Eyebrow Lift - Brow Lift, Forehead Lift, Frown Line Reduction

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Benefits

Refreshed Expression

Eliminate the tired, angry, or sad expression caused by drooping brows. Your face will reflect how you actually feel rather than the effects of gravity.

Open, Youthful Eyes

Lifting descended brows removes the excess skin they push onto upper eyelids, opening the eyes without aggressive eyelid surgery.

Smoother Forehead

Reduce horizontal forehead lines and the vertical "11" lines between your brows that contribute to an aged or stressed appearance.

Hairline Options

Depending on your anatomy, a brow lift can lower a high hairline while lifting the brows, addressing two concerns with one procedure.

Expected Results

A well-performed brow lift creates a refreshed, more alert appearance without looking "done." The goal is restoring your brows to their youthful position while maintaining natural shape. Others will notice you look better and more rested, not that you've had surgery. Results are visible once initial swelling subsides and continue to improve over several weeks as tissues settle.

Elevated Brow Position

Brows are restored to a youthful position at or above the orbital rim. In women, the brow should have a gentle arch with the peak at or lateral to the outer edge of the iris. In men, a flatter brow at the rim maintains masculine appearance.

Reduced Forehead Lines

The muscles that create forehead wrinkles and frown lines are addressed during surgery. Horizontal lines smooth significantly, and the corrugator muscles responsible for the "11" lines between the brows are weakened or removed.

Harmonized Upper Face

The forehead, brows, and upper eyelids work together aesthetically. Addressing brow position creates harmony across the entire upper face, often with more natural results than treating each area separately.

Real Patient Results

Browse our extensive gallery to see the natural, symmetrical results Dr. Neavin achieves.

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Patient Stories

5-Star Experiences

“

I always looked angry even when I wasn't. Friends would ask if something was wrong. After my brow lift, people tell me I look happier and more approachable. The change in how others respond to me has been remarkable.

— Brow Lift Patient

Understanding Brow Aesthetics

Creating natural brow lift results requires understanding the aesthetic ideals that differ between men and women. These differences are not subtle, and failure to respect them creates obvious surgical results. In women, the ideal brow sits approximately 1 centimeter above the orbital rim (the bone at the top of the eye socket). The brow should have a gentle arch, with the peak positioned at or lateral to the outer edge of the iris. The inner and outer ends of the brow should be at approximately the same height, with the arch creating feminine elegance without appearing surprised. In men, the brow ideally sits at or just above the orbital rim with a flatter shape. The gentle arch that looks feminine on women appears startled or surgically altered on men. Male brow lifts must be approached conservatively with special attention to maintaining masculine brow characteristics. These aesthetic principles guide surgical planning. Simply elevating the brow without considering shape creates the "surprised look" that has given brow lifts a poor reputation. Dr. Neavin's research into brow aesthetics, presented at plastic surgery meetings, informs his surgical approach to ensure natural results.

Pretrichial (Hairline) Approach

The pretrichial brow lift places the incision along the front edge of the hairline. This approach offers unique advantages that other techniques cannot provide.

Best for patients with: High foreheads, receding hairlines in women, those who want both brow lifting and forehead reduction.

The incision is designed in an irregular, zigzag pattern to camouflage the scar. It’s also beveled (angled) so that hair follicles grow through the incision, further concealing it. When healed properly, the scar is virtually invisible, hidden at the junction of forehead skin and hair-bearing scalp.

The key advantage is the ability to reduce forehead height while lifting the brows. Women with high foreheads marked by a receding hairline benefit tremendously from this approach. The hairline is brought forward (lowered) while the brows are elevated, restoring proper facial proportions.

Dissection proceeds beneath the scalp to the orbital rim. The frontalis muscle may be scored to reduce horizontal wrinkles. The corrugator and procerus muscles that create the “11” lines are weakened or removed. Skin is excised below the hairline, and the wound is closed with fine sutures removed in about one week.

Transcoronal Approach

The transcoronal brow lift uses an incision that extends from ear to ear across the top of the scalp, hidden within the hair.

Best for patients with: Low hairlines, thick hair that easily conceals the incision, those who don’t need hairline modification.
Because the incision runs through hair-bearing scalp and tissue is removed behind this incision, the transcoronal approach may slightly raise the hairline. This makes it less ideal for patients with already high foreheads or receding hairlines, but excellent for those with low hairlines.

The surgical dissection, muscle treatment, and brow elevation are similar to the pretrichial approach. The incision is closed with a combination of sutures and staples, which are removed about two weeks after surgery.

The scar is completely hidden within hair and typically becomes undetectable. This approach provides excellent access for comprehensive forehead and brow treatment, particularly when combined with other facial procedures.

Endoscopic Approach

The endoscopic brow lift uses several small vertical incisions (typically 3-5) within the hair-bearing scalp near the hairline, avoiding any large incision.

Best for patients with: Moderate brow descent, preference for minimal incisions, those who don’t need hairline modification.
Small cameras (endoscopes) are inserted through the incisions to visualize the surgical plane. Dissection proceeds similarly to open approaches, releasing tissues to the orbital rim. The corrugator and procerus muscles are addressed under direct visualization through the endoscope.

Because no skin is removed, the elevated brow must be secured in its new position using various fixation techniques. Bioabsorbable devices called endotines are commonly used, which dissolve over several months after the tissues have healed in their new position.

The small incisions are closed with staples, removed about two weeks after surgery. Some surgeons argue that endoscopic results don’t last as long as open approaches because no skin is removed. This is debated, but slight overcorrection may be performed to account for any relaxation over time.

The endoscopic approach does not change hairline position, making it versatile for patients with various hairline configurations.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

Eyebrows have descended below the orbital rim, creating a heavy appearance
Excess upper eyelid skin caused primarily by low brow position rather than lid laxity
Deep horizontal forehead wrinkles or vertical frown lines
Desire a more alert, refreshed, less tired appearance
Realistic expectations about natural-looking results
Non-smokers in good overall health

Not Ideal Candidates

Upper eyelid excess caused by lid skin laxity (may need blepharoplasty instead)
Very high forehead with significant brow descent (requires careful technique selection)
Active hair loss in the incision areas (risk of visible scarring)
Unrealistic expectations (wanting a dramatically different appearance)
Medical conditions that impair wound healing

Brow Lift Assessment

Which Brow Lift Technique Is Right for You?

Answer a few questions to discover which surgical approach may best address your concerns

Dr. Neavin offers multiple brow lift techniques, each with unique advantages. This quick assessment will help identify which approach may be best suited to your anatomy and goals.

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6 quick questions about your concerns

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Personalized technique recommendation

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Estimated Investment

$8,000 – $15,000

The cost of brow lift surgery varies based on the technique used, whether the procedure is combined with other surgeries (such as blepharoplasty or facelift), and the complexity of your individual case. Endoscopic approaches at the lower end of the range are typically less involved. Pretrichial approaches that combine brow lifting with forehead reduction require more surgical time and precision. When brow lift is combined with other facial procedures, the overall cost may be less than having each procedure separately due to shared anesthesia and facility fees. Your quote includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and all standard follow-up appointments. Brow lift surgery is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.

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Brow Lift vs. Upper Blepharoplasty: Which Do You Need?

Many patients who believe they need upper eyelid surgery actually need a brow lift

Understanding the difference is critical for achieving optimal results.

When brows descend with age, they push excess skin onto the upper eyelids. This creates a heavy, hooded appearance that many patients attribute to the eyelids themselves. If upper blepharoplasty is performed without addressing the descended brow, two problems occur. First, the descended brow remains in its aged position, so the fundamental problem isn't corrected. Second, removing skin from the lid when the real excess comes from the brow can create difficulty closing the eyes.

During your consultation, Dr. Neavin will manually elevate your brow to its ideal position while you watch in a mirror. If this maneuver eliminates most of your upper lid heaviness, you likely need a brow lift rather than blepharoplasty. If significant lid excess remains even with the brow elevated, combining both procedures may be optimal.

Proper diagnosis is the foundation of good surgical planning. Many patients are surprised to learn that their "droopy eyelids" are actually a brow problem. The good news is that addressing the correct issue produces far better results than treating the wrong structure.

Surgery Day Journey

Arrival & Preparation

You'll arrive at the surgical facility and be greeted by our team. Pre-operative photographs are taken. You'll change into a surgical gown and meet with Dr. Neavin to review the surgical plan. Careful markings are made while you're sitting upright to ensure accurate assessment of ideal brow position and incision placement. You'll have the opportunity to ask any final questions.

Comfort & Safety

Most brow lifts are performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort, though local anesthesia with sedation is possible for some patients. The anesthesia team ensures your complete comfort and safety throughout the procedure. You'll be asleep before any surgical preparation begins.

The Procedure

The planned incisions are made (pretrichial at the hairline, transcoronal in the scalp, or small endoscopic incisions depending on your technique). Dissection proceeds to release the brow tissues. The corrugator and procerus muscles are treated to reduce frown lines. Brows are elevated to the planned position and secured. Incisions are closed with sutures and/or staples. Total surgical time is typically 1-2 hours.

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Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Head Elevation

Keep your head elevated at all times for the first week, including during sleep. Use multiple pillows or sleep in a recliner. This significantly reduces swelling and promotes healing. Avoid bending over, lying flat, or any position that puts your head below your heart. When swelling is well-controlled, comfort improves and healing progresses faster.

Incision Care

Keep incisions clean and dry as directed. For pretrichial incisions, apply prescribed ointment and avoid getting the hairline wet until cleared. For incisions within the hair, gentle shampooing may be permitted after a few days. Avoid scratching or manipulating staples. Attend all scheduled appointments for suture and staple removal.

