Brow Lift

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

Brow Lift San Antonio, Austin, TX

A brow lift is a procedure, either surgical or non-surgical, that both elevates the eyebrows and smooths out wrinkles on the forehead to shape and rejuvenate the upper portion of the face.

Depending on your specific aesthetic goals, our team can create a customized facial treatment plan that gives you a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Schedule a consultation with one of the expert providers at Austin Plastic Surgeon to learn more about the brow lift process today!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call any of our Austin-area offices to get the information you need:

Before and After Photos

Brow Lift Before & After Patient #10440
Brow Lift Before & After Patient #10440
Brow Lift Before & After Patient #6721
Brow Lift Before & After Patient #6721
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About Brow Lifts

A brow lift is a procedure designed to elevate and reposition drooping brows. Modern brow lifts create a sculpted shape to the brows and forehead. The goal is no longer just lifting the brows, but shaping, sculpting, and rejuvenating the upper face. As we age, multiple factors such as gravity, genetics, and environmental factors can lead to sagging brows and deep forehead wrinkles. This can create a tired or unhappy expression that does not align with how the patient feels inside. By lifting and repositioning loose skin, your surgeon can correct sagging brows, smooth out deep frown lines, and restore a more youthful, and refreshed appearance to the eyes. Many individuals choose to undergo a brow lift to improve their self-image and boost their confidence. A refreshed appearance can help one feel more energetic and youthful.

The anatomy involved in a brow lift includes the skin, muscles, and soft tissues of the forehead region. The underlying muscles play a crucial role in facial expression, and as muscle tone diminishes over time, excess skin may create the appearance of heaviness above the eyes. (1) By undergoing a brow lift, patients can improve their quality of life and enhance their confidence.

Benefits

The expert surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon tailor each brow lift procedure to a patient’s unique needs. By receiving treatment with us, patients experience benefits like:

  • Reduction of forehead wrinkles: Smooth out vertical frown lines and horizontal wrinkles on the forehead.
  • Elevated brows: Restore the youthful position of the eyebrows that may have sagged over time.
  • Enhanced facial appearance: Achieve a more open and refreshed look, improving overall aesthetics.
  • Improved self-esteem: Many patients report an increase in confidence following surgery, feeling more aligned with their youthful self.
  • Long-lasting results: Results from a brow lift can last for many years, offering long-term benefits.
  • Versatility: The procedure can be combined with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for enhanced effects.
  • Less maintenance: Compared to non-surgical options, brow lifts require fewer follow-up treatments, particularly when compared to alternatives like Botox injections.
  • Tailored solutions: Different techniques offer personalized options based on individual anatomical characteristics and aesthetic goals.

Candidates

Candidates for a brow lift are often experiencing sagging eyebrows, prominent forehead furrows or frown lines, and other signs of aging above and around the eyes. Patients should be in good general health without any underlying conditions that could interfere with their treatment. Patients should also have realistic expectations for their results.

Personal Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with one of the expert surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon is an important first step in your brow lift treatment. This appointment provides you with the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether a brow lift is right for you. During your consultation, we will review your medical history, assess your brow and forehead, and thoroughly explain the various surgical (and non-surgical) options available to you. We believe in taking the time necessary to understand your goals and working together towards achieving your aesthetic aspirations, so we will encourage you to ask any questions you may have on your brow lift.

Preparation

Once your brow lift is scheduled, specific preparatory instructions will be provided. Following these instructions carefully will help maximize the safety and effectiveness of your procedure. You will be asked to avoid blood thinners and certain dietary supplements to prevent excessive bleeding. If you smoke, you will need to refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the procedure to promote better healing. You will need to plan for a recovery period that ensures you have sufficient time off from work and assistance at home if needed.

Procedure

Surgical Brow Lift

Classic (Coronal) Brow Lift

  • Procedure: Involves a single continuous incision across the top of the head, beginning at one ear and extending to the other. The incision is placed behind the hairline or at the hairline, depending on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
  • Ideal For:
  • Patients with deep forehead wrinkles, severe skin laxity, or a high/receding hairline.
  • Those seeking long-lasting results for significant brow sagging.
  • Pros:
  • Comprehensive lifting effect across the entire brow.
  • Long-lasting results (10+ years).
  • Cons:
  • Longer recovery time (2-4 weeks).
  • Potential for a visible scar, especially for patients with thin hair or receding hairlines.
  • Recovery:
  • Swelling and bruising typically subside within 10-14 days.
  • Return to light activities in 1-2 weeks; full recovery in 6 weeks.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

  • Procedure: Small, alternating 1-inch incisions are made along the hairline, and an endoscope (a thin camera) is used to reposition the brow tissues.
  • Ideal For:
  • Patients with mild to moderate brow sagging.
  • Those seeking a less invasive option with shorter recovery times.
  • Pros:
  • Minimal scarring due to small incisions.
  • Faster recovery (1-2 weeks).
  • Precise tissue adjustment with advanced technology.
  • Cons:
  • May not address severe sagging or deep wrinkles as effectively as a classic brow lift.
  • Recovery:
  • Bruising and swelling diminish in 7-10 days.
  • Return to normal activities within 7-10 days.

Minimally Invasive Brow Lift (Energy-Based Technologies)

Renuvion (J-Plasma) for Brow Lift

  • Procedure: Uses a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and lift skin in a minimally invasive manner. A small cannula is inserted beneath the skin to deliver energy, causing tissue contraction.
  • Ideal For:
  • Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity in the forehead and brow region.
  • Those seeking an alternative to surgery with minimal downtime.
  • Pros:
  • Tightens skin and stimulates collagen production for ongoing improvements.
  • Minimal scarring as incisions are very small.
  • Short procedure time (1-2 hours) and quick recovery (3-5 days).
  • Cons:
  • Results may not be as dramatic as surgical options.
  • Improvement is gradual, taking 6-12 months to fully appear.
  • Recovery:
  • Swelling and redness may last 3-5 days.
  • Resume light activities within a week.

