Both a brow lift and a forehead lift are cosmetic procedures that can rejuvenate the upper third of the face. However, there are some key differences between the two procedures.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift or browplasty, is a procedure that lifts the brows and smooths forehead wrinkles and furrows. It can give the upper face a more refreshed, youthful appearance.
During a brow lift, an incision is made across the top of the head, usually along the hairline. The surgeon then lifts up the skin, removes excess tissue, pulls the skin taut, and trims away extra skin. Stitches or staples are used to close the incision.
There are a few different types of brow lifts:
- Coronal brow lift – the incision goes across the top of the head from ear to ear.
- Endoscopic brow lift – several small incisions are made and an endoscope (tiny camera) is inserted.
- Temporal brow lift – incisions are made in the temporal hair-bearing regions.
- Direct brow lift – incision made directly above brows.
Recovery time is around 2 weeks, with bruising and swelling subsiding within 10 days. Many people can return to work within 7-10 days.
What is a forehead lift?
A forehead lift specifically targets wrinkles and creases in the forehead area. It aims to smooth horizontal forehead lines and lift drooping brows.
The surgeon makes incisions across the top of the head, from ear to ear. Occasionally, an endoscopic approach is used. The underlying muscle that causes frown lines is modified or removed to prevent further wrinkling.
Swelling and bruising may last up to 3 weeks. Most people can return to work in about 10-14 days. The results of a forehead lift are visible right away but will continue to settle over several months.
The Main Differences Between a Brow Lift and Forehead Lift
While brow lifts and forehead lifts are similar procedures that both rejuvenate the upper third of the face, there are some key differences:
| Brow Lift | Forehead Lift |
|---|---|
| Lifts and sculpts the eyebrow area | Smooths horizontal creases and lines across the forehead |
| Incision often made along hairline | Incision made along hairline from ear to ear |
| Fixes frown lines between brows | Corrects drooping brows and frown lines |
| Aims to create arched brow shape | Does not significantly alter brow position |
| Recovery around 2 weeks | Recovery up to 3 weeks |
As you can see, while there is some overlap, brow lifts target the eyebrow area specifically, while forehead lifts aim to smooth the entire forehead area. A brow lift creates a more arched eyebrow shape, while a forehead lift focuses on lines and wrinkles across the forehead.
Who is a Good Candidate For Each Procedure?
The best candidates for a brow lift include:
- People with low, sagging eyebrows that make them appear tired or sad
- Individuals with deep horizontal creases across their forehead
- Those with frown lines between the brows
- People with excess upper eyelid skin drooping down over the eyelashes
- Individuals who want to achieve a more alert, youthful appearance
Good candidates for a forehead lift are people who have:
- Deep creases, wrinkles, or frown lines across the forehead
- Sagging eyebrows that make them look tired or angry
- Loose forehead skin creating excess wrinkles
- Drooping outer corners of the eyebrows
- Desire to smooth creases across forehead and between brows
Those with wrinkles isolated to the glabellar region between the eyebrows may benefit more from a brow lift. People with creases across the entire forehead will likely achieve better results from a forehead lift.
How is Each Procedure Performed?
Brow Lift Techniques
There are a few techniques a plastic surgeon may use to perform a brow lift:
- Coronal brow lift – An incision is made from ear to ear across the top of the head. Forehead skin is lifted, excess tissue removed, and the skin pulled tight.
- Endoscopic lift – Several small incisions are made in the hair-bearing scalp. An endoscope is inserted to visualize tissue. Excess skin and fat are removed.
- Temporal brow lift – Incisions are made in the hair-bearing temporal regions near the temples. This lifts the outer portions of the eyebrows.
- Direct brow lift – A small incision is made directly above the brow. This allows precise shaping of the brows.
Forehead Lift Techniques
Some approaches a surgeon may use for a forehead lift include:
- Classic forehead lift – An ear-to-ear incision across the top of the head lifts skin, removes excess tissue, and re-drapes skin tighter.
- Endoscopic lift – Several small incisions are made in the scalp and hairline. An endoscope visualizes tissue planes as skin is lifted and underlying muscles modified.
- Trichophytic lift – Incision made at the frontal hairline only. Minimal undermining preserves the hair follicles.
- Temporal lift – Incisions made in temple area lift outer eyebrows.
The best technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Surgeons may also combine a brow lift with a forehead lift for optimal rejuvenation of the upper face.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a Brow Lift
After a brow lift, there will be some swelling and bruising around the eyes and forehead for up to 2 weeks. Cold compresses can help minimize this. Most people take about 10 days off work.
The incision site will be tender, so pain medication is recommended for the first few days. Antibiotic ointment keeps the incisions clean as they heal. Head dressings are typically removed within 2 days.
Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks. Sun protection helps scars heal optimally. Results are immediately visible but will fully refine over several months.
Recovery from a Forehead Lift
Expect moderate bruising and swelling for 2-3 weeks after a forehead lift. Cold compresses can help. Pain medication manages discomfort for the first few days.
Dressings are removed within a day or two. The incision site will be sensitive so care must be taken to keep the area clean. Stitches come out in about a week.
Patients should avoid straining, bending, and lifting for 2-3 weeks after. Sunscreen helps scars heal best. Final results take 2-3 months to fully develop as swelling resolves.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with brow lifts and forehead lifts. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Asymmetry
- Nerve damage
- Reduced hair growth along the incision line
- Scarring
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can help minimize risks. Be sure to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully.
Cost Comparison
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of brow and forehead lift procedures in 2020 were:
| Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Brow lift | $3,743 |
| Forehead lift | $4,655 |
However, many factors affect the overall cost, such as the surgeon’s fees, the type of facility, and the geographic location. Combining procedures usually leads to some cost savings as well. Your surgeon can provide a personalized cost estimate.
Which is Better: Brow Lift or Forehead Lift?
Whether a brow lift or forehead lift is better for you depends on your specific goals and anatomy:
- If you want to elevate sagging brows and smooth frown lines between brows, a brow lift may be better suited.
- If your main concerns are horizontal creases across the forehead and drooping outer eyebrows, a forehead lift may be ideal.
- Those wanting to treat wrinkles in the entire upper face often benefit from a combination brow lift and forehead lift.
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine which procedure (or combination) will give you the rejuvenated look you desire.
Conclusion
While brow lifts and forehead lifts both rejuvenate the upper third of the face, brow lifts specifically target sagging eyebrows while forehead lifts focus on wrinkles across the forehead area. Brow lifts create a more arched brow while forehead lifts smooth horizontal creases and lift drooping brows.
The best candidates for each procedure are those seeking improvements in the specific areas addressed. Though risks and costs are similar, recovery may be slightly faster after a brow lift. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can recommend the right procedure, or combination of both, to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.