Activity Restrictions

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise for at least two weeks. Elevated blood pressure and straining increase swelling and risk of complications. Light walking is encouraged. Gradually return to normal activities as healing progresses. Protect your incisions from sun exposure to minimize scarring. Wear a hat when outdoors.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Days 1-3

Expect swelling and bruising of the forehead, potentially extending to the upper eyelids. Keep your head elevated at all times, including during sleep. Apply cold compresses as directed. Pain is typically moderate and well-controlled with prescribed medication. Avoid bending over or straining. Some numbness of the forehead and scalp is normal.

Days 4-10

Swelling and bruising peak around days 3-4 then steadily improve. Sutures from pretrichial incisions are removed around day 7. You may feel comfortable going out with a hat or headband to conceal any residual bruising. Avoid strenuous activity. Numbness gradually improves.

Weeks 2-4

Staples from transcoronal or endoscopic incisions are removed around week 2. Most visible swelling and bruising have resolved. Many patients return to work and social activities. Residual swelling may persist, particularly first thing in the morning. You can gradually resume exercise, starting with light activity.

Months 2+

All swelling has resolved, revealing final brow position. Incision scars continue to mature and fade. Any residual numbness should be resolved or nearly resolved. The brows may settle slightly from their immediate post-operative position as tissues relax, which is expected and accounted for in surgical planning.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Brow lift surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon with proper technique. Each approach carries specific considerations, and proper patient selection minimizes risks. Dr. Neavin will discuss which approach is safest and most effective for your individual anatomy.

Important Considerations

Numbness: Temporary numbness of the forehead and scalp is common and typically resolves over weeks to months. Permanent numbness is rare but possible.
Hair loss: Temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium) can occur near incisions. Permanent hair loss along incision lines is rare with proper technique.
Asymmetry: Some asymmetry exists naturally in all faces. While Dr. Neavin strives for symmetry, perfect symmetry is not always achievable.
Visible scarring: Pretrichial incisions may be visible if not properly designed or if healing is poor. Transcoronal and endoscopic scars are typically well-hidden in hair.
Nerve injury: The frontal branch of the facial nerve controls eyebrow movement. Injury can cause weakness or asymmetry in brow movement, usually temporary.
Over-correction (surprised look): Elevating brows too high or altering their shape inappropriately creates an unnatural, startled appearance. Proper planning prevents this.
Recurrence: Some descent of the brows may occur over time, particularly with endoscopic approaches. This doesn’t return you to your preoperative state but represents some relaxation from the immediate post-operative result.
Need for revision: Some patients may require additional procedures to optimize results or address asymmetries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a brow lift and a forehead lift?

These terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to surgery that elevates the eyebrows and addresses forehead wrinkles. Some surgeons use "forehead lift" to emphasize wrinkle reduction and "brow lift" to emphasize brow elevation, but the procedures are essentially the same.

Will a brow lift eliminate my forehead wrinkles completely?

A brow lift significantly reduces forehead wrinkles by repositioning the skin and treating the underlying muscles. However, some wrinkles may persist, particularly deep lines that have been present for many years. The goal is substantial improvement, not necessarily complete elimination. Botox can complement surgical results for remaining dynamic lines.

How long do brow lift results last?

Results are long-lasting but not permanent. Aging continues after surgery, and over many years some descent may occur. However, you will always look better than if you had never had the procedure. Most patients enjoy their results for 10-15+ years, and some never feel the need for additional surgery.

Will my hairline be affected?

It depends on the technique. The pretrichial approach can lower a high hairline while lifting the brows. The transcoronal approach may slightly raise the hairline. The endoscopic approach doesn't significantly change hairline position. Dr. Neavin selects the technique that best addresses your hairline situation.

Can I have a brow lift if I'm a man?

Yes, but male brow lifts require special consideration. The male brow ideally sits lower and flatter than the female brow. Techniques must be modified to maintain masculine brow characteristics and avoid creating a surprised or feminized appearance. Dr. Neavin's research into gender-specific brow aesthetics guides his approach to male patients.

Dr. Tim Neavin

The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

Creating natural brow lift results requires understanding that brow shape matters as much as brow position. Dr. Neavin has studied eyebrow aesthetics extensively, analyzing ideal brow shape and position in female models and presenting his research findings at plastic surgery meetings. This academic foundation informs his surgical approach, ensuring results that look refreshed rather than startled. He offers multiple brow lift techniques and selects the optimal approach based on your anatomy, hairline position, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Neavin also collaborates with renowned celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes on eyebrow transplantation for patients who may benefit from that approach.

Brow Aesthetics Expertise

Board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized research in eyebrow shape and position
Presented eyebrow aesthetics findings at national plastic surgery meetings
Offers endoscopic, pretrichial, and transcoronal approaches based on individual anatomy
Collaborates with celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes on eyebrow transplantation
Understands gender-specific brow aesthetics to avoid feminizing male results

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery

Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

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Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin today.

Eyebrow Lift Restore youthful brow position and eliminate forehead wrinkles