Ultrasound and Radiofrequency-Based Skin Tightening

  • Technologies such as Sofwave (ultrasound) and RF microneedling can lift the brow by stimulating deeper layers of tissue.
  • Ideal For:
  • Younger patients with minimal sagging.
  • Those who prefer non-invasive treatments.
  • Results:
  • Typically appear gradually over 2-3 months and last 12-18 months.
  • Pros:
  • No incisions, downtime, or recovery.
  • Can delay the need for surgical intervention.
  • Cons:
  • Results are less dramatic compared to surgical lifts.
  • Multiple sessions may be needed.

Non-Surgical Brow Lift

Botox or Dysport Injections

  • Procedure: Neurotoxin injections relax the muscles pulling the brows downward, creating a lifted appearance.
  • Ideal For:
  • Patients with minimal brow sagging or early signs of aging.
  • Those seeking a quick, non-invasive treatment.
  • Pros:
  • Results appear within 3-5 days; full effect in 2 weeks.
  • Quick procedure with no downtime.
  • Cons:
  • Temporary results (last 3-6 months).
  • Requires maintenance injections.
  • Recovery:
  • No recovery period; patients can return to daily activities immediately.

Dermal Fillers

  • Procedure: Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected under the brow to lift and contour the area, creating the illusion of a brow lift.
  • Ideal For:
  • Patients with volume loss in the brow region.
  • Those seeking subtle, temporary improvement.
  • Pros:
  • Immediate results with minimal discomfort.
  • Quick, in-office procedure with no downtime.
  • Cons:
  • Results last 6-12 months.
  • Cannot address skin laxity or deep wrinkles.
  • Recovery:
  • Minor swelling or bruising resolves within a few days.

Patient Considerations

When choosing a brow lift method, patients should consider:

  • The severity of Brow Sagging: Surgical options are better for severe sagging, while injections or energy-based options work for mild to moderate laxity.
  • Recovery Time: Surgical procedures require longer recovery, whereas non-surgical and energy-based options allow for immediate or quick return to daily activities.
  • Desired Longevity of Results: Surgical methods provide the most long-lasting results, whereas non-surgical options require maintenance.

By offering a wide range of options from traditional surgery to cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments, patients can choose the approach that best aligns with their goals, lifestyle, and recovery preferences.

Recovery

With brow lift surgery, the recovery time is longer than with injections. After a Botox or Dysport injection, patients can essentially immediately return to their daily activities. With surgery, recovery can take 4-6 weeks.

Immediately after your brow lift, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member since you will still be under the effects of anesthesia. You may be instructed to use a cold compress to reduce swelling. During the second and third days, you may feel a throbbing pain around the incision site and have some bruising. This can be mitigated with pain medications prescribed by your Austin Plastic Surgeon provider. After the first few days, your surgeon may ask you to clean your incisions and wear a headband. Your eyebrows may appear too high, but they will relax over the next few weeks.

After the first two weeks, your bruising and swelling should be improved. Around 3-4 weeks, most of your numbness and swelling will have subsided. You may feel a prickly sensation, but this will fade over the next few months. At this stage, you should be able to return to work and resume moderate physical activity. About 6-8 weeks after your surgery, you should be able to see your final results.

Results

The results of your brow lift depend on the method you choose. Surgery will provide longer-lasting results. Following either a classic or endoscopic brow lift procedure, you can expect an elevated, youthful eyebrow position, a reduction in the appearance of forehead lines, decreased eyebrow sagging, and more. Surgical corrections will last around 10-12 years.

Injections will provide similarly impactful results, but they will not be as significant or long-lasting. Patients will enjoy a smoother forehead, an elevated brow position, and a significantly refreshed facial appearance.

Cost of Brow Lifts in Austin

The cost of a brow lift varies widely among patients based on the technique employed, anesthesia required, and any additional procedures performed. Our brow lift procedures start at $6,000 but can increase to $10,000. Each patient’s procedure is different, and their price will be determined based on their goals. At your consultation, we will provide an accurate cost estimate tailored specifically to your case.

If you would like to learn more about our pricing, please explore our plastic surgery procedure pricing page. If you have any other questions about treatments, preparation, scheduling a consultation, or anything else, please do not hesitate to call any of our Austin-area offices and get the information you need.

FAQ

Does a brow lift result in scarring?

Both a classic and an endoscopic brow lift will produce scars. However, since the incisions are either on the scalp or along the hairline, they will be nearly invisible. At first, the scars will appear a dark pink color and be slightly raised. Over time, they will flatten out and change to a light pink. To help minimize the appearance of scars, make sure to avoid excessive sun exposure.

How long do the results of a brow lift last?

Results can vary, but the results of a surgical brow lift typically last between 10-12 years. Taking proper care of your skin will prolong these results.

Can I combine a brow lift with other procedures?

Yes, brow lifts are often done alongside eyelid surgery, facelifts, and other aesthetic enhancements.

When can I return to work after a surgical brow lift?

Most patients return to work within 10 to 14 days post-procedure, varying on individual healing speeds.

References

  1. Raggio BS, Winters R. Endoscopic Brow Lift. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545220/
  2. Bahmani Kashkouli M, Karimi N, Sianati H, Khademi B. Techniques of Eyebrow Lifting: A Narrative Review. Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research. Published online April 6, 2020. doi:https://doi.org/10.18502/jovr.v15i2.6740