Can you get a brow lift if you have a receding hairline?

Close up of man pushing up hair to reveal a receding hairline

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is one of the top facial cosmetic procedures for men and women. Brow lifts improve the appearance of forehead wrinkles, reposition a heavy or drooping browline, and help reduce excess skin (hooding) over the eyes. Incisions, and the resulting scars in this procedure, are typically placed within the hairline, which begs the question: Can you get a brow lift if you have a receding hairline? 

The short answer is yes. Here, Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel explains two customized techniques that cater to various hairlines.

Surgical techniques for receding hairlines

A receding hairline does not disqualify you from benefiting from a brow lift. Dr. Sobel adapts his surgical approach to accommodate your hairline and ensures that scars are minimal and discreet. Here’s how:

Endoscopic brow lift

The endoscopic brow lift technique uses a series of tiny incisions placed within the hairline. Dr. Sobel inserts an endoscope—a thin tube with a camera and light at the end—through these incisions to view the underlying forehead structures on a screen and manipulate tissues and muscles without the need for larger incisions. Small instruments are also inserted via the short incisions, and with video guidance, are used to lift the forehead skin and muscles, excise excess tissue, and secure the brow in its new position.

Modifications for a receding hairline

For patients with a receding hairline, the incision placement must be carefully considered to limit visible scarring immediately after the procedures and long-term, as the remaining hair could thin or the hairline could continue to recede. Dr. Sobel maps out the incision sites to ensure they are hidden within the remaining hair when possible, often placing them further back on the scalp where they are less likely to be seen and to account for future changes in hair density and hairline position. 

Before and after brow lift and eyelid surgery
Before and after brow lift and eyelid lift
This 53-year-old patient received a brow lift and an upper and lower eyelid lift. Notice how he has no visible scarring despite a naturally higher hairline in the After photos on the right.

Transpalpebral brow lift

The transpalpebral brow lift technique is unique in that it does not involve any incisions on the forehead or scalp. Instead, Dr. Sobel uses an incision in the upper eyelid crease, which is the same incision used for a Bellevue eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). Through this eyelid incision, he accesses the brow and forehead area to remove excess tissue and reposition the remaining muscles and tissues to smooth wrinkles and elevate the brow line to a more aesthetically pleasing height.

Modifications for a receding hairline

There are no modifications needed with a transpalpebral brow lift because the incision is hidden in the natural fold of the eyelid. This technique is particularly advantageous if you have significant hairline recession, as there are no concerns about visible scars on the forehead or further back on the scalp post-procedure. 

five stars

“Dr. Sobel is a magician! He is supported by an entire team of outstanding staff. Dr. Sobel will always give you his honest opinion and will tell you if he thinks you won’t be satisfied with what you’re thinking about having done. He first listens intently to your concerns on areas you may like to improve on and then makes his suggestions on what procedures would be the most beneficial. Trust him he’s the best.”

—5-star Google review

Choosing the best technique for your needs

Both techniques offer effective solutions for a brow lift with a receding hairline. The choice between an endoscopic brow lift and a transpalpebral brow lift often depends on your specific hairline condition, overall facial structure, and your expectations. 

It’s important to note that surgical incisions, especially the tiny ones used in brow lift surgery, typically heal as thin lines with expert suturing and proper scar care. Laser skin treatments are also effective in fading scars, so if you opt for a brow lift technique that uses incisions along your hairline and scalp and you’re concerned about potential scar visibility, their appearance can be further minimized with laser treatments. 

Why consulting a board-certified cosmetic surgeon matters

Board-certified cosmetic surgeons undergo specialized training and testing in order to provide a detailed assessment of your unique anatomy and tailor the procedure to your specific anatomical needs and aesthetic goals. Additionally, working with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon means that your provider adheres to the highest safety standards, uses the latest techniques, and has a track record of achieving natural-looking results.

Facial cosmetic procedures in Bellevue

If you’re considering a brow lift, the next step is to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Sobel at our Bellevue cosmetic surgery center. He would be happy to guide you through the options, help you understand what to expect, and work with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your vision. Please call Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery at 425-453-9060 or request your consultation online. 

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