Brow Lift: Types, Procedure, Recovery and Results

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review

Quick Answer

A brow lift (forehead lift) is a cosmetic procedure that raises sagging eyebrows and smooths forehead creases and frown lines. Surgical options include the classic, endoscopic and limited-incision lifts; nonsurgical options include Botox injections and thread lifts. Most people return to work in 10 to 14 days, and full healing takes up to six months.

What the research says

• Brow lifts raise the brow by a few millimeters long-term: in 22 studies covering 2,127 brows followed for nearly 2 years on average, brow lifts raised the outer brow by 3.8 mm, the center by 3 mm and the inner brow by 2.4 mm, with a good safety record (Karanfilian T et al., Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2026) [2]

• Each technique has its own risks: a review of 76 studies found revision surgery was most common after hairline lifts (7.4%), numbness after direct lifts (5.5%) and hair loss after endoscopic lifts (2.8%) (Cho MJ et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2018) [3]

Key takeaways

• A brow lift raises sagging brows and smooths forehead lines.

• Surgical types include classic, endoscopic and limited-incision lifts.

• Botox and thread lifts are nonsurgical options.

• Most people return to work in 10 to 14 days.

• Final results take up to six months.

What is a brow lift?

A brow lift repositions the forehead to raise the eyebrows, reduce wrinkles and refresh your appearance. It doesn't change the shape of your eyes or fix baggy eyelids, but it can be combined with eyelid surgery, a facelift or skin resurfacing. More than 88,000 brow lifts are done in the U.S. each year, and fewer than 10% are in men. Sources: [1]

Why it's done

Good candidates are healthy nonsmokers with realistic goals.

• Horizontal creases across the forehead.

• Vertical frown lines between the eyebrows (the "11s").

• Sagging eyebrows that make the eyes look hooded. Sources: [1]

Good candidates are healthy, don't smoke and have realistic expectations. Sources: [1]

Types of brow lifts

Your surgeon recommends the best option for your face.

Type	How it works	Notes
Classic (coronal)	One continuous cut from ear to ear across the top of the head	Most extensive
Endoscopic	A few short cuts in the scalp and a small camera	Less scarring and shorter recovery
Limited incision	Small cuts without a camera	Softens crow's feet; doesn't treat the center of the forehead
Botox injections	Relaxes muscles between and above the brows	Not permanent; repeated several times a year
Thread lift	Dissolvable barbed threads lift and tighten skin	Minimally invasive

Sources: [1]

How to prepare

• Meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals, options, risks and photos.

• Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.

• Limit alcohol and avoid medicines such as aspirin as directed.

• Grow your hair out to help hide scars.

• Arrange a ride home and someone to help you the first day and night. Sources: [1]

What happens during surgery

Surgery takes one to three hours.

1. You get local or general anesthesia, depending on the type.

2. The surgeon makes cuts at the hairline or in the scalp.

3. Tissue is lifted and repositioned, and some muscle and skin may be removed.

4. The cuts are closed with stitches or staples, and padding and bandages are applied.

5. You usually go home the same day. Sources: [1]

Risks

Risk	Notes
Scarring	Usually hidden at the hairline or in the hair
Numbness or tingling	Common at first; usually fades
Hair loss near the cuts	More often after endoscopic lifts
Asymmetry or limited brow movement	Uncommon
Infection, bleeding	Uncommon
Intense scalp itching	Can happen during healing

Sources: [1, 3]

Recovery

When	What to expect
1 to 3 days	Bandages removed; keep your head raised, even while sleeping
1 to 2 weeks	Stitches or staples removed or dissolve; swelling mostly gone
10 to 14 days	Most people return to work or school
A few weeks	Avoid heavy lifting and hard exercise
Up to 6 months	Full healing and final results

Use cool packs on the sides of your face, not directly on your forehead. Sources: [1]

Results

Results are long-lasting, but your skin keeps aging, so some wrinkles may return over time, though usually less deep. Wearing sunscreen helps protect your results. Sources: [1, 2]

When to call your surgeon

• Fever above 100°F (37.8°C).

• Swelling that keeps getting worse.

• Bleeding from the incision.

• Severe pain.

• Any changes in your vision. Sources: [1]

Conclusion

A brow lift can smooth forehead lines and lift heavy brows for a fresher look. Talking through surgical and nonsurgical options with an experienced surgeon helps you choose the approach that fits your goals.

Keep learning: read about facelift surgery and non-surgical facelifts.

Frequently asked questions

What is a brow lift?

A procedure that raises the eyebrows and smooths forehead lines.

What are the types of brow lifts?

Classic, endoscopic and limited-incision lifts, plus Botox and thread lifts.

How long does surgery take?

One to three hours.

Will I have scars?

Scars are usually hidden at the hairline or in your hair.

How long is recovery?

Most people return to work in 10 to 14 days.

When will I see final results?

Up to six months after surgery.

Is a brow lift permanent?

Results last long, but your skin continues to age.

Can a brow lift fix droopy eyelids?

No. Eyelid surgery treats baggy eyelids.

Is there a nonsurgical brow lift?

Yes. Botox injections or a thread lift.

When should I call my surgeon?

For fever, bleeding, severe pain, worsening swelling or vision changes.

Related Reading

Facelift Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Rejuvenation surgery that lifts the lower face.

A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Surgical Facelifts nonsurgical options for facial aging.

Eyebrow Transplant: Procedure, Recovery, Results and Risks a procedure to restore eyebrow hair.

Cosmetic Surgery: A Guide to Aesthetic Procedures an overview of cosmetic surgery.

Buccal Fat Removal: Procedure, Recovery and Results another facial contouring procedure.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Brow Lift: What It Is, Procedure Options, Surgery & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated October 1, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10784-brow-lift

2. Karanfilian T, Zong AM, Delbourgo Patton C, et al. Long-term brow lift outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2026;42(2):138-150. PMID 40788666. https://doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0000000000002989

3. Cho MJ, Carboy JA, Rohrich RJ. Complications in brow lifts: a systemic review of surgical and nonsurgical brow rejuvenations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2018;6(10):e1943. PMID 30534495. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001943

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.