Introduction
A downward shift of the brows can contribute to hooding over the eyes, wrinkles, and other concerns. A brow lift can help elevate the brow area when the forehead begins to descend. At AMora MD in Beverly Hills, CA, we offer several techniques for brow lifting, including the endoscopic brow lift, the coronal brow lift, and others. Each surgery can improve the overall look of the upper face by repositioning tissues that no longer rest where they once did.
A brow lift is a surgical approach that raises the forehead tissues and repositions the brow. During this surgery, we use carefully planned incisions to adjust structures both on the surface and under the skin to reduce a heavy appearance and make the face look more youthful. The surgery we choose will depend on factors such as your gender, the degree of sagging, and your skin’s elasticity.
Low-set brows can exert downward pressure on the upper eyelid. Brow elevation can help reduce weight and create a more open appearance around the eyes without altering your natural brow shape.
Brow position can shift unevenly with age and expression. Brow-lifting surgery allows correction of height discrepancies that affect facial symmetry.
Brow descent can cause the tissue above the eyes to fold or drape in a way that resembles eyelid heaviness. Raising the brow can reduce the hooded effect when the issue originates above the eyelid.
Lines that extend across the forehead become more noticeable when the brow sits lower, as the forehead muscles must work harder to lift it. While it cannot change the skin’s quality, elevating the brow can make the forehead appear smoother.
Furrows between the brows can look more pronounced when the central brow area descends. Surgical lifting can help lessen the pull in this area by adjusting the brow position and smoothing the skin.
The endoscopic brow lift technique is Dr. Moradzadeh’s preferred method for eyebrow lift surgery. He uses several small scalp incisions instead of a single long one, and a tiny camera provides a clear view of the tissues, allowing precise adjustments with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Shorter incisions usually mean less visible scarring and a recovery period that is easier for most patients to manage.
Coronal lifting uses a single incision placed across the scalp, following a zigzag pattern that helps it blend within the hair. Women with lower hairlines or thicker hair often benefit from this method because it provides strong lifting power and broad access to the forehead tissues. Dr. Moradzadeh can adjust the incision location based on hairline height to reduce the chance of visible scarring.
In the trichophytic technique, the incision is placed at the hairline, allowing the brow to be lifted without elevating the hairline itself. This method is effective for individuals with high hairlines or those who prefer to keep their hairline position unchanged. The placement also allows hair to eventually grow through the incision line, helping camouflage the scar.
Direct lifting involves placing the incision within a natural forehead crease and removing a small section of skin to raise the brow. This type of surgery is typically reserved for men with a pronounced forehead line, as the scar blends more readily into deeper creases. The method is less frequently used due to the visible incision, but it may be appropriate in certain situations.
Good candidates for a brow lift with Dr. Moradzadeh in Los Angeles are healthy individuals who don’t smoke, are at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for what the surgery can achieve. They typically have low-hanging, drooping brows that may interfere with their field of vision. Sagging and wrinkles in the brows and forehead may also give the impression that the patient is sad, angry, or exhausted, even when they are in good spirits. To ensure the surgery is safe, effective, and fulfilling for you, Dr. Moradzadeh will conduct an in-depth consultation and medical evaluation. Overall health is always more of a deciding factor than age when it comes to determining your candidacy.
Long-Lasting Results – Surgical brow elevation alters the underlying tissues in a manner that persists longer than with non-surgical methods. The stable change comes from repositioning underlying structures while accounting for each face’s unique anatomy. While natural aging will continue in the skin and musculature, a brow lift can help slow this process.
Offers Comprehensive Results – A brow lift can affect several areas of the upper face, and the improvement often extends beyond the brow line. Addressing multiple concerns creates a smoother and more open look while keeping your expressions natural.
Customizable Procedures – Several techniques are available, and each one works differently depending on your anatomy and goals. We consider brow height, forehead length, hairline position, and tissue characteristics to determine which approach is most appropriate. The ability to choose different incision placements and lifting angles gives us room to shape a result that fits you well.
Our pre-treatment steps will help you prepare your body and your home for your Los Angeles brow lift surgery, so you know what to expect and how to set yourself up for a smooth recovery. Dr. Moradzadeh reviews your medical history, current medications, and any supplements you take to determine which medications should be discontinued before surgery. He may advise you to stop using medications or products that increase bleeding risk. You will have clear guidance on which items fall into that category so you can properly prepare.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, since sedation affects your ability to travel safely. We also recommend planning your home environment in advance, so you have a comfortable place to rest with essentials close by. Eating and drinking instructions are provided as part of your surgical preparation, and it is important to follow them exactly as directed.
