Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

Among the most obvious signs of aging are the wrinkling, furrowing, and drooping of the brow area, which can leave the forehead looking heavy and aged. Luckily, these concerns can be significantly improved with an expertly performed brow lift. If your concerns cannot be adequately addressed by a facelift or eyelid lift, it may be time to consider a brow lift. For more dramatic facial rejuvenation, the brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, can be performed at the same time as other facial procedures.

How much does a brow lift cost in Seattle?

The cost of a brow lift (forehead lift) can range between $5,000-$9,000 depending on the type of brow lift you choose and the extent of the procedure needed to achieve our desired goals.

What are the types of brow lifts? Who is a good candidate for each?

Many advances have recently been made in brow lift surgery. Each technique has its unique approach and is best suited for different candidates based on their anatomy, age, skin type, and desired outcomes. Below are the most common techniques Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel uses to rejuvenate the brow line.

Coronal brow lift

This traditional method uses an incision across the top of the head, from ear to ear, hidden within the hair. The forehead skin is lifted, allowing Dr. Sobel to adjust the muscles and tissues beneath. Excess skin is then removed, and the incision is closed.

This technique is excellent if:

• You have significant forehead wrinkles and deep frown lines
• You have an adequate amount of hair to hide the scar
• You do not have a receding or “high hairline”

Trichophytic Brow Lift

This technique is similar to the coronal lift but with a key difference in the incision placement. The incision is made just at or slightly behind the hairline to allow the hairline to be moved forward or kept in its original position, which can be beneficial for those with a high forehead.

This technique is excellent if:

• You have a “high forehead” and are concerned about raising your forehead
• You wish to avoid the more extensive coronal approach

Endoscopic Brow Lift

This less invasive technique uses a small camera (endoscope) and special instruments inserted through small incisions within the hairline. This allows Dr. Sobel to see and work on the various internal structures of the forehead. The forehead tissue is then lifted and anchored in a higher position.

This technique is excellent if:

• You have less prominent aging signs
• You want a less invasive procedure with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time

Direct Brow Lift

A direct brow lift uses small incisions directly above the eyebrows or in the forehead wrinkles. The skin and underlying tissues are then lifted and repositioned. This technique allows for precise control over the brow’s shape and position.

This technique is excellent if:

• You are an older patient with thick, deep forehead wrinkles, as the scars can be hidden within these lines
• You desire very specific adjustments to the brow position

Transpalpebral (through the eyelid) brow lift

This technique uses an incision made in the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, Dr. Sobel modifies or removes parts of the muscle that cause frown lines, and adjusts the brow position slightly.

This technique is excellent if:

• You have minimal brow drooping and are already undergoing eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). This technique is less about lifting the brow significantly and more about softening the appearance of frown lines.

The endoscopic and transpalpebral approaches are excellent for those patients with thin or receding hair.

What to Expect from Brow Lift Surgery in Seattle & Bellevue

Your Brow Lift Consultation with Dr. Sobel

During your consultation, Seattle brow lift surgery expert Dr. Alex Sobel will listen to your surgery goals and determine which type of forehead lift would provide you with the most benefit. Depending on your unique anatomy, Dr. Sobel tailors each approach to maximize your results while leaving you with the least amount of visible scarring possible.

Your Procedure

Dr. Sobel typically performs brow lifts with IV sedation and local anesthesia. If you are combining a browlift with another surgery, Dr. Sobel may recommend general anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

Once Dr. Sobel has achieved a rejuvenated appearance of your forehead and eyelids according to your personalized surgery plan, he places very fine sutures and carefully covers them with bandages. You can return home the same day.

Brow Lift Recovery

Recovery after facial surgery is relatively straightforward. Swelling and bruising along the face are typical after surgery and will quickly diminish as you heal. Your eyelids may also look puffy if Dr. Sobel places an incision through your eyelids. During recovery, keep your head elevated when you sleep to keep swelling at bay.

Depending on your surgery plan, the sutures will be removed in the office 3 to 10 days after surgery depending on the approach and recovery time ranges from 5-10 days based on the brow lift technique used. Dr. Sobel will provide specific guidelines during your consultation on resuming normal daily tasks, exercise levels, and hygiene protocols to ensure you enjoy a smooth recovery.

Forehead Lift Results

You’ll see an immediate change in your upper face; however, it will take a few weeks to several months for the swelling to completely resolve.

Results from forehead lift surgery vary with each individual case, but most of our patients are highly satisfied with their smoother, more youthful appearance after surgery. Smoothing out the forehead and eyelids decreases the heaviness and signs of aging in the skin for a more rested, younger look.

Combining a Brow Lift with Other Procedures

Two procedures we frequently combine with the brow lift are the mid-face lift and the traditional facelift. These address concerns in the mid-face and jawline/neck regions respectively, refreshing overall facial appearance.

We can also discuss adding other facial rejuvenation procedures to your surgery plan during your consultation, such as an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), a great addition for patients with “hooded eyelids.”

Brow Lift Surgery FAQs

References »

Broadbent T, Mokhktarzadeh A, Harrison A. Minimally invasive brow lifting techniques. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2017. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000391

Karimi N, Kashkouli MB, Sianati H, Khademi B. Techniques of Eyebrow Lifting: A Narrative Review. Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research. 2020. doi: 10.18502/jovr.v15i2.6740

Cho MJ, Carboy JA, Rohrich RJ. Complications in Brow Lifts: A Systemic Review of Surgical and Nonsurgical Brow Rejuvenations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2018. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001943

Learn more about how a brow lift can transform your look today

Dr. Sobel has performed thousands of facial surgeries in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. If you have been considering a forehead or brow lift in the Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, or Redmond areas, contact us now to set up a consultation and find out how you could benefit.

Areas served:

• Bellevue
• Seattle
• Kirkland
• Redmond

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