What is it and how is it done?
Heaviness of the upper eyelids is not always caused by the eyelid skin. With age, the brows descend, especially at their outer ends, and the forehead tissue bears down on the upper eyelids. People then raise their brows to see without realising it, the horizontal lines on the forehead deepen, and the face can take on a tired, angry or sad expression. When the brows are low, removing skin from the eyelids alone can pull the brow down even further and make the eyes look heavier. At the examination, gently lifting the brow by hand and seeing how much of the excess on the lid disappears helps identify the source of the problem.
There are several approaches to a brow lift and forehead lift. In the endoscopic method, a thin camera is introduced through a few short incisions in the scalp behind the hairline; the ligaments that pull the brow down are released and the forehead tissue is fixed in a higher position. It is often preferred for people with a normal or low hairline. In the temporal approach, the incision lies in the hair-bearing skin of the temple and mainly the outer end of the brow is lifted; it is a more limited procedure. In people with a high forehead, the incision can be made along the hairline; this allows the brow to be lifted without lengthening the forehead, or even while shortening it if needed, but leaves a fine scar along the hairline. A brow lift is often planned in the same session as upper eyelid surgery.
The aim is not to raise the brows as high as possible, but to bring them closer to their natural position; an over-lifted brow can give a permanently surprised look. If brow descent is mild, a brow lift with botulinum toxin may be considered instead of surgery: when the muscles that pull the brow down are relaxed, the outer end of the brow rises slightly. The effect lasts a few months, needs repeating and does not correct marked sagging.
At the practice in Nişantaşı, Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses the position of the brows, the height of the forehead, the hairline, the eyelid skin and the movement of the forehead muscles together. 3D facial imaging helps in discussing the options by showing the relationship between the brow and the eyelid. At the consultation, you are told in detail which method is recommended and why, where the scars will be and how recovery will progress; if surgery is not needed, you are told this clearly as well.
What are the aims?
- To bring descended brows closer to their natural position.
- To reduce heaviness of the upper eyelids caused by low brows.
- To soften an expression that looks tired, angry or sad.
- To lessen the horizontal lines on the forehead, as the need to keep raising the brows decreases.
- To keep the height of the forehead in proportion with the face.
Who is it suitable for?
- People whose brows have descended noticeably, especially at the outer ends
- People in whom part of the heaviness of the upper eyelids is caused by low brows
- People who raise their brows to see without realising it and have developed deep horizontal forehead lines
- People whose eyes still look heavy even though they have already had eyelid surgery on its own
- People in good general health who do not smoke or are able to stop
- People with realistic expectations who want a natural brow position
When is it postponed or not recommended?
- People whose brows are already in a normal or high position; in these people the problem usually lies in the eyelid skin
- People with very mild brow descent who could be satisfied with non-surgical methods
- People with uncontrolled high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder
- People who cannot stop smoking
- People who expect their brows to be raised well above their natural position
Alternatives
- Brow lift with botulinum toxin
- Relaxing the muscles that pull the brow down can raise the outer end of the brow slightly for a few months; it does not correct marked brow descent and needs repeating.
- Upper eyelid surgery
- If the brows are in place and the problem lies only in the eyelid skin, eyelid surgery alone may be enough.
- Limited temporal brow lift
- If only the outer end of the brow is low, a smaller procedure through the hair-bearing skin of the temple may be enough.
The process step by step
- 1
First contact
You can send photos of your face at rest, taken from the front and side, and a short description of your concerns by WhatsApp or e-mail, or call the practice. This information gives you a general idea of the options and helps plan the examination; the medical assessment and the decision take place at the examination in Nişantaşı.
- 2
Consultation and planning
Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses the position of the brows, the height of the forehead, the hairline and the eyelid skin together; whether a brow lift, eyelid surgery or both are needed is discussed.
- 3
Preparing for surgery
Blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment are carried out. Smoking is stopped, and blood thinners and herbal supplements are adjusted with your doctor's approval. Shaving the hair is usually not necessary.
- 4
Day of surgery
The operation is performed in an accredited partner hospital under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation; on its own it usually takes 1–2 hours. Most patients go home the same day or the next day.
- 5
Stitch removal and check-ups
The stitches or staples in the scalp are usually removed on days 7–10. Later check-ups take place at 3 and 6 months.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
There is swelling and tightness in the forehead and around the eyes; swelling and bruising may move down towards the eyelids. Keep your head raised and apply cold compresses. Hair washing is resumed as advised.
Week 1
Swelling starts to go down. Reduced sensation or a feeling of tightness in the forehead and scalp is normal.
Days 7–10
The stitches or staples in the scalp are removed. Most people return to desk work and social life.
Weeks 3–4
Sport and strenuous activity are resumed gradually. Itching and numbness of the scalp may continue for a while.
Month 3
Most of the swelling has gone and the brows settle into position. Reduced sensation usually improves considerably.
Months 6–12
The scars mature and the final appearance settles.
Risks and possible complications
Every surgical procedure carries risks. Your personal risk is assessed in detail at the consultation.
- Reduced sensation or itching of the forehead and scalp; this usually recovers within months and rarely lasts longer.
