A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, reduces wrinkle lines, improves frown lines and raises sagging brows.

A forehead lift minimizes the creases that develop across the forehead or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, improves frown lines, and repositions low or sagging eyebrows. A forehead lift may also be combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), but unlike eyelid surgery alone, a forehead lift offers a more youthful appearance of the eyebrows and a more rested appearance of the upper face and eyes.

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift:

• Reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes
• Improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows
• Raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids
• Places the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position

Other cosmetic procedures that may be performed with a brow lift include:

• Upper and or lower eyelid tucks
• Face lifting
• Skin resurfacing techniques

You may be a candidate for brow lift surgery if you:

• Are physically healthy
• Don't smoke
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals

As we age, unsightly wrinkle lines may appear on the forehead. Frown lines between the brows can make us look angry or "too serious." Skin relaxation may cause the eyebrows to drop, hooding our upper eyelids and making us look tired. If you are bothered by these signs of aging in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you.

Preparing for your forehead lift may include:

• Lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications
• Stopping smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements due to increased bleeding.

During your brow lift recovery, your forehead may be taped and your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising after the procedure is completed.

A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site and drains
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

You should keep your head elevated and perform no vigorous physical activity for as long as your surgeon recommends. Do not use ice or heat on the operated area.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

• What medication will I need after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

Brow lift surgery recovery time

Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures or clips will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after two weeks.

Cosmetics can help camouflage any bruising.

Even though you will look presentable to the public, you will find that the healing will continue for several weeks, as the swelling dissipates and incision lines refine and fade. It may take several months for your complete recovery.

Following your physician's instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.

It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

The results of your brow lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your surgery will appear over the next few months.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing sun damage. A healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the surgery will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of a brow lift are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

All surgical procedures carry some risk.

The risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

During your brow lift consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your goals for your appearance
• Your complete medical history
• Your current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use

Your brow lift surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any risk factors
• Discuss your options
• Examine and measure different parts of your face
• Take photographs
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of brow lift surgery and any potential complications

In preparing for brow lift surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other supplements as they can increase bleeding

Use this checklist as a guide during your brow lift consultation:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my brow lift surgery?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?