Reduce the “Tired” Look With a Thoughtful Eyebrow Lift
A good brow lift does not chase height. It restores the natural arch and light around the eyes while protecting expression and eyelid function.
Here is how I decide when a lift helps, which approach fits, and what recovery looks like.
Signs a brow lift may help
- Lateral hooding that crowds the outer eyelid
- Brows that sit below the rim with a flat or downward tail
- Makeup transferring to the upper lid due to skin and brow descent
- Heavy, “tired” or stern look even when rested
- Asymmetry that shows in photos or video calls
Looking tired is often a mix of brow position, eyelid skin, and midface support. For the broader pattern, see constant tired expression.
Brow lift options at a glance
| Technique | Best for | Upsides | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic brow lift | Global or lateral descent with good hairline | Small scalp incisions. Precise release and support | Temporary numbness. Needs stable fixation during healing |
| Temporal (lateral) lift | Outer brow and hooding are the main issue | Targets the tail where most droop lives. Quick recovery | Limited effect on the inner brow |
| Trichophytic (hairline) lift | Low brows with a high forehead | Can lower the hairline while lifting the brow | Fine hairline scar that needs careful planning |
| Internal browpexy | Mild lateral descent during upper blepharoplasty | Small extra support without new external scars | Subtle lift. Not for advanced droop |
| Direct brow lift | Strong descent in heavy skin, often in men | Powerful correction with precise shaping | Scar just above the brow. Case selection is key |
How I plan a natural brow
- Shape first: gentle lateral lift and a calm inner brow prevent a “surprised” look
- Balance with eyelids: a lift pairs well with upper blepharoplasty when skin excess hides the crease
- Support, not stretch: release and reposition the brow, then secure it. Skin should close without tension
- Stage when needed: address brow position first, then polish skin or volume later
For the full tired-look framework, see constant tired expression.
Non-surgical shaping around the brow
- Neuromodulator: relax down-pullers for a mild brow lift in select cases
- Skin quality work: light resurfacing and skincare for texture around the lids
- Subtle volume support: deep placement in temples and upper cheek to soften skeletonization
How I stage injectables with surgery is outlined in injectables that help with anti-aging.
Recovery at a glance
- Week 1: swelling and mild forehead numbness. Keep the head elevated
- Weeks 2 to 3: most bruising fades. Social downtime improves
- Weeks 6 to 12: position settles and sensation improves
Risks and how we reduce them
- Numbness at the scalp or forehead that improves over time
- Scar concerns at the hairline or brow with certain techniques
- Asymmetry or over-elevation if planning is too aggressive
- Dry eye risk when combined with eyelid surgery if tissue is over-tightened
Careful release, conservative lift, and accredited OR protocols support safety and natural results.
FAQ
Will a brow lift fix eyelid skin
It helps open space but does not remove extra skin. Many patients pair a brow lift with upper blepharoplasty.
Can I get a lift effect without surgery
Small neuromodulator doses can lift the tail in select faces. The effect is subtle and temporary.
How do you avoid a “pulled” look
Lift laterally more than medially, respect brow shape, and secure tissue without skin tension. We plan for expression, not just height.
Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast, face, and body procedures.
