Brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, can be used to:
- Eliminate horizontal lines and creases from the forehead
- Smooth the space in between the eyebrows
- Lift the brows into a more alert position
Ideal for some patients on its own, brow lift is commonly combined with procedures such as facelift or blepharoplasty to produce a noticeably softer, less intense, and more youthful appearance.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your forehead and would like more information about the brow lift procedure, please call Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery at 650-934-7020 to schedule your initial consultation.
Forehead Lift Options
There are two primary brow lift techniques:
- Corneal brow lift - the corneal brow lift requires an incision just behind the hairline, from ear to ear. This allows for maximum lift and the most noticeable results, making it best for people with pronounced creases and heavily sagging brows. Historically, this technique has been the most common.
- Endoscopic brow lift - the endoscopic brow lift is completed through several tiny incisions made just above the hairline. Using an endoscope and special surgical equipment, the brow and underlying tissue are gently lifted during this procedure to smooth skin and lift eyebrows.
Small modifications can be made to either technique to allow for personal factors such as receding hairlines. During your initial consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, we can discuss this in more detail to help you plan appropriately for your forehead lift.
Brow Lift Candidates
To be a good candidate for a brow lift, you will need to be in generally good health. This includes not smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be required to quit all nicotine products at least six weeks prior to surgery. Nicotine is a vascular constrictor; even smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes increase risks for delayed healing, infection, and thick, noticeable scars.
In addition to being a nonsmoker in generally good health, ideal forehead lift candidates should be:
- Aware of all potential risks and complications
- Prepared to take time off to rest
- Able to take time from work, family, and social responsibilities
- Willing to follow all of our pre and post-operative instructions
We will provide you with all of the information and tools needed to recover comfortably and safely. Failure to follow our directions increases risks for complications and may result in unsatisfactory results.
The best candidates for any plastic surgery procedures are people who are willing to take all appropriate steps to protect their health and happiness before, during, and after their procedure.
During your initial consultation at our Los Altos office, we will listen carefully to your concerns before fully assessing all of your problem areas. As we plan your procedure, we will also provide you with information on how to prepare, including how to make a comfortable space for recovery to help you make the most of your experience.
Does a Brow Lift require anesthesia?
Most brow lift procedures can be performed under local anesthesia and will not require general sedation. We offer different brow lift procedures, enabling us to customize each one – including the amount and type of anesthesia used – to help ensure each patient remains comfortable and safe during their procedure. 
How long does a Corneal Brow Lift procedure take?
Corneal brow lift requires an incision from ear to ear, just behind the hairline. Through this incision, underlying tissue can be lifted and skin can be smoothed to produce dramatic results.
It typically takes between one to two hours to complete a corneal brow lift procedure.
How long does an Endoscopic Brow Lift procedure take?
Endoscopic brow lift surgery requires several small incisions be made just above the hairline. Through these, an endoscope is used to gently lift tissue and smooth the skin.
Results from an endoscopic brow lift will not be as pronounced as a corneal brow lift, but the procedure is less invasive and requires a shorter recovery period. Operation time is, however, very similar to other brow lift procedures.
The endoscopic brow lift technique usually takes around one to two hours to complete.
What is the recovery process like for a Brow Lift procedure?
There will be some swelling and bruising after forehead lift. These things will subside on their own over the course of two to three weeks. Some discomfort may be present during the initial recovery period. We will provide you with medications to help deal with any discomfort.
Most people take ten to 14 days to recover at home before resuming non-strenuous undertakings. It may be four to six weeks before you are able to resume all normal activities. We will work with you during this time to make sure you are making the best decisions for optimal results. 
How long after a Forehead lift will I see my results?
Your results will be noticeable as soon as swelling and bruising subside. You can hasten this outcome by carefully following all of our pre and postoperative instructions.
While initial results are almost instant, it may take six or more months for incisions to heal and fade. This is the point at which your results will be finalized.
How long will my Forehead lift results last?
Results from a brow lift can be expected to last up to ten years, but there are some caveats. Sun exposure, tobacco use, poor diet, and similar skin-damaging issues can undo your results quickly. The best way to maintain your results for a decade or more is through proper skin care and healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
A brow lift can reverse the impact ageing has had on your forehead. It cannot stop or even slow the ageing process. Gravity, genetics, and the life you lead all play a role in how your body will respond to a forehead lift. During your time in our care, we will provide you with personalized recommendations to help you maintain your results for the longest amount of time possible.
Why Choose Us
Every single surgeon at Altos Oaks is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means that all of our surgeons have completed the additional training, residencies, fellowships, and testing required by this nationally recognized certifying board - enabling us to better protect your health and happiness. Further steps towards these ends include only performing procedures in AAAHC accredited surgical facilities where qualified medical professionals are on hand to monitor and assist our surgeons as needed.
Caring, professional, highly trained, and trusted, our board-certified plastic surgeons are here to guide you towards the best procedure and to provide you the information you need to make the right decisions for your body.
Please call us at 650-934-7020 to schedule a consultation at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery. We serve the South Bay area, including Palo Alto, San Jose, Mountain View, and Santa Clara.