Brow LiftForehead Lift Surgery
Surgical repositioning of the brow and forehead to address drooping brows and forehead lines — from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift — also called a forehead lift — is a surgical procedure that repositions the brow and addresses forehead lines and furrows. It is commonly sought when the brows have descended with age, creating a tired, heavy, or concerned expression that does not reflect how the patient feels.
A brow lift targets the underlying muscles and tissues of the forehead — not just the skin — to reposition the brow to a more natural height and reduce the appearance of deep horizontal forehead lines and frown lines between the brows.
It is commonly performed alongside upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and facelift to address facial ageing in a more comprehensive way, as the forehead, brows, and eyelids are closely related aesthetically.
Surgical options
Technique options
Endoscopic brow lift
Several small incisions within the hairline allow an endoscope (small camera) to be used to reposition brow tissues with minimal scarring. This is the most commonly used technique for patients with adequate hairline position.
- Small incisions hidden within the hairline
- Minimal visible scarring
- Faster recovery than open techniques
- Suited to mild-to-moderate brow descent
Open (coronal) brow lift
A single incision across the top of the scalp allows the entire forehead and brow to be elevated and reshaped. Suited to patients requiring more significant lifting or those with a high hairline where endoscopic technique is less appropriate.
- Greater degree of lifting
- Suited to significant brow descent
- Scar hidden within the hairline
Temporal (lateral) brow lift
Small incisions in the temporal hairline elevate the outer portion of the brow. Suited to patients with lateral brow descent and commonly combined with facelift or eyelid surgery.
- Targets outer brow specifically
- Commonly combined with facelift
- Minimal recovery
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon assesses brow position, forehead anatomy, hairline, and the degree of descent. The most appropriate technique is discussed and a tailored surgical plan created.
- 2
Anaesthesia
Brow lift is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia. A temporal brow lift may be performed under sedation, particularly when combined with other facial procedures.
- 3
Tissue repositioning
Incisions are made within the hairline. Forehead muscles and tissues are carefully elevated and repositioned. Underlying muscles contributing to frown lines may be weakened or modified.
- 4
Securing and closure
Tissues are secured in the elevated position with sutures or surgical fixation devices. Incisions are closed with fine sutures within the hairline. A supportive dressing may be applied.
- 5
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients go home the same day or the following morning. Follow-up at 1 week for suture removal, then 4–6 weeks and 3 months to review healing progress.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Days 1 – 5
Swelling and tightness
Forehead swelling and bruising around the eyes is expected. Keep the head elevated. A headache or sensation of tightness across the forehead is common and managed with pain relief.
Week 1 – 2
Suture removal and return to work
Scalp sutures or clips are removed. Most patients can return to desk work. Bruising is fading and swelling is noticeably reducing.
Weeks 3 – 4
Comfortable in social settings
Most patients are comfortable in social and professional settings. Residual numbness or itching of the scalp is common as nerve sensation recovers.
3 – 6 months
Final result
Swelling fully resolved. Scalp scars are hidden within the hairline and fading well. The intended brow position and forehead appearance are established.
Fees
Cost of a brow lift in NSW
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Scalp numbness
Temporary numbness across the forehead and scalp is common and generally resolves over weeks to months as sensory nerves recover.
Hair thinning near incisions
Temporary thinning of hair near scalp incisions can occur. This generally resolves within a few months as the scalp heals.
Asymmetry
Minor asymmetries in brow position during healing are common. Your surgeon will discuss pre-existing brow asymmetry at consultation so expectations are realistic.
Scarring
Incisions are placed within the hairline to minimise visible scarring. In most patients, scars are not visible once healed. Hair regrowth further conceals them.
Elevated hairline
Coronal brow lift can raise the hairline slightly. Your surgeon will assess hairline position at consultation and recommend the most appropriate technique.
Over- or under-correction
Achieving the intended brow position requires precise surgical judgment. Your surgeon will discuss the planned outcome in detail at consultation to align expectations.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionBrow lift costs in NSW vary depending on the technique used and whether the procedure is combined with eyelid surgery or facelift. A full transparent written quote is provided at consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina. Brow lift is generally a cosmetic procedure and Medicare rebates do not typically apply.
Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. Bruising and swelling resolve significantly within 2–3 weeks. Most patients are comfortable in social settings within 3–4 weeks. The final intended result is generally apparent at 3–6 months.
Incisions are placed within the hairline so that scars are generally not visible once healed. Hair growth further conceals them. With the endoscopic technique, only small incisions are required, minimising the extent of scalp scarring.
Brow lift results are generally long-lasting, typically 7–10 years, though natural ageing continues after surgery. The degree of longevity varies between individuals depending on skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
Botox can temporarily relax forehead muscles and provide a modest brow elevation effect, but cannot address significant brow descent or excess forehead skin. A brow lift surgically repositions the underlying tissues for a more comprehensive and longer-lasting result. Your surgeon can advise which approach may be more appropriate for your concerns.
Yes — brow lift and upper blepharoplasty are commonly combined as the brow and upper eyelid are closely related. A drooping brow can contribute to upper eyelid heaviness, so addressing both areas together may provide a more balanced result. Your surgeon will assess both areas at consultation.
Brow lift surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW, serving patients from the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation surgery including brow lift procedures, with a focus on natural-looking outcomes.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon with experience in forehead and brow surgery, working carefully with each patient to understand their concerns and goals.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a thorough and considered approach to brow lift surgery, working to understand each patient's facial anatomy and aesthetic concerns.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.