What is a Brow Lift?
Think about the many hundreds, if not thousands, of times your brows have been a source of frustration. Repeated facial movements can lead to permanent wrinkles and lines that make you appear older. But with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao can smooth out these lines to give you a younger, natural-looking appearance. This advanced procedure gives men and women rejuvenated features by removing excess skin from the forehead while raising the eyebrows. Dermal fillers and BOTOX are commonly used alongside a forehead lift for the best results possible. Call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to learn more about our brow lift and other facial rejuvenation treatments in Tucson, AZ.
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What are the benefits of a brow lift?
There are many reasons patients turn to Dr. Rao for brow lift surgery. This advanced treatment is safe, effective, and can provide an array of cosmetic benefits that make you feel more confident. Plus, with the use of advanced techniques, our team can provide real results that look natural and won’t be noticeable to others. A forehead lift can:
- Soften forehead wrinkles and lines
- Create a more alert, refreshed appearance
- Lift sagging areas that have fallen over time
- Restore a youthful shape to the eyebrows
- Provide overall smoother, more balanced features
Who is a candidate for brow lift surgery?
Ideal candidates for a brow lift are in good physical and mental health, have realistic expectations about the procedure, and understand the risks of surgery. This treatment is best suited for men and women who have noticed persistent wrinkles or drooping brow that detracts from their appearance. Inform our Tucson, AZ team about any health conditions that could interfere with your results. For patients who wish to avoid surgical procedures, Dr. Rao can recommend BOTOX and dermal fillers for more subtle outcomes. We can address:
- Deep, horizontal creases across the forehead
- Furrows, known as "frown lines," between the eyebrows
- A fatigued or irritable appearance due to a low brow position or drooping eyebrows
How is a brow lift performed?
Dr. Rao places patients under general anesthesia or IV sedation before beginning a brow lift procedure. Our incision techniques are determined by the placement and severity of your aesthetic issues. There are many approaches to consider, including:
Traditional Incision
An open browplasty incision is placed at the top of the head behind the hairline. This not only conceals scarring but also provides a certain degree of controlled lifting during the procedure. The open incision works well for those with frown lines, sagging brows, and are at risk of having a receding hairline.
Trichophytic Incision
This incision is placed right along the hairline. It allows significant lifting of the brow for patients who have a strong hairline with little risk for recession.
Lateral Brow Lift
Also known as a temporal brow lift, this technique starts the incision within the hairline just above the temples. A temporal incision allows the outer sections of the brow to be treated and is best for sagging that is present in the outer brows. A temporal brow lift also helps to treat Crow’s feet.
Endoscopic Forehead Lift
This modern technique requires placing several tiny incisions in the hairline and inserting an endoscope, which is pushed down to the area of the eyebrow. Through the camera of the endoscope, the brow tissue is suspended using stitches to lift the brow in a higher position.
What results can I expect from a brow lift?
Brow lift recovery varies among patients depending on the incision techniques used, but everyone should expect some bruising and swelling in the upper face near the brows and possibly around the eyes. Cold compresses may help reduce swelling. Dr. Rao advises patients to sleep upright for at least three nights following surgery. It is important to avoid any strenuous activities that may place stress on the treatment areas. The average recovery time from this procedure is about 2 – 3 weeks while about 5 – 10 days away from work is required. Incisions are typically hidden under the hairline and fade over time. Outcomes are usually seen immediately, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance that looks softer, more alert, and with a noticeable reduction in fine lines and sagging in the upper portion of the face.
Brow lift FAQ
How much does a brow lift cost?
The cost of brow lift surgery varies depending on the technique chosen, the facility fee, anesthesia fees, and other factors. Once your treatment plan has been created during your one-on-one consultation, an estimate of your costs can be discussed. Dr. Rao can also go over payment methods and how to find low-interest financing so your surgery is easier to afford.
Do I need a brow lift or facelift?
Whether you should get a brow lift or full facelift will depend on where you have sagging skin, as well as your goals. Discuss your concerns with Dr. Rao so we can decide what is best for your needs. Many patients come in thinking they want a facelift only to discover they really require a brow lift or vice versa. With years of cosmetic surgery experience, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rao can confidently assist with your goals.
What about nonsurgical treatments?
Nonsurgical treatments such as laser skin tightening and injectables (like BOTOX and Juvéderm) can provide short-term improvements. However, a surgical brow lift is better if you want to see significant improvements and longer-lasting results. Dr. Rao can review both surgical and nonsurgical options so you can decide which is best for you.
What technique should I choose?
Our team in Tucson, AZ will go over surgical techniques to help you understand the advantages of each. We then help you choose the best technique moving forward. Some factors that may influence your choice are your hairline (taking into account both your current hairline and your risk of future recession), the degree of skin sagging present, and how much time you can devote to recovery.
Will my results look natural?
When you choose a skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Rao, your brow lift results should look natural. Our custom treatment plans help you look refreshed and younger, not tight or frozen. During surgery, Dr. Rao will focus on removing excess skin. The remaining skin and tissue will be smoothed so your results don't limit your facial expressions or lift your eyebrows too high.

Rejuvenate Your Appearance
When cosmetic surgery is done right, it can make a huge difference to someone’s self-confidence and their life in general. For this reason, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao and our team take great care to ensure that each patient receives the best possible results. If you’re interested in learning more about a brow lift, or any other cosmetic procedure, call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ. We strive to make sure that every patient has beautiful and natural-looking outcomes.