Understanding Brow Aging and Facial Balance

The brows sit at the intersection of multiple facial structures, including the forehead, upper eyelids, and eye sockets. Their position is influenced by opposing muscle groups—those that lift the brow and those that pull it downward—as well as the quality of the overlying skin and supporting tissues.

As skin elasticity decreases with age, the soft tissues of the forehead gradually descend. In response, many people subconsciously raise their eyebrows to compensate, which can deepen horizontal forehead lines over time. Others may have naturally lower-set brows due to genetics, creating a heavier appearance even at a younger age.

Because the brow and upper eyelids work together visually, brow descent can also make the eyelids appear more hooded. In these cases, addressing the brow position can significantly improve the overall appearance of the eyes without altering their natural shape.

Brow Lift vs. Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators such as BOTOX® are commonly used to relax muscles that create forehead lines and frown lines between the eyebrows. In select patients, neuromodulators can produce a mild lifting effect by reducing downward muscle pull.

However, neuromodulators do not physically reposition sagging tissues. As brow descent progresses, increasing neuromodulator doses may reduce movement but can also contribute to a heavier or lower-looking brow. This is one reason some patients feel their injections “stop working” over time.

A brow lift addresses the underlying structural changes by repositioning the brow itself. Rather than relaxing muscles temporarily, surgery restores the brow to a more balanced position, often allowing neuromodulators to be used more conservatively afterward if desired.

How a Brow Lift Works

A brow lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the brows and adjusts the supporting tissues of the forehead. The goal is not to create an exaggerated or surprised look, but to restore the brows to a position that looks natural, rested, and harmonious with the rest of the face.

During the procedure, the surgeon carefully repositions the brow tissues and addresses excess skin or tissue tension as needed. Incisions are planned with precision to remain well-hidden within the hairline or scalp whenever possible.

Brow lift surgery can be performed on its own or combined with other facial procedures, depending on your anatomy and goals. For example, patients with significant eyelid skin redundancy may benefit from pairing a brow lift with upper eyelid surgery for more complete upper-face rejuvenation.

Brow Lift Techniques

There is no single brow lift technique that is right for every patient. The approach is selected based on brow position, forehead anatomy, hairline considerations, and the degree of correction needed. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain which method best aligns with your goals.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive approach that uses several small incisions hidden within the scalp. A small camera allows precise visualization of the brow tissues, enabling gentle repositioning with limited disruption. This technique often results in reduced scarring and a shorter recovery period for appropriate candidates.

Pretrichial Brow Lift

A pretrichial brow lift places the incision at the hairline. This approach can be helpful for patients with higher foreheads, as it allows brow elevation without further raising the hairline. The incision is carefully designed to blend with the natural hairline.

Coronal Brow Lift

The coronal brow lift uses an incision placed behind the hairline across the scalp. This method may be appropriate for patients requiring more extensive correction. While it is less commonly used today, it remains an option in select cases when significant brow repositioning is needed.

What Concerns Can a Brow Lift Address?

• Sagging or low-set eyebrows
• A tired, stern, or heavy upper-face appearance
• Deep horizontal forehead creases
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Asymmetry between the brows

By restoring balance to the upper face, a brow lift often enhances the appearance of the eyes without changing their natural shape or expression.

Recovery After a Brow Lift

Recovery timelines vary depending on the surgical technique used and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. Most patients experience swelling and mild bruising during the first one to two weeks.

Many individuals are able to return to desk work or light activities within approximately 10 to 14 days. Tightness, scalp sensitivity, or temporary numbness may occur early in recovery and typically improve as healing progresses.

Your surgeon will provide personalized postoperative instructions, including guidance on incision care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Healing continues gradually, with results becoming more refined as swelling resolves.

Is a Brow Lift Right for You?

A brow lift may be appropriate if you feel that your brow position makes you look tired or heavy despite feeling well-rested. It is also commonly considered by patients who find that neuromodulators no longer provide the desired improvement or who want a longer-lasting solution.

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate brow height, eyelid anatomy, facial proportions, and skin quality. In some cases, eyelid surgery alone may be sufficient, while others benefit most from a combined approach.

Ideal candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking natural-looking improvement rather than dramatic change.

Results and Long-Term Considerations

Brow lift results are designed to look subtle and natural. Patients often describe appearing more open, rested, and approachable rather than “different.”

Final results develop gradually over several weeks as swelling subsides. Maintaining healthy habits—such as sun protection, good skincare, and overall wellness—can support long-term results.

Some patients choose to continue using neuromodulators or other non-surgical treatments after surgery for fine-tuning, while others find they need less intervention overall.

A Patient-Centered Approach at Monarch

Care at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center is led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri N. Moak. Their approach emphasizes safety, balance, and outcomes that align with each patient’s natural facial anatomy.

Both surgeons maintain surgical privileges at Northside Hospital and Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center, supporting continuity of care and high safety standards.

Patients from across Atlanta—including Buckhead and Sandy Springs—seek care at Monarch for thoughtful surgical planning and physician-guided treatment.

Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation

A consultation is the best way to determine whether a brow lift is right for you. During this visit, your surgeon will discuss your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and outline personalized options based on your needs.

If you are exploring surgical and non-surgical approaches, your consultation can also include a discussion of complementary treatments and realistic expectations for recovery and results.

To begin, contact Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center to schedule your brow lift consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Atlanta, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs.