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What is a brow lift?

A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a plastic surgery procedure to create a more youthful, refreshed facial appearance. A delicately performed surgery, a brow lift can subtly elevate sagging eyebrows to restore a youthful arch, and treat the look of “hooded” eyes. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, brow lifts are often performed endoscopically from the temples, an approach that is  less invasive, involves shorter incisions, and has a faster recovery time.

What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift?

Brow lift surgery can offer several significant advantages for individuals looking to raise their eyebrows. The most notable benefits of the procedure include:

  • Lifts one or both eyebrows to a more youthful-looking position
  • Improves eyebrow symmetry
  • Reduces forehead lines and wrinkles
  • Helps open up the eyes
  • Long-lasting results
  • Reduces the appearance of sagging upper eyelids
  • Reduces the appearance of crow’s feet
  • Increased self-confidence

Am I a Candidate For a Brow Lift?

Candidates for a brow lift include healthy patients with age-related brow sagging or who appear tired or unhappy, even when well-rested. Those with higher hairlines may not be good candidates for the endoscopic technique, as it will slightly increase forehead height. In these cases, a temporal brow lift or an open brow lift technique will be appropriate, with the incisions placed within the hairline. This approach involves a minor lowering of the natural hairline, an added benefit.

What can a brow lift do for my look?

If you struggle with any of the following aesthetic issues, you may be a good candidate for a brow lift in Chicago:

  • You have a heavy, overhanging brow
  • Your eyebrows have drifted below the brow ridge with age
  • You have drooping, hooded eyelids 
  • You appear tired, no matter how well-rested you are

Before & After Brow Lift Photos

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Recovery After a Brow Lift

Recovery after a forehead lift takes about one week. Swelling and bruising are common and will begin to fade within about a week. Discomfort is usually minimal, but medication can be prescribed if necessary to help control any discomfort that patients do experience. Most patients can return to work and other light activities within one week, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for at least two weeks.

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What can I expect from the brow lift procedure?

Endoscopic brow lift

Dr. Moynihan performs brow lifts in Chicago at our onsite, private, AAAASF-certified surgical center using sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure takes about an hour to complete. For the endoscopic brow lift, three 1.5 cm incisions are made behind the hairline, and the forehead tissues are elevated and anchored in a more youthful position. 

Recovery after an endoscopic brow lift

Recovery after a brow lift takes about one week. Swelling and bruising are common but will begin to fade within about a week. Discomfort is usually minimal, but medication can be prescribed if necessary to help control any discomfort that patients do experience. Most patients can return to work and other light activities within one week, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for at least two weeks.

Classic brow lift

This approach may be appropriate for those with a higher hairline. An incision is created stretching from ear to ear within the hairline. The fat, tissue, and muscles are lifted and tightened, and excess skin is trimmed. The incision is then carefully closed.

Recovery after a classic brow lift

Recovery after a classic brow lift will be ten to fourteen days. As the incision is hidden within the hairline, after healing, it will be virtually invisible. Full recovery, with tissues fully settled and scars faded may require several months. After any post-procedure swelling has dissipated, you will start to enjoy (and be ready to show off) your healthy, refreshed look.

Temporal brow lift

A less invasive version of an endoscopic forehead lift, a temporal (related to the temples) brow lift requires only twilight anesthesia. Two short incisions are placed within the hairline, through which the tissues of the outer one-third position of the eyebrows are subtly lifted for a more attractive arch. This approach avoids changing the shape of an already aesthetically pleasing brow and allows more light to the eyes.

Recovery after a temporal brow lift

The recovery from this minor procedure requires about one week, after which you will enjoy seeing a lifted look in the outer brow region and a more open, appealing facial look. 

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Your private consultation

During the consultation, your forehead will be examined, your medical history reviewed, and your personal aesthetic discussed. All details of the procedure, such as the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks, and the costs will be explained, and all your questions and concerns will be answered thoroughly.

Dr. Moynihan believes in empowering his patients to make the best decisions possible for their care. His integrity dictates that on some occasions he may say no to a patient’s request if he doesn’t genuinely believe the procedure is in their best interests. In these cases, he will offer alternative options to help achieve the patient’s aesthetic vision, always ensuring a personalized, safety-oriented approach.

Why choose us?

If you are considering facial rejuvenation with a brow lift, the quality, experience, and artistry of your facial plastic surgeon are the most critical points that determine the beauty of your results. Dr. Moynihan is double-board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). He is a trusted facial plastic surgeon and aesthetic authority who has garnered a reputation for excellence in the medical community – and with his clients. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center.

When undergoing a forehead lift in Chicago, whether endoscopically or with traditional methods, you can expect artistry, precision, and an outcome that can’t be identified as being the result of surgery. A brow lift at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery will be carried out under the care of a team of extraordinary medical professionals, each of whom is passionate about delivering a superior patient experience. Your surgery will be performed in our private, state-of-the-art, onsite surgery center, which is AAAASF-certified, adhering to health and safety standards that exceed those of the best hospitals.

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Browlift FAQs

Where is brow lift surgery performed?

What is the anesthesia used for the brow lift procedure?

How are brow lifts performed?

How long is the surgical time for the brow lift?

Will I have scars after undergoing a brow lift?

How much pain occurs with brow lifts?

How much time should I plan to take off from work after my brow lift?

Can I exercise after my brow lift procedure?

Are there any risks of undergoing a brow lift?

Will my insurance company cover the cost of a brow lift?

Where is brow lift surgery performed?

Dr. Moynihan performs brow lifts at his private, state-of-the-art, onsite surgery center in Chicago, IL. You can expect ultimate privacy, a personalized approach, and advanced patient health and safety protocols, with your surgery under the care of a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and medical support staff.

What is the anesthesia used for the brow lift procedure?

Intravenous sedation with local anesthetic, or general anesthesia may be administered, depending on the type of brow lift performed.

How are brow lifts performed?

For a temporal brow lift there is a 2 cm incision placed behind the hairline of each temple, and with an endoscopic brow lift, three 1.5 cm incisions are made behind the hairline. Working through the incisions, the brows are released and then elevated to a higher position. A classic, or traditional brow lift involves a longer incision placed within the hairline.

How long is the surgical time for the brow lift?

The brow lift takes about one hour to complete.

Will I have scars after undergoing a brow lift?

While the brow lift will leave scars, they are well-concealed within the hairline. The scars resulting from a temporal/endoscopic brow lift are very small, requiring a shorter recovery time.

How much pain occurs with brow lifts?

Discomfort after a brow lift is usually minimal and can be managed with prescription pain medication, which is typically only needed for a few days.

How much time should I plan to take off from work after my brow lift?

You should plan on being out of work for about one week after your brow lift procedure.

Can I exercise after my brow lift procedure?

Light exercise can usually be resumed within 10 days after the brow lift procedure, though strenuous activities and exercise will need to be put off for about two weeks.

Are there any risks of undergoing a brow lift?

All surgery carries some risk. For the brow lift, this may include the risk of cosmetic asymmetry and temporary numbness of the forehead, which may last for one to three months.

Will my insurance company cover the cost of a brow lift?

A brow lift performed for cosmetic reasons is not covered by health insurance. However, you can speak with us about financing your procedure with CareCredit.

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