Treatments

What is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to raise the eyebrows, smooth forehead wrinkles, and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Over time, aging, sun exposure, and genetics can cause the brows to droop, making a person look tired, sad, or even angry. A brow lift corrects this by lifting the skin and tissues of the forehead, opening up the eyes and restoring a natural, harmonious look.

Unlike eyelid surgery, which focuses on removing excess skin from the eyelids, a brow lift targets the upper part of the face. Depending on the patient’s needs, the procedure can be performed surgically using endoscopic or temporal techniques or non-surgically, with treatments like Botox or fillers. While non-surgical options provide temporary results, surgery offers a long-lasting solution.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, brow lift surgery is performed with the highest international standards. Dr. Akıncı holds the prestigious EBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) diploma and has years of experience in facial rejuvenation surgeries. His expertise ensures that each patient receives results that are both natural and tailored to their unique facial structure.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is ideal for people who feel that their eyebrows have begun to droop, giving their face a tired, sad, or stern appearance. The best candidates are generally healthy adults who want to rejuvenate their upper face and restore a youthful expression.

Typical candidates include those who:

• Notice deep horizontal lines across the forehead.
• Have drooping brows that cause the upper eyelids to appear heavy.
• Feel that their resting facial expression looks upset, angry, or older than they feel.

Good candidates should also have realistic expectations about the procedure. A brow lift can enhance facial balance and expression but does not stop the natural aging process. Patients who maintain healthy lifestyles such as avoiding smoking and protecting their skin from the sun are more likely to enjoy long-lasting results.

On the other hand, those with uncontrolled health problems, poor skin elasticity, or unrealistic expectations may not be the best candidates. A thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Types of Brow Lift Procedures

Brow lift surgery can be performed using several different techniques, each chosen according to the patient’s age, degree of skin laxity, and aesthetic goals.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

This is the most modern and minimally invasive method. Small incisions are made behind the hairline, and an endoscope (a tiny camera) is used to lift and reposition the brow tissues. It results in smaller scars, faster healing, and very natural results.

Temporal Brow Lift

Also known as a lateral brow lift, this method focuses on lifting the outer part of the eyebrows. It is ideal for patients who want a more refreshed look around the eyes but do not need a full forehead lift.

Coronal Brow Lift

This traditional technique involves a longer incision across the scalp, hidden within the hairline. It provides dramatic results but requires a longer recovery period compared to modern techniques.

Non-Surgical Brow Lift

For patients who are not ready for surgery, Botox or dermal fillers can be used to temporarily lift the brows. While effective, the results typically last only a few months.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, technique selection is always personalized. With his EBOPRAS-certified expertise in facial aesthetics, Dr. Akıncı carefully recommends the most suitable approach to achieve natural harmony and long-lasting results.

How is a Brow Lift Performed?

A brow lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day. The process begins with a comprehensive consultation, where the surgeon analyzes the forehead, brow position, and facial proportions to plan the surgery.

Preparation Before Surgery

Patients may be advised to stop smoking and avoid medications that thin the blood. On the day of the surgery, the surgical area is marked carefully to ensure balance and symmetry.

Anesthesia Options

Most brow lifts are carried out under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the chosen technique and the patient’s comfort level.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Once anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes small incisions usually hidden within the hairline or natural creases. Through these openings, the underlying muscles and tissues are carefully adjusted to lift the brows and smooth forehead wrinkles. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures, designed to minimize scarring.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, every step is performed with precision. His EBOPRAS diploma and extensive facial surgery experience ensure that patients receive safe procedures with natural, balanced outcomes. The surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients return home the same day with tailored aftercare instructions.

Does a Brow Lift Hurt?

One of the biggest concerns patients have before surgery is whether a brow lift is painful. The reassuring news is that during the procedure itself, you will not feel pain, thanks to anesthesia. Depending on the technique, your surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia to ensure complete comfort.

After the surgery, it is normal to experience mild soreness, tightness, and swelling around the forehead and brow area. Most patients describe this sensation as pressure or discomfort rather than sharp pain. Pain medication prescribed by the surgeon helps control these symptoms effectively, allowing you to move and rest comfortably during recovery.

In the first few days, you may also feel some temporary numbness in the forehead or scalp area. This is a common part of the healing process and usually improves within a few weeks.

Overall, a brow lift is considered a well-tolerated procedure, and any discomfort is short-lived compared to the long-lasting aesthetic benefits it provides.

Brow Lift Recovery Process

Recovery after a brow lift is usually smooth, but it requires patience and careful aftercare. Immediately after surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the forehead. These effects are temporary and improve steadily within the first few weeks.

First Week After Surgery

During the first week, patients are advised to rest with their head elevated and avoid heavy physical activity. Stitches or staples are typically removed within 7–10 days. Many people feel comfortable enough to return to light work within this period.

Swelling, Bruising, and Stitches

Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first 7–14 days but gradually decrease. Applying cold compresses and following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions help reduce discomfort.

Healing Timeline and Final Results

By the third to fourth week, most swelling has subsided, and the results become more visible. The final outcome, including smoother forehead lines and lifted brows, can usually be appreciated within 2–3 months.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, patients receive personalized recovery plans and regular follow-up visits. Thanks to his extensive facial surgery experience, healing is closely monitored to ensure safe, natural, and long-lasting results.

Brow Lift Results – Before and After

The results of a brow lift can be both subtle and transformative. Right after surgery, swelling and bruising may temporarily hide the final outcome, but as healing progresses, the benefits become clearer. Patients usually start to notice improvements within 2 to 3 weeks, with final results visible after a few months once swelling has fully subsided.

A successful brow lift creates a more youthful, refreshed, and open expression. The eyebrows sit in a higher, natural position, forehead wrinkles appear smoother, and the eyes look brighter and less tired. Before and after photos often highlight how this procedure not only rejuvenates the upper face but also boosts overall self-confidence.

It is important to remember that results are long-lasting but not immune to the natural aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure can help prolong the outcome.

Most patients report high satisfaction, as the procedure restores harmony to the face without creating an artificial look.

FAQs About Brow Lift Surgery