Brow Lift
Brow lift surgery, also known as a forehead lift or browplasty, addresses ageing-related changes in the upper face. This surgical procedure elevates the eyebrows, diminishes horizontal forehead creases, and softens the vertical furrows between the brows. At FacePlus Aesthetics, Dr Scott J Turner performs brow lift procedures at his Sydney and Brisbane clinics, tailoring each surgical approach to complement the patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic objectives.
The position and contour of the eyebrows significantly influence facial expression and perceived mood. Heavy or descended brows can create an appearance of tiredness, irritation, or sadness—regardless of how the individual actually feels. Surgical brow elevation offers a lasting solution compared to temporary injectable treatments, with results typically maintained for a decade or longer.
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Understanding Brow Lift Surgery
The ageing process affects the upper face through several interconnected mechanisms. Collagen and elastin fibres within the skin gradually diminish, reducing the tissue’s ability to maintain its original position against gravitational forces. The frontalis muscle—responsible for raising the eyebrows—weakens over time, whilst repetitive facial expressions create permanent creases in the overlying skin. These changes typically become more pronounced after the fourth decade of life, though genetic factors, cumulative sun exposure, and lifestyle choices can accelerate their onset.
Brow ptosis (descended eyebrows) manifests differently across individuals. Some patients experience uniform descent across the entire brow, whilst others notice more pronounced drooping at the outer (lateral) aspect, creating a fatigued or melancholic expression. The descended tissue often contributes to pseudo-excess skin in the upper eyelid region, which may be addressed through brow elevation alone or in combination with upper blepharoplasty.
Benefits of Brow Lift Surgery
Elevates Descended Brows – Browplasty restores low-positioned eyebrows to an anatomically appropriate height, addressing one of the most recognisable indicators of facial ageing in the upper third of the face.
Reduces Forehead Creases and Frown Lines – The procedure effectively addresses both horizontal forehead lines and the vertical glabellar creases between the eyebrows by releasing and repositioning the underlying muscular structures.
Opens the Eye Area – Repositioning the brows reduces the hooded effect that develops when descended tissue encroaches upon the upper eyelid, making the eyes appear more visible and alert.
Restores Brow Shape and Balance – Surgery redefines the natural brow arch, enhancing shape and position. For individuals with asymmetrical brows, the procedure can restore facial equilibrium.
Produces Lasting Outcomes – Surgical brow elevation delivers sustained improvement, with patients generally anticipating visible enhancement lasting 10-15 years, depending on skin quality and lifestyle factors.
Functional Visual Field Improvement – When significantly descended brow tissue obstructs the superior visual field, lifting these structures can improve peripheral vision beyond aesthetic benefits.
Types of Brow Lift Procedures
Dr Turner offers several browplasty techniques, with selection guided by the patient’s facial anatomy, hairline configuration, degree of correction required, and desired aesthetic outcome.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
The endoscopic technique employs three to five small incisions (approximately 0.5cm each) in the hair-bearing scalp, behind the frontal hairline. Through these access points, Dr Turner introduces an endoscope—a slender instrument with a camera and a light source—to visualise and reposition the brow and forehead tissues. The elevated structures are secured using small bone anchoring tunnels. This approach offers concealed scarring, faster recovery, and reduced nerve risk. The endoscopic method corrects mild to moderate brow descent whilst preserving hairline position, making it suitable for patients with normal or low hairlines.
Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift
The temporal browplasty addresses descent predominantly affecting the outer portion of the brow through 3-4 centimetre incisions within the temporal hairline. This targeted approach suits patients whose inner brow position remains satisfactory whilst the outer aspect has descended, creating a fatigued or downturned appearance. The technique also addresses crow’s feet and lateral upper eyelid hooding. Recovery is typically straightforward with scarring concealed within hair-bearing skin. However, effects remain confined to the lateral brow zone—patients requiring central forehead correction may benefit from alternative techniques.
Gliding Brow Lift
The gliding browplasty represents an intermediate option between endoscopic and traditional open techniques. This method achieves more extensive correction than purely endoscopic approaches whilst avoiding the longer incision and extended recovery associated with coronal techniques. The procedure addresses moderate brow descent, delivering balanced elevation across the entire brow span. It is particularly appropriate for patients whose ptosis exceeds what endoscopic methods can adequately address, yet whose anatomy does not warrant the more extensive coronal approach.
Traditional (Coronal) Brow Lift
Coronal browplasty involves a continuous incision spanning the superior scalp, extending from one temporal region to the other, positioned either along or behind the hairline. This extensive access permits comprehensive correction of significant brow descent and deep forehead creasing through direct tissue excision and muscle manipulation. Whilst historically the standard approach, the coronal technique requires longer recovery and carries an increased risk of prolonged scalp numbness. Potential hairline elevation is a consideration for patients with already high foreheads. This approach remains valuable for patients requiring maximum correction.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?
Brow lift surgery is suitable for individuals who meet specific criteria and present particular upper facial ageing patterns. This procedure requires careful patient selection to achieve optimal outcomes whilst minimising risk.
