Forehead and Brow Lift (Browplasty or Forehead Rejuvenation)
Aging foreheads and eyebrows can have a dramatic impact on our facial expressions. When patients with sagging brows and creases in their foreheads come to Mount Sinai’s Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, they often tell us they feel like they not only look older, but also appear tired, worried and sometimes even angry.
The goal of a forehead and brow lift, also known as a browplasty or forehead rejuvenation) is to elevate the brow and restore a more youthful and long-lasting contour of the face. Our team of highly trained cosmetic surgeons focuses on creating a more natural, positive, and inviting facial expression.
About Forehead and Brow Lift Surgery
As we age, the muscles stretch and cause the eyebrows to drift downward. The skin and soft tissues also lose elasticity. This decreases the space between the eyebrows and eyelashes resulting in the formation of deep horizontal creases in the forehead. As the skin is tightened, the creases and deep grooves that often appear with age are softened.
During forehead and brow lift surgery, our surgeons elevate the brows and reposition the skin above the eyes, so it appears smoother. After surgery, patients report looking younger and more approachable and typically feel more self-confident.
Forehead and brow lift surgery is used to:
- Raise low or sagging brows
- Reduce furrows, creases, and wrinkles in the forehead area
- Repair brow asymmetry
- Remove excess skin above the eyes
- Offer a brighter and more alert appearance of the eyes
- Create a more feminine or masculine appearance for transgender patients
Combining Procedures: Eye Lift
Forehead and brow lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with an eye lift procedure. These two areas of the face are intimately related and often need to be addressed together in order to best achieve each patient’s goals. This procedure may also accompany cheek, chin or jaw implants, as well as a neck lift.
Types of Forehead and Brow Lift Procedures
At Mount Sinai, forehead and brow lift surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis at our private Ambulatory Surgery Center. We offer:
- Endoscopic forehead and brow lift: Unlike open procedures that use one large incision, in a minimally invasive approach, several small incisions are hidden within the hairline. Surgeons use specialized tools with small cameras to elevate and resuspend the brow. Patients aiming to minimize scarring often prefer this surgical approach.
- Open surgery techniques:
- Coronal forehead lift – This is the classic open surgical approach for forehead and brow lift. An incision is made from one ear to the other ear to remove a significant amount of tissue and skin. While scarring is not visible, it is more invasive compared to other techniques.
- Pretrichial brow lift/browplasty – In this technique, performed for cosmetic and functional purposes, the incision is hidden in or just in front of the hairline. It rejuvenates the forehead by trimming excess sagging skin and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues
Leaders in Endoscopic/Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Surgery
Whenever possible our cosmetic surgeons offer minimally invasive surgical options that reduce scarring and minimize tissue disruption. With access to Mount Sinai’s advanced operating rooms and state-of-the-art equipment, we remain on the cutting edge of advances in endoscopic surgery and offer the latest techniques available in the field.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery over open surgery include:
- Less anesthesia: most patients who have endoscopic brow lifts can tolerate the procedure with a local anesthetic.
- Shorter recovery time: endoscopic approaches only require a few days of rest, while open surgeries typically need one to two weeks of downtime. For many patients, recovery time is an inhibiting factor when deciding to have cosmetic surgery.
- Fewer complications: research shows that patients who opt for an endoscopic brow lift have less pain and a reduced risk of infection. When compared with open surgery, they have shorter hospital stays, take less time off work, and experience fewer complications.
Transgender Brow Lift
At Mount Sinai, our team of plastic surgeons specialize in forehead and brow lifting for transgender patients. Males and females have distinct facial features. In addition to improving the signs of aging, a brow lift can help transgender patients appear more masculine or feminine. For example, women typically have larger eyes and more distance between the eye and eyebrow than men. A brow lift may be part of a comprehensive transition plan or sexual reassignment surgery.
After Surgery: What to Expect
Forehead and brow lift surgery is generally well-tolerated. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, bruising, and dry eyes for about a week after surgery. Stiches are removed after one week, and reduction of swelling and bruising will depend on the type of surgery performed. Strenuous activities should be avoided for two weeks after surgery.
Cost of Forehead and Brow Lift Surgery
While cost is always a concern, insurance does not generally cover surgery or treatment that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. We provide patients with expected costs prior to any intervention.