too high. However, asymmetry may even out during the healing process. Persistent brow shape or position problems can be treated with injections such as Botox or through additional surgery.
• Hair problems. A brow lift can cause an elevated hairline or hair loss at the incision site. If hair loss doesn't resolve on its own, it can be treated with a procedure to remove part of the scalp experiencing hair loss or using a hair graft.

Like any other type of major surgery, a brow lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and a reaction to anesthesia.