Your eyebrow lift surgery will begin with the anesthesia selected during your consultation. Dr. Moradzadeh creates the planned incisions and lifts and repositions the tissues to restore support in areas where the brow has descended. For women, the ideal brow usually sits just above the bony rim with its highest point near the outer edge of the iris. For men, the brow typically sits right on the rim and has a flatter contour. Once this brow shape and position are achieved, small fixation points or sutures hold the tissues in their new position so they can heal properly. Incisions are then closed with care, and you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be monitored as your anesthesia wears off. You can return home the same day with clear instructions for rest and follow-up.
Your Guide to Post-Brow Lift Care
Swelling and bruising are expected and may extend into the upper cheeks and around the eyes. You may also notice temporary numbness, tingling, or itching as the tissues adjust and begin to heal. Stitches or staples remain in place for approximately a week, and some patients have small fixation devices under the hairline that are removed in approximately two weeks, whereas dissolvable supports such as Endotine® can remain in place for several months as they gradually break down. Keep your head elevated and follow your postoperative instructions to limit swelling during the first few days.
Most of the swelling diminishes within the first two weeks, and the tightness you feel around the forehead becomes less noticeable. You will return to the office to have stitches or staples removed, and any fixation screws will be checked to make sure they are holding the brow correctly. Light activities are usually comfortable at this stage, although lingering numbness or tingling may persist as sensation returns.
Regular daily routines should be manageable within 10 days; some individuals resume them even sooner, depending on the technique used and the rate of swelling resolution. Heavy lifting, vigorous workouts, and activities that raise blood pressure should wait for several weeks to protect the healing brow. We will guide you through each stage of recovery, so you know when it is appropriate to increase activity and return to your usual schedule.
Dr. Moradzadeh often recommends Arnica Montana and Bromelain to help minimize swelling and discoloration after brow-lifting surgery. Both supplements should be taken only if approved during your pre-surgical review, as they may interfere with existing medications or healing.
Cool compresses can help reduce swelling around the forehead, brows, and eyes during the first few days. Short, gentle applications are usually sufficient to provide relief, and you should avoid applying excessive pressure to the surgical site.
Establishing a comfortable space at home makes the first week much easier, especially when you keep essentials such as medications, water, and extra pillows close by.
Having someone available to assist with transportation and basic tasks during the first day or two prevents you from overexerting yourself. Even simple support, such as assistance with meals or errands, can facilitate recovery and reduce stress.
Upper eyelid surgery focuses solely on removing excess eyelid skin and does not correct a low brow; therefore, the appropriate choice depends on whether the fullness originates from the eyelid or from the brow resting lower on the forehead. Some patients benefit from combining both procedures when each area contributes to the overall concern.
A brow lift targets the upper third of the face, which includes the forehead, brow, and the heaviness that forms above the eyes. A facelift focuses on the midface, jawline, and neck. Each surgery targets a different region, and these two procedures may be combined to address the face and neck.
Ultherapy®: Ultherapy subtly elevates the brow using ultrasound energy that stimulates collagen production and produces subtle lifting in the brow region. It provides less lifting than surgery but is a suitable option for those with milder concerns who prefer less downtime.
Botox®: Botox can relax specific muscles that pull the brow downward, which gives a slight lift in the right candidates. It can also help treat dynamic lines such as horizontal forehead lines or frown lines.
Costs vary based on the surgical technique, anesthesia, facility fees, and any additional procedures performed at the same time. You receive a detailed quote during your consultation after we determine the most appropriate approach for you. Insurance typically does not cover brow lifting when it is performed for cosmetic purposes.
Arash Moradzadeh, MD, is a dual board-certified ENT and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who leads AMora MD in Beverly Hills. His background includes advanced training in facial, nasal, and neck procedures, along with dedicated fellowships in plastic surgery, regenerative medicine, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He later returned to Washington University Medical School to teach advanced surgical techniques. Dr. Moradzadeh is also the #1 provider for AviClear, an FDA-approved laser treatment that treats acne at its root, and he offers training on this device worldwide. His practice offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments, and he designs each plan to match the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
A brow lift offers a structural solution for concerns that do not respond well to non-surgical methods, and it can be combined with other procedures when multiple areas need attention. To schedule a consultation with AMora MD in the Los Angeles area, call (310) 659-9900 or use the online form. We serve Beverly Hills, CA, and Dr. Moradzadeh also offers consultations in Santa Barbara.