A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, improves the appearance of the brow and reduces horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles that may be caused by sagging skin. The brow lift restores a more youthful, rested and less “angry” appearance, in ways that can’t be achieved with Botox® and fillers. Brow lifts are often combined with a facelift or blepharoplasty to achieve the best results possible. There is a high satisfaction rate with brow lifts, but it is a delicate procedure that needs to be done carefully for best safety and aesthetic outcome, so it is important to choose a surgeon you trust who has the highest board certifications in plastic surgery, is skilled and experienced, and has before/after photos that show outstanding results.
1-2 Hours
2-3 Weeks
1
Outpatient
A Palo Alto or San Jose brow lift is intended to raise and restore the symmetry of the brow position. This will lead to a more awakened look. This can help reduce such signs of aging as drooping eyebrows, “hooding” eyelids, forehead furrows, and frown lines.
To perform a brow lift Palo Alto & San Jose plastic surgeon Dr. Boudreault will use one of three techniques, tailored to your specific anatomy and skin type.
The goal of each approach is to elevate the brow, which allows the forehead to smoothen and appear less angry. The placement of incisions is discreet and the entire process takes only a few hours. Patients will be able to be home that night to recover with minimal to no discomfort.
The average recovery time for a brow lift in San Jose or Palo Alto is seven days. Immediately after the procedure, you will notice an over-correction – brows are in a higher position than where they will finally settle. This can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The surgery may be done alone or with other procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.
Most patients will notice the brow over-correction right away, meaning your brow will appear higher than expected at first. By two months after all the swelling should be gone, you should see a younger, smoother look with the brow settled in the desired position.
In the open approach, San Jose & Palo Alto plastic surgeon Dr. Boudreault makes an incision either slightly behind the hairline, running ear-to-ear across the top of the head, or, in the case of balding or a receding hairline, in the mid-brow area, along a natural line to minimize incision visibility. The doctor then removes excess skin and tissue before applying fine sutures.
In endoscopic surgery, Dr. Boudreault makes a series of small incisions just behind the hairline and then, using an endoscope the size of a drinking straw, proceeds to remove those muscles that are the source of frown lines. The eyebrows are then lifted to reduce sagging of the skin at eyelid level. Depending on the nature of the incisions and Dr. B’s preference, bandages may be applied along the incisions. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours. In a direct or mid-forehead approach, an incision is made and an ellipse of skin is removed to directly elevate the brow. This is an ideal procedure for men with unstable hairlines or patients with long or convex foreheads. This is a skin only procedure and can be done under local anesthesia in the clinic. Patients can drive themselves to and from this procedure, as only local anesthesia is used.
The average cost of a brow lift is $9,500-$12,000. This estimate includes all fees, such as any anesthesia and facility fees. If you would like to have your brow lift done soon but would like to pay it off over time in small monthly increments, we offer financing through Care Credit or Alphaeon. Many of our San Jose & Palo Alto brow lift patients will choose to apply for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.