Brow Lift

Maintaining a Youthful Appearance

The importance of both eyebrow position and eyebrow shape and their contribution to maintaining a youthful and rested appearance, cannot be overlooked. Sagging skin and a drooping forehead can cause us to appear tired, angry or sad, despite an excellent mood.

What is a Brow Lift?

Brow descent is an inevitable part of the aging face. A brow lift, therefore, is used to describe the process of restoring the eyebrows to a more youthful position. Brow lifting, however, is not without nuance, and the concept of “less is more” is essential to achieving natural-looking results. There are many variations of brow-lifting procedures. Selecting the most appropriate technique should be individualized and based on your unique characteristics.

Woman in a black blouse leaning her head on her hand

What are the Advantages of a Brow Lift?

Improved brow shape
Improved vision in some cases
A more relaxed and inviting facial expression
Minimal scarring
Specific techniques can be performed under local anesthesia

Who Is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?

A brow lift is ideal for individuals experiencing sagging brows, deep forehead lines, and other age-related changes affecting the upper face. Candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations for the outcome.

Non-smokers, as smoking can impact healing.
Individuals with no underlying medical conditions that impair healing.
People free of severe eye conditions, like glaucoma or chronic dry eyes.
Those with good skin elasticity to achieve optimal results.
Individuals with drooping brows or deep forehead wrinkles.

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The Procedure Process

The brow lift procedure begins with administering anesthesia to ensure your comfort during surgery. Dr. Pratt will discuss anesthesia options, such as local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, to determine what’s best for you.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, small incisions are made either behind the hairline or within the natural creases of the forehead, depending on the technique used. Dr. Pratt will gently lift and reposition the forehead tissues, reducing wrinkles and elevating the brows to a more youthful position. Muscles contributing to deep forehead lines may also be adjusted for smoother skin.

After repositioning the brow and smoothing out the forehead, Dr. Pratt will carefully close the incisions with sutures or staples. Surgical dressings are then applied to protect the area as it begins to heal. The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Recovery

Following a brow lift, patients can expect some initial swelling and bruising, particularly around the forehead and eyes. Dr. Pratt will provide post-operative instructions, including how to manage any discomfort and care for the surgical site. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling during the first few days of recovery.

Most patients can return to light activities within a week, though strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Dr. Pratt will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the best results are achieved. Full results from the brow lift may take several months as the swelling subsides and the tissues settle into their new, youthful position.

Brow Lift FAQ

Where are the incisions placed for brow lift surgery?

The many variations of brow lift techniques. These techniques cover a broad spectrum of surgical approaches with incisions being placed in the mid portion of the scalp, near the hairline, and in some cases within the eyebrow itself.

Why do some people appear to have a startled or surprised look after a brow lift?

Recognizing how a brow lift can be used to create a more youthful look is essential to achieving a refreshed look rather than an artificial one. Lifting the eyebrows without a specific intention on optimizing the overall brow shape can lead to a chronically worried, angry, or startled appearance.

Can brow lifts be done in combination with other procedures?

Yes, brow lifts in my practice are used to complement other procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or facelift surgery. In most instances, brow lifting acts to accentuate the effects of other, more foundational procedures and is rarely done in isolation.

What is a chemical brow lift?

The use of cosmetic neurotoxins such as BOTOX® or Dysport® can be placed strategically along the forehead to help optimize brow shape. These are temporary solutions and reserved for individuals with mild to moderate brow droop.

Why Choose Dr. Pratt in Charlotte, NC, for a Brow Lift?

Perhaps the most tell-tale sign of an artificial or “done” look is the abnormally elevated eyebrow. Simply put, merely elevating an eyebrow doesn’t imply that the end result is a more youthful-looking face. It is his uncompromising commitment to restoring youth and delivering superior, natural-looking results that make Dr. Pratt one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the region. His customized, bespoke approach focuses on tailoring every aspect of the surgical plan based on the uniqueness of the individual.

After graduating from the University of Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Pratt completed his residency in general surgery at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He then went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he completed his fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Although Dr. Pratt is one of the few plastic surgeons in Charlotte, NC, who continues to take emergency facial trauma calls at multiple area hospitals, his private practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. Bespoke Plastic Surgery is located in south Charlotte and nestled in the heart of Ballantyne. The office is beautifully appointed and equipped with an unparalleled state-of-the-art, on-site surgery center.