Physical Health Requirements
Suitable candidates demonstrate:
- Good overall health without medical conditions compromising healing capacity
- Realistic comprehension of surgical outcomes and recovery requirements
- Psychological readiness for surgical intervention (mandatory psychological evaluation required as of July 1, 2023, under Australian regulations)
- Stable body weight maintained for at least six months
- Non-smoking status or willingness to completely cease all nicotine products for a minimum of six weeks before and after surgery
Anatomical Indications Requiring Brow Lift Surgery
The browplasty approach proves particularly effective for patients experiencing:
- Moderate to significant brow descent, creating a tired or aged appearance
- Heavy or hooded upper eyelids caused by descended brow tissue
- Deep horizontal forehead creases requiring structural correction
- Prominent vertical frown lines (glabellar furrows) between the eyebrows
- Asymmetrical brow position where one sits noticeably lower than the other
- Lateral brow drooping creates a fatigued or sad expression
Age Considerations
Whilst chronological age alone doesn’t determine candidacy, most brow lift patients are aged 40 years or older, with individuals in their 50s and beyond frequently observing the most pronounced improvement. Younger patients with congenitally heavy brows or premature descent due to genetics or sun exposure may also benefit. Individual assessment remains crucial, as physiological age and tissue quality prove more relevant than chronological age.
During your consultation at Dr Turner’s Sydney or Brisbane clinic, a comprehensive facial assessment determines whether brow lift surgery appropriately addresses your concerns or whether alternative procedures would better serve your objectives.
How is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?
Browplasty surgery is performed exclusively under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital in Sydney, with continuous monitoring by a qualified anaesthetist throughout the procedure. Surgery duration typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours, varying with procedure complexity and whether additional procedures are performed concurrently.
Surgical Approach
Following anaesthetic induction, Dr Turner creates incisions according to the predetermined surgical plan. For endoscopic approaches, small access ports are established within the scalp. Through these openings, the subperiosteal plane is developed and retaining ligaments are released to permit tissue mobilisation. The brow and forehead are elevated to the desired position and secured using fixation devices appropriate to the technique.
Throughout the procedure, careful attention is directed to preserving the frontal branch of the facial nerve, which controls forehead movement. The underlying corrugator and procerus muscles—responsible for creating frown lines—may be partially released or modified to reduce their contribution to dynamic creasing. Once repositioning is complete and secured, incisions are closed using fine sutures designed to optimise scar healing.
Combination Procedures
Brow lift surgery is often performed alongside other facial procedures for comprehensive upper facial enhancement. Upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) addresses redundant eyelid skin that may persist following brow elevation. Deep plane facelift techniques can be combined when patients also wish to address midface and lower face concerns. This integrated approach often yields more harmonious overall results whilst consolidating recovery into a single period.
Recovery and Aftercare
Your brow lift recovery begins with same-day discharge following observation, though an overnight hospital stay may be recommended in certain circumstances. The initial two weeks represent the most intensive healing period, with swelling and bruising peaking within the first 72 hours before gradually subsiding. During these early days, maintaining continuous head elevation, wearing the compression bandage, and applying cold compresses proved essential for optimal healing. Sutures are typically removed between 7 and 10 days postoperatively. Whilst discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications, patients should anticipate visible post-surgical changes, including tightness, numbness, and bruising around the forehead and eyes.
The healing journey extends beyond the initial fortnight, with most patients resuming desk-based work and light activities within 7-14 days. Strenuous exercise and activities that elevate blood pressure must be avoided for 4-6 weeks to prevent complications. Hair washing should be avoided for 48 hours, and chemical treatments should be postponed for 3-4 weeks. Between three and six months post-operatively, final results become fully apparent as residual swelling resolves and incision lines mature. Diligent adherence to post-operative instructions, including sun protection with broad-brimmed hats for at least three months, remains crucial throughout your recovery. Results typically remain visible for 10-15 years, though individual longevity varies based on genetics, skin quality, and lifestyle factors.
Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures involve inherent risks that must be thoroughly understood before proceeding with treatment. Whilst brow lift surgery, performed by an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon, typically achieves excellent outcomes, patients must be aware of both common temporary effects and potential complications. Dr Turner maintains a commitment to transparent communication, ensuring every patient receives comprehensive information about possible adverse outcomes, realistic expectations, and the measures employed to maximise safety throughout the surgical process.
Most individuals experience the expected post-operative effects, including swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and mild to moderate discomfort, which typically resolve naturally during the healing phase. Potential complications requiring intervention may include haematoma formation, infection, unfavourable scarring, prolonged altered sensation, asymmetry, or hair loss along incision sites. More serious but uncommon risks encompass nerve injury affecting forehead movement or sensation, skin necrosis, significant asymmetry necessitating revision surgery, and adverse anaesthetic reactions. Through meticulous surgical technique, comprehensive pre-operative medical assessment, surgery exclusively in accredited facilities, and detailed post-operative care protocols, Dr Turner minimises these risks whilst optimising patient safety and surgical outcomes.
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by Dr Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
