A brow lift raises and repositions low or heavy eyebrows and can soften forehead lines, helping the upper face look more open and less tired. It is often considered alongside upper eyelid surgery, because a drooping brow can push skin down onto the eyelids.
Price: Brow lift from £11,500 · Consultation £150, charged separately · Full price list
What is a brow lift?
Over time the forehead tissues descend, so the eyebrows sit lower, particularly at the outer ends. This can give a heavy, tired or cross appearance and add to hooding over the upper eyelids. A brow lift, sometimes called a forehead lift, lifts the brow to a more natural position and supports it there. It is important to distinguish brow descent from excess eyelid skin: if the brow is low, removing eyelid skin alone may lower it further, which is why Mr Nassab examines the brows and eyelids together.
Who is a brow lift suitable for?
A brow lift may suit adults aged 18 and over who have low or sagging brows, hooding at the outer upper eyelids caused by brow position, or deep horizontal forehead lines, and who are in good general health. People with naturally low brows can also be candidates. Anti-wrinkle injections can give a small, temporary lift of the outer brow and soften lines, and may be a sensible first step for mild changes. A brow lift is generally not advised if you have dry eyes that are poorly controlled, and existing eye conditions should be discussed at consultation.
Techniques
- Endoscopic brow lift: small incisions behind the hairline allow the brow to be released and lifted with the help of a camera. Scars are short and hidden in the hair.
- Temporal (lateral) brow lift: incisions in the temple hairline lift the outer brow, which is often where descent is most noticeable.
- Hairline (pretrichial) brow lift: an incision along the front hairline lifts the brow while avoiding raising the hairline further, suitable for people with a high forehead.
- Direct brow lift: skin is removed just above the eyebrow. The scar sits along the brow and is generally reserved for specific situations, such as brow asymmetry or nerve weakness.
- Combined with blepharoplasty: a brow lift is frequently performed with upper eyelid surgery to address the whole upper face.
The technique depends on your brow position, forehead height, hairline and skin, and Mr Nassab will explain the options.
What happens on the day
A brow lift is usually performed under general anaesthetic, or sometimes local anaesthetic with sedation for limited procedures, as a day case. It typically takes one to two hours, or longer when combined with eyelid surgery. The brow position and incisions are marked beforehand. Afterwards a light dressing may be applied and you will be advised to keep your head elevated. You will need someone to take you home.
Recovery timeline
- First week: swelling and bruising of the forehead and around the eyes are common. Cold compresses and head elevation help. Tightness and numbness of the scalp are expected.
- Weeks 1–2: stitches or clips are removed. Many people return to desk work and social activities after about ten days to two weeks.
- Weeks 2–4: most bruising has faded. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
- 3–12 months: swelling settles fully, scalp sensation gradually returns and the brow settles into its final position.
These timings are typical, not guaranteed.
Risks and possible complications
Risks include bleeding and haematoma, infection, numbness or itching of the forehead and scalp (which usually improves over months but can occasionally persist), visible scars, hair thinning or loss along incisions, asymmetry of brow height, over- or under-correction, recurrence of brow descent, a ‘surprised’ look if the brow is lifted too high, and, rarely, weakness of the forehead muscles due to nerve injury, which is usually temporary. General risks include anaesthetic reactions. Seek urgent advice for any change in vision after eyelid or brow surgery.
Results and cost
A brow lift aims to give a more open, refreshed upper face while keeping a natural expression. Results are long-lasting, although ageing continues. Final results are usually assessed after several months. A brow lift costs from £11,500; your final quote depends on the technique and whether it is combined with eyelid surgery or other facial procedures, and is confirmed after assessment. The consultation fee of £150 is separate.
Why choose Mr Nassab
Mr Reza Nassab FRCS (Plast) is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (GMC 4704243). He is a Council member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and Chair of the ISAPS Social Media Working Group, and consults in Manchester, Knutsford (Cheshire) and London. He will assess your brows and eyelids together so that the treatment matches the actual cause of your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a brow lift or an upper blepharoplasty needed?
If the brow itself has dropped, a brow lift addresses the cause; if the brow is in a good position with excess eyelid skin, blepharoplasty may be enough. Many people benefit from both.
Will a brow lift make me look surprised?
The aim is a natural brow position that suits your face. Careful planning avoids over-elevation, which is what causes a surprised look.
Are the scars visible?
With endoscopic and temporal techniques the scars are hidden within the hair. A hairline incision is placed to follow the natural hairline and usually fades well.
Can anti-wrinkle injections lift the brows?
They can give a small, temporary lift of the outer brow and soften lines, but they cannot correct significant brow descent.
How long does a brow lift last?
Results are long-lasting, but the forehead continues to age naturally over time.