- Injury to the nerve branch that moves the forehead muscles; there may be temporary weakness when raising the brow, and permanent weakness is rare.
- Asymmetry between the two brows, or over- or under-lifting.
- Thinning or loss of hair along the incision line.
- A visible scar with the hairline method; small scars in the scalp with the endoscopic method.
- Some descent of the brows again over time.
- Bleeding, haematoma, infection and risks related to anaesthesia.
- When combined with eyelid surgery, temporary difficulty closing the eyes fully and dry eyes.
What determines the cost?
The fee for a brow lift and forehead lift depends on the approach chosen (endoscopic, temporal or hairline), the method used to fix the brow, the type of anaesthesia, the length of the operation and the length of the hospital stay. Procedures done in the same session, such as upper eyelid surgery, also affect the fee.
Because it only becomes clear at the examination whether the problem lies in the brow or in the eyelid, the fee is also set after the examination. Following the assessment by Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı, you receive a written, itemised quote for the planned procedures that states what is included; it is a good idea to ask about the details of the quote before surgery.
If you are coming to Istanbul
The practice is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism (certificate no. ST-2365); help with accommodation near the clinic and airport transfer can be arranged through authorised partners. If you are travelling from abroad or from another city, plan to stay in Istanbul for 7–10 days after a brow lift; the first check-up and the removal of the scalp stitches take place during this time. Back home, you stay in touch with the practice by sending photos and messages; if something needs to be examined, a check-up in Istanbul or a visit to a local doctor is arranged. Return visits are usually advised at 3 and 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is a brow lift painful?
A brow lift is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, so you feel no pain during the procedure. In the following days there may be tightness in the forehead, a pressing feeling similar to a headache and tenderness of the scalp; these are usually controlled with painkillers. If swelling increases rapidly, or you develop a fever or discharge from a wound, let the practice know.
When can I go back to work after a brow lift?
After a brow lift, most people can return to desk work and social life within 7–10 days. Bruising and swelling may move down towards the eyelids in the first days and reduce noticeably within two weeks. Sport and strenuous physical activity usually wait 3–4 weeks. If the operation is combined with eyelid surgery, this period may be a little longer.
Does a brow lift or forehead lift leave a scar?
Where the incisions for a brow lift and forehead lift are placed depends on the method. With the endoscopic and temporal approaches, the incisions lie within the hair-bearing scalp and are usually not visible once the hair grows. With the hairline method, a fine scar forms along the hairline; it is planned so that hair can grow through it and usually fades within a year. Hair may thin along the incision line.
My eyelids feel heavy: do I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery?
Heaviness of the upper eyelids can be caused by excess eyelid skin, by descended brows, or by both. If the brows are low, eyelid surgery alone can pull the brow down further; in that case a brow lift is planned on its own or in the same session as eyelid surgery. Which is needed is decided at the examination by assessing the position of the brows and the eyelid skin together.
Can a botulinum toxin brow lift replace surgery?
In a brow lift with botulinum toxin, the muscles that pull the brow down are relaxed and the outer end of the brow rises slightly. This can be an option for people with mild brow descent or who do not want surgery, but the effect lasts a few months and needs regular repeating. For marked brow descent and eyelid heaviness, it does not replace a surgical brow lift.
When is the result of a brow lift visible, and how long does it last?
After a brow lift, most of the swelling goes within about 3 months and the brows settle into position; the scars can take 6–12 months to mature and the final appearance to settle. The effect usually remains noticeable for many years, but because the face continues to age, it is natural for the brows to descend somewhat again over time. How well the result holds also depends on skin type and the method used.
What is the right age for a brow lift?
There is no set age for a brow lift; the decision depends on the position of the brows, the height of the forehead and the condition of the eyelid skin. Brow descent usually becomes noticeable after the age of 40, but in some people naturally low brows cause concern at a younger age. Adults in good general health who do not smoke and have realistic expectations are suitable candidates.
What does the cost of a brow lift depend on?
The cost of a brow lift depends on which approach is chosen (endoscopic, temporal or hairline), the method used to fix the brow, the type of anaesthesia and any procedures done in the same session, such as eyelid surgery. An accurate fee cannot be set without an examination. After the examination with Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı, you receive a written quote that sets out the planned procedures.
Should I stop smoking and certain medicines before a brow lift?
Cigarettes and nicotine products impair the blood supply of the scalp and forehead tissue and can harm wound healing and the hair roots, so you are asked not to use them before a brow lift or during recovery. Blood thinners such as aspirin, some painkillers and herbal supplements can increase the risk of bleeding; which ones to stop, and when, is discussed at the consultation. Prescription medicines should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
How many days should I stay in Istanbul if I travel for a brow lift?
Patients travelling to Istanbul for a brow lift are advised to plan a stay of 7–10 days after surgery; during this time the first check-up takes place and the stitches or staples in the scalp are removed. Later check-ups usually take place at 3 and 6 months. If accompanying procedures such as eyelid surgery are planned, the length of stay is reassessed at the consultation.
Last updated: · Responsible for content: Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı · info@ilkeryazici.com