What Is a Brow Lift?
March 1, 2026
A forehead lift is one of the more recommended surgeries for the upper third of the face. It targets aging skin and sagging across the eyebrows, the upper eyelids, and the forehead, and it can also smooth out superficial forehead wrinkles and frown lines.
Simulated demonstration of an endoscopic brow lift. Brow position raised, upper eye area opened up, and the forehead lines caused by compensatory brow lifting smoothed out.
What is a forehead lift?
A forehead lift, also called a brow lift or forehead rejuvenation, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, and it works by raising the eyebrows. The idea is to lift the soft tissue and skin of the brows and forehead so the whole upper face looks more open and rested. (1)
People with low, sagging brows or with brow asymmetry tend to benefit most, and the change often does good things for confidence and self-esteem.
You can have a forehead lift on its own or alongside other facial procedures. It is commonly paired with blepharoplasty or a facelift. (2)
What are the benefits of a forehead lift?
Aging shows up clearly in the brows and forehead. As we get older, the skin and soft tissues lose elasticity, so the brows start to drop and the gap between the eyelashes and eyebrows shrinks. That settling is a big part of what gives an older face its look. (3)
It is also why some older people seem tired or sad even when they are not. The brows have simply settled into a lower position.
A brow lift can bring back a more youthful look by raising the eyebrows again, and most people come away happier with their appearance once they have recovered. It is also worth considering if a low brow is making sagging upper eyelids look worse. (4)
Endoscopic brow lifts — the modern standard — last 10-15 years. Botox-only chemical lifts last 3-4 months; thread lifts dissolve within 1-2 years; coronal lifts last longest but leave a long scalp scar.
What are the risks of a forehead lift?
As with any surgery, a forehead lift comes with some risks. (5) The ones specific to the forehead include:
- Visible scars where the incisions are made.
- Numbness on the scalp or forehead, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Brow asymmetry, where one eyebrow ends up higher than the other. This usually evens out as you heal, but if it persists, more surgery may be needed to correct the shape or position.
- Hair loss or a raised hairline. These tend to settle during healing, though if they last, scar removal or hair grafting can fix them.
A brow lift counts as major surgery, so the usual risks apply too: bleeding, infection at the incision site, and anesthesia complications. Talk through all of these with your surgeon before you commit.
How to prepare for a forehead lift
Start by talking the procedure through with your surgeon from every angle. (6) At the first visit, they will usually:
- Take your full medical history, so come ready to talk about past and current conditions, medications, previous surgeries, and any allergies.
- Do a complete physical exam, including measuring your face with your eyes open and closed, and keep a copy of your medical record.
- Ask why you want the procedure and what you expect afterward. Listen closely here, and make sure you understand the risks and benefits before you agree to anything.
Closer to the day itself, your surgeon will ask you to:
- Stop smoking for a while. Smoking slows blood flow to your tissues and drags out healing, so they will want you off it before the procedure and through recovery.
- Avoid medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and herbal supplements.
- Arrange some help for afterward. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours, so sort that out in advance.
Mild brow descent responds to Botox or threads. Established hooding and low brow position benefit from endoscopic surgery; severe cases often combine the brow lift with upper blepharoplasty.
What to expect after a forehead lift
Forehead lifts are done in a hospital under general anesthesia. The technique depends on what you want, and that in turn decides where the incisions go and where any scars end up. (7)
The most common approach is the endoscopic brow lift. The incisions sit behind the hairline, and an endoscope goes through one of these small cuts so the surgeon can see the muscles and tissues under the skin. (8)
Through another incision, an instrument lifts the forehead tissues and fixes them in place with screws, sutures, or another method. Once that is done, the surgeon closes up with small clips or stitches. (9)
The whole thing usually takes one to two hours, depending on the type of procedure and the surgeon's experience. (10)
How much does a forehead lift cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a brow lift is $3,900 to $4,000. That does not include extras like anesthesia fees and the operating room, so it is essential to go over the total price with your surgeon before the operation.
The surgeon's fee also varies with their experience, your location, and the type of brow lift you are having.
Keep in mind that health insurance usually will not cover brow procedures or their complications. Some surgeons do offer financing plans, so ask whether yours does.