Brow Lift

The terms brow lift and forehead lift are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are various types of brow lifts and only certain types of brow lifts also lift the forehead. At Spectrum Plastic Surgery, your medical team works with you to determine the best procedural approach(es) to achieve your goals. We are one of the few practices that offers the Vectra 3D Imaging System so patients can see exactly what their brow lift results will look like in a simulated “after” photo that uses their real image.

Patients may be considering a brow lift to reduce forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and brow ptosis (drooping). Forehead wrinkles refer to the horizontal lines on the forehead while frown lines are usually vertical and appear between the eyebrows. Brow ptosis is a common part of aging, and happens when heavy brows begin pushing down the upper eyelids causing patients to look older. However, brow ptosis can also lead a patient to wonder if they would benefit from a brow lift, upper eyelid lift, or both. These two procedures are commonly performed together.

The many benefits of a brow lift include:

Looking years younger, healthier, and happier
Removing or minimizing lines and wrinkles
Lifting the eyebrows to achieve a more appealing arch
Being a great complement to other procedures such as the non-surgical FaceTite treatment, a facelift, or eyelid lift

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brow lift is recommended for someone with more advanced ptosis or severe wrinkles?Lily2020-05-04T10:07:13-07:00

Which brow lift is recommended for someone with more advanced ptosis or severe wrinkles?

A coronal brow lift is the traditional brow lift and offers dramatic results. It is performed by making an incision in the scalp from ear to ear. Excess skin on the scalp is removed so that the entire forehead and brows can be lifted. Incisions are hidden in the scalp and the results are long-lasting, but patients who are at risk of hair loss and thinning need to bear in mind the placement of the incision.

What brow lift is best for elevating the brow with a minimal recovery time?Lily2020-05-04T10:06:28-07:00

What brow lift is best for elevating the brow with a minimal recovery time?

An endoscopic brow lift is also popular and does not require the removal of skin. Many tiny incisions are made just behind the hairline so the forehead can be repositioned and elevated with an endoscope. These incisions are easy to hide, but similar to the temporal brow lift the results only last a few years. It is often recommended for patients in their 30s who do not have advanced brow ptosis.

What is the least invasive type of brow lift?Lily2020-05-04T10:05:42-07:00

What is the least invasive type of brow lift?

A temporal brow lift is one of the most popular and least invasive forms of a brow lift. Small incisions are made in the temple area of the forehead, usually within the scalp where hair can cover any scars. The recovery time is shorter and the “lift” is limited to the temple area where lifting of the outer half of the eyebrows (the “tail”) happens. However, the results of a temporal brow lift only last a few years and patients who want to remove forehead wrinkles and frown lines cannot achieve those results with this procedure.

What about coronal brow lift incision options?Lily2020-05-04T10:08:53-07:00

What about coronal brow lift incision options?

I think I need a coronal brow lift, but I’m worried about the incision visibility in the future. Is there another option? A hairline brow lift, also known as a trichophytic brow lift, is a modification of the coronal brow lift. The approach is similar, but a wavy incision is used instead of a straight incision from ear to ear. This can help camouflage the incision if hair loss or severe thinning occurs in the future.

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Below is a selection of reviews for Dr. Geoghegan and Dr. Stutman:

“Dr. Stutman performed a facial procedure for me on an area that had been bothering me for many years. Although I was always self-conscious about it, I was unable to find a surgeon I trusted to do the work. Facial procedures are not something to take lightly. I wanted to be sure the doctor I chose would not only be an experienced surgeon but respected by both his peers and patients. When I met with him for the initial consultation I was comforted by his wealth of knowledge and also by his appreciation that I was nervous about the procedure. He was able to ease my anxiety and ensure I would be pleased with the aesthetic outcome. I am very happy I was able to find Dr.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with a doctor. Not sure what to expect when I started researching plastic surgeons in both San Diego and Phoenix, I was nervous and didn’t really know what I needed at the time. I met with a few highly acclaimed and reviews doctors in southern California and had absolutely terrible meetings. Finally I came upon Dr. Geoghegan…and went in for a meeting. It was a breath of fresh air and I felt 100 percent comfortable with her and her staff … the procedure went great, and recovery couldn’t have been better. I am thrilled with the results of my surgery, which attained the natural look I was going for. I highly recommend Dr. Geoghegan!”

“I came to Dr. Stutman because I hated the way the middle of my eyebrows always had a line and losing some weight made my lines in the cheek/mouth area looked deep. I noticed in pictures and it made me look old. I discussed it with Dr. Stutman … Dr. Stutman was very pleasant and gentle, really listened to my concerns and made me feel at ease. I highly recommend him.”

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Below is a selection of reviews for Dr. Geoghegan and Dr. Stutman:

“Dr. Stutman performed a facial procedure for me on an area that had been bothering me for many years. Although I was always self-conscious about it, I was unable to find a surgeon I trusted to do the work. Facial procedures are not something to take lightly. I wanted to be sure the doctor I chose would not only be an experienced surgeon but respected by both his peers and patients. When I met with him for the initial consultation I was comforted by his wealth of knowledge and also by his appreciation that I was nervous about the procedure. He was able to ease my anxiety and ensure I would be pleased with the aesthetic outcome. I am very happy I was able to find Dr.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with a doctor. Not sure what to expect when I started researching plastic surgeons in both San Diego and Phoenix, I was nervous and didn’t really know what I needed at the time. I met with a few highly acclaimed and reviews doctors in southern California and had absolutely terrible meetings. Finally I came upon Dr. Geoghegan…and went in for a meeting. It was a breath of fresh air and I felt 100 percent comfortable with her and her staff … the procedure went great, and recovery couldn’t have been better. I am thrilled with the results of my surgery, which attained the natural look I was going for. I highly recommend Dr. Geoghegan!”

“I came to Dr. Stutman because I hated the way the middle of my eyebrows always had a line and losing some weight made my lines in the cheek/mouth area looked deep. I noticed in pictures and it made me look old. I discussed it with Dr. Stutman … Dr. Stutman was very pleasant and gentle, really listened to my concerns and made me feel at ease. I highly recommend him.”

Brow Lift Recovery and More Details

All brow lift procedures require anesthesia for maximum patient comfort and safety, often through IV sedation or general anesthesia. The exact technique used for you will depend on the severity of wrinkles, lines, and brow ptosis. During more complex brow lifts, such as a coronal brow lift, the muscles are altered as needed and underlying tissue is smoothed. Your unique recovery timeline is dependent on many factors, and it is important to closely follow your doctor’s instructions for optimal healing. Less invasive brow lifts, such as temporal brow lifts, normally require patients to take up to one week off of work. A coronal brow lift will require more rest and recovery.

Although patients look generally presentable immediately after a brow lift, some mild swelling and bruising can be expected. Gauzes and dressings help to minimize these issues. The initial recovery period will take 2 – 3 weeks on average, with patients slowly returning to their daily activities during this time. When the swelling has subsided, you will see immediate results. Your face is your first impression and should only be trusted to leading cosmetic surgical experts. At Spectrum Plastic Surgery, the latest technology and a medical team committed to providing the best in care and results can help you achieve your goals.