What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that elevates drooping eyebrows, smooths forehead wrinkles, and softens frown lines between the brows. By repositioning the tissues of the upper face, a brow lift restores a more open, refreshed look—especially around the eyes.
As we age, the brow naturally descends, creating a heavy or tired appearance. A brow lift helps lift and reshape this area to restore facial balance and improve self-confidence. Depending on the technique, the procedure can also subtly influence the hairline, eyelid appearance, and temple contour.
Your expression matters.
A heavy or sagging brow can make you look tired or upset—even when you’re not. A brow lift isn’t about changing how you look, but revealing the openness and energy that’s already there.
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Surgical Techniques
Several brow lift methods are available, each suited to different facial structures, aging patterns, and goals. The choice of technique depends on factors such as hairline position, skin elasticity, and muscle strength.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
This modern technique uses tiny incisions hidden in the hairline and a small camera to lift the brow tissues from underneath. The surgeon repositions muscles and secures the brow using internal sutures or anchors. It involves minimal scarring, less downtime, and faster recovery.
Ideal for:
- Patients in their 40s–60s with mild to moderate brow descent
- Good skin elasticity
- Patients who want a subtler, natural-looking lift
Note: Endoscopic lifts may not be sufficient for patients with severe sagging or deep forehead lines. Results generally last 5 to 10 years, depending on individual aging.
Coronal (Open) Brow Lift
This traditional technique involves a longer incision across the top of the head, behind the hairline. The surgeon lifts and removes excess skin and adjusts underlying muscles. It provides powerful and long-lasting correction.
Ideal for:
- Patients with advanced aging signs
- Low or average hairlines
- Strong forehead creases and muscle activity
Caution: This technique may raise the hairline. Longevity can exceed 10 to 15 years, especially with good skin quality and stable weight.
Hairline Brow Lift
Similar to the coronal lift, but the incision is placed directly along the hairline. This allows the brow to be lifted without raising the forehead height, making it ideal for patients with a naturally long forehead.
Note: Scarring is minimal and often fades well, but may be visible in patients with thin hair or high contrast between skin and hair color.
Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift
A limited-incision lift focusing on the outer third of the brow. It’s often used to subtly elevate drooping temples and soften crow’s feet.
Ideal for:
- Early sagging of the lateral brow
- Maintenance or touch-ups after previous lifts
- Combination with blepharoplasty
Longevity is more modest—often around 5 years—but recovery is faster.
Direct and Midbrow Lifts
These less common methods involve placing the incision directly above the brow or within a forehead crease. They are typically reserved for:
- Male patients with thick brows and prominent creases
- Those requiring asymmetry correction
They produce visible scars and are used selectively. Numbness around the scar area is more common.
Browpexy (Internal Brow Lift)
Performed through an upper eyelid incision during blepharoplasty, this technique lifts the brow using internal sutures without external incisions. It offers mild elevation and is often used for subtle corrections.
Compare Techniques with Real Experts
Whether you’re considering endoscopic, coronal, or lateral lift methods, speak to a provider who can guide you.
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Complementary Procedures
Brow lifts are often performed alongside:
- Upper blepharoplasty – for eyelid hooding or drooping
- Botox – to relax frown lines post-surgery
- Facelift – to address the lower face
Combining procedures ensures harmonious results across the full face.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Drooping eyebrows or hooded upper eyelids
- Deep horizontal forehead lines
- “Angry” frown lines between the brows
- Good general health and realistic expectations
Not ideal for:
- People with high-set brows (may not want further elevation)
- Very strong frontalis muscle tone (may result in asymmetry)
A consultation with a qualified surgeon will assess skin elasticity, bone structure, muscle activity, and personal goals.
Not sure if it’s right for you?
The best way to know for sure is to speak with a qualified plastic surgeon.
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Anesthesia Options
Most brow lifts are performed under:
- General anesthesia – especially for open or combined lifts
- Local anesthesia with sedation – sometimes used for endoscopic or lateral lifts
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery depends on the technique used, but most patients follow this general timeline:
- Days 1–3: Swelling, tightness, and mild bruising. Sleep with head elevated.
- Week 1: Sutures removed. Light activity may resume.
- Weeks 2–3: Bruising fades. Many return to social activities.
- Weeks 4–6: Resume exercise and normal routines.
- Months 3–6: Final results settle in.
Some itching or scalp numbness may last several weeks, particularly after coronal or hairline lifts. Scars are usually well-hidden in the hairline or natural folds.
Risks and Safety
When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, brow lifts are considered safe. Still, all surgery carries some risks.
- Infection
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Scarring or hair loss at incision sites
- Asymmetry or unsatisfactory results
- Temporary or permanent numbness
Complication trends by technique (from 2022 review):
- Hairline lift → highest revision rate (7.4%)
- Endoscopic lift → highest rate of hair loss (2.8%)
- Temporal lift → highest asymmetry (1.5%)
- Direct lift → highest numbness (5.5%)
Careful technique and patient selection minimize risks.
Longevity of Results
Results vary by technique, skin quality, and aging. In general:
- Coronal and hairline lifts: 10–15 years or more
- Endoscopic lifts: 5–10 years
- Temporal / browpexy: around 5 years
Aging continues after surgery, but the improvement “resets the clock.”
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Maintaining results:
- Daily SPF and skincare
- Healthy weight
- Maintenance treatments (e.g. Botox)
Brow Lift Pricing in Belgium
Prices vary by clinic, technique, and surgeon. Typical ranges:
- Temporal brow lift: €2,000 – €3,500
- Endoscopic lift: €3,000 – €4,500
- Hairline or coronal lift: €4,000 – €6,500
- Combined facelift + brow lift: €6,500 – €9,000+
Always ask for a detailed quote and make sure it includes facility, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
