Before agreeing to a brow lift, ask about the surgeon’s qualifications and registration, which technique they recommend for you and why, where the scars will be, what recovery involves, the specific risks, and how aftercare and any revision are handled. The checklist below groups the most useful questions and explains what a good answer should include, so you can compare consultations with confidence.
About the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is a clear yes, with a GMC number you can check online. Any doctor can call themselves a ‘cosmetic surgeon’; specialist registration shows full surgical training.
- What are your qualifications?: look for FRCS (Plast), the exit examination in plastic surgery, and membership of professional bodies such as BAAPS or BAPRAS.
- How often do you perform brow lifts?: the surgeon should describe regular experience with brow and eyelid surgery and be comfortable explaining different techniques.
- Are there examples of your results to look at?: expect before-and-after photographs of patients with similar anatomy, shown with consent, alongside honest discussion of the range of outcomes.
Mr Reza Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon (GMC 4704243) on the Specialist Register, holds FRCS (Plast) and is a BAAPS Council member.
About the technique
- Which type of brow lift do you recommend for me, and why?: a good answer relates the choice to your forehead height, hairline, brow shape and degree of descent rather than offering one technique to everyone.
- Is eyelid surgery also needed?: the surgeon should have examined both your brows and eyelids and explained how they interact.
- How high will my brows be, and will the shape change?: expect a conversation about natural brow position for your face, and a caution against over-elevation.
- How will the brow be held in place while it heals?: the surgeon should explain their fixation method in plain terms.
About scars and hairline
- Where will my incisions be?: you should be shown exactly where, whether behind the hairline, at the temples, along the hairline or above the brow.
- Will my hairline move?: a good answer addresses this directly, particularly if your forehead is already high.
- Does thinning hair change the approach?: the surgeon should discuss how scars may be more visible and whether an alternative approach is better.
About the day of surgery and recovery
- Where will surgery take place?: the answer should be a CQC-registered hospital with appropriate theatre and overnight facilities.
- Who gives the anaesthetic?: a consultant anaesthetist, who will assess you beforehand.
- How much time off work is typical?: a realistic answer is around two weeks for most people, longer if combined with other surgery.
- When are hair washing and colouring safe?: expect specific guidance: typically washing after about 48 hours and avoiding colour for four to six weeks.
The brow lift recovery guide sets out a fuller timeline.
About risks
- What are the main risks for me?: a good surgeon discusses general risks and brow-specific ones such as numbness, nerve weakness, hair loss and asymmetry, without minimising them.
- How long does numbness last?: an honest answer is that it usually improves over months, and a small area may remain.
- What happens if something goes wrong at night?: you should receive a 24-hour contact number and clear instructions about warning signs.
Read more on the brow lift risks page.
About cost, aftercare and revision
- What does the quote include?: the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre costs, and routine follow-up should be itemised or clearly included.
- How many follow-up appointments are included, and with whom?: expect reviews with the surgeon or their team over the following months.
- What is your policy if a revision is needed?: a good answer explains the circumstances in which further surgery might be offered and any costs involved.
A brow lift with Mr Nassab costs from £11,500 with the final quote confirmed after assessment. The consultation fee of £150 is separate. Finance may be available through Chrysalis Finance; Reza Nassab Ltd is a credit broker, not a lender.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of anyone who does not examine you in person, offers a discount for booking quickly, cannot tell you where you will be operated on, or seems vague about aftercare. You should never feel pressured to decide on the day. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over, and a two-week cooling-off period between consultation and surgery is good practice. To arrange a consultation, visit contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many consultations should you have before a brow lift?
Many people benefit from two: one to discuss options and a second to confirm the plan and ask remaining questions.
Should you bring anything to your consultation?
Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, any relevant medical history and older photographs showing how your brows used to look.
Is it normal to be asked to wait before booking?
Yes. A cooling-off period helps ensure the decision is considered and not rushed.
How do you check a surgeon’s registration?
You can search the GMC’s online register by name or number to confirm whether a doctor is on the Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery.
Can you ask to speak to the anaesthetist?
Yes. Your anaesthetist will assess you before surgery, and any questions can be raised beforehand.
