Brow Lift

As we age, the brow (forehead and eyebrows) tends to drop downward — causing excess skin above the eyelids and sometimes even blocking the ability to see a complete visual field. A heavy, sloping brow can also create a permanently stern expression.

Browplasty (Brow Lift)

A brow lift, also called a “forehead lift”, rejuvenates the brow and eyes by lifting the skin and smoothing out horizontal creases. The ideal youthful brow is thought to be positioned above the supraorbital rim with the lateral 1/3 slightly higher than the middle 2/3.

What a Brow Lift Can Do

Reduce the appearance of horizontal forehead creases
Restore the natural position of the eyebrows
Elevate the brow line to achieve a younger look
Tighten excess skin of the forehead
Improves the appearance of sagging upper eyelids
Reduce the appearance of crow’s feet at the eyes
Deliver a refreshed, younger-looking appearance for the face

Why Get a Brow Lift?

A brow starts to become heavy as the skin gradually loses its elasticity with age. This loss of elasticity is a result of years of sun exposure, environmental factors, and repeated muscle movements that come with your expressions.

When this heavy brow begins to develop, it can change a person’s face that was once friendly and youthful-looking into an exhausted or harsh expression. This, of course, makes many people who are experiencing it unhappy. No one wants to look unfriendly. A brow lift has the ability to brighten the entire area — especially when combined with an eyelid lift or cosmetic injectables.

Brow Lift Surgical Details

A brow lift can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation, and takes 1-2 hours. The procedure involves elevating the brow to a more youthful position either endoscopically through small scalp incisions, or through an upper eyelid incision (often in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery). The type of anesthesia for your specific surgery and the technique to be used will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Reitzen.

“I would highly recommend Dr. Reitzen, as she is an incredible surgeon with a great sense of how to make patients feel at ease.”

Muhammad S.

Recovery from a Brow Lift

You may have swelling, discomfort, and numbness at the incisions during recovery
You may ice the area for the first 48 hours
Sleep on your back with your head elevated for 5-7 days
Only light activities for the first week

Bandages and stitches are removed in one week
Most patients return to regular activities in one week
By week three, swelling and bruising should be nearly gone
More severe (and rare) risks include nerve injury, hair loss at the incisions, scarring, and infection

Schedule A Consultation

Who is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?

If you’re in Tribeca or on the Upper East Side and you’re interested to see what a brow lift can do for you, you may be the ideal candidate. Individuals who make great patients for a forehead lift are men and women who:

Are bothered by their “permanent” sad, angry, severe, or tired expression
Want to improve forehead lines, crow’s feet, and sagging skin around the eyes
May be experiencing impaired vision due to excess skin
Are non-smokers in general good health

Do not have uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or bleeding/blood clotting disorders
Have realistic expectations for what a brow lift can accomplish
Fully understand the brow lift procedure, risks, recovery, and what to expect

Results

Brow lift results are typically apparent at three weeks. These results will progress each day, with the outcome finalized at four months. These results are long-lasting. Brow lift patients love their refreshed, more youthful appearance after brow lift surgery.

Brow Lift Surgery with Dr. Reitzen

Shari Reitzen, MD is a female facial plastic surgeon who is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She serves both Tribeca and Manhattan’s Upper East Side, delivering natural-looking results for the residents of New York and beyond. She is both a cosmetic expert and has an extensive ENT background. Dr. Reitzen puts her patients first and closely listens to them in order to achieve the desired results. Her goal is to safely deliver a natural look that doesn’t appear overdone.