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Brow Lift
IN SAN DIEGO
Softened features. Refined contour. Effortless rejuvenation.​
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A brow lift recontours the upper face by gently lifting and reshaping the brows, softening heavy or tired expressions and restoring a more youthful, harmonious appearance. At Oculofacial Surgical Arts in Del Mar, Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud combines precision and aesthetic expertise to deliver natural, long-lasting results that enhance your unique facial balance.
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift is a surgical procedure designed to elevate and recontour the eyebrows, with particular attention to the outer (lateral) portion or “tail” of the brow. As we age, this area is often the first to descend, creating heaviness over the upper eyelids and contributing to a tired or stern appearance. By lifting and reshaping the brows, the procedure softens this heaviness, restores the natural arch, and enhances the frame of the eyes. The result is a brighter, more approachable appearance that harmonizes the upper face while maintaining a natural, balanced look.
Am I a Candidate for a Brow Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a brow lift if you notice changes in the position or contour of your brows that affect the way your upper face looks. Common signs include:
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Drooping or flattening of the brows, especially the outer third (brow “tail”)
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Lateral hooding, the folding of skin that develops outside the corner of the eyes (lateral canthus), creating heaviness and crowding of the upper eyelid
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A tired, stern, or aged appearance despite feeling rested
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Loss of the natural arch or definition of the brows
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Desire for a brighter, more youthful frame around the eyes
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking a refreshed, natural result rather than a dramatic change in appearance.
Benefits of a Brow Lift
A brow lift does more than elevate the brows. It redefines the upper face and restores a natural, refreshed appearance. Key benefits include:
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Restores the natural brow arch and enhances the contour, especially the tail of the brow.
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Reduces heaviness and lateral hooding that crowd the outer eyelids.
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Softens tired or stern expressions, creating a brighter, more approachable look.
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Improves harmony of the upper face, balancing the brows, eyes, and forehead.
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Provides long-lasting results compared to temporary treatments.
Why Choose Dr. Abboud for a Brow Lift?
Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud is a fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, specializing exclusively in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids and brows. With his dual expertise in function and aesthetics, he tailors every brow lift to the individual patient, ensuring results that are natural, balanced, and harmonious with the rest of the face. His deep understanding of both the anatomy and the aesthetics of the periocular region allows him to achieve rejuvenation that enhances the eyes while preserving each patient’s unique character.
The Procedure: Brow Lifting Techniques
Several surgical approaches are available to reshape and elevate the brows. The best option depends on your facial anatomy, hairline, and goals. Common techniques include:
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Endoscopic Brow (Endobrow) Lift
Small incisions are hidden within the hairline. An endoscope (a thin camera attached to a monitor) gives the surgeon a clear view beneath the skin. Using specialized instruments, the forehead and brows are gently lifted, contoured, and secured into position with sutures or fixation devices. The incisions are then closed with stitches or clips, removed during a follow-up visit.
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Direct Brow Lift
Incisions are made just above the eyebrow hairs, typically along the outer portion of the brows. This allows direct lifting and contouring of the brows, which are then secured with sutures and closed with stitches.
Lateral/Temporal Brow Lift
Since the outer one-third of the brows often droop first with age, this less extensive technique focuses on lifting only that area. Short incisions are made within the hairline, allowing the surgeon to elevate and contour the outer brows before closing the incisions with stitches or clips.
Internal (Trans-blepharoplasty) Browpexy
This technique is performed at the same time as an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Using the same eyelid incision, the outer portion of the brows can be secured in a higher position with sutures, avoiding additional external incisions.
Mid-Forehead Lift
For patients with deep forehead lines, an incision can be placed within one of these natural creases. Through this incision, the forehead and brows are lifted and reshaped before being closed with sutures.
Pre-trichial (Hairline) Brow Lift
Often chosen for patients with higher hairlines, this approach places an incision just in front of the hairline. The forehead skin is lifted and the brows secured at the desired height. The incision is then closed with stitches that are later removed in the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there alternatives to surgery?
Yes. A temporary brow lift can sometimes be achieved with neurotoxin injections (such as Botox®). By relaxing the muscles that pull the brows downward, the brows can lift slightly, especially at the tail. This approach is quick, has little to no downtime, and is performed in the office. However, results last only 3-4 months and are not as dramatic or long-lasting as surgery.
Will I have visible scars?
Most brow lift incisions are designed to be hidden, either within the hairline, along natural forehead creases, or directly above the brow hairs where they blend with natural texture. The visibility of scars depends on the technique used and your unique healing response, but in most cases, scars fade well and become minimally noticeable over time.
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How do I know which brow lift technique is right for me?
The best approach depends on factors such as your forehead height, hairline position, skin elasticity, and the degree of brow descent. Gender also influences the choice of technique: women typically benefit from methods that restore a gentle arch, especially at the brow tail, while men require a more conservative lift to preserve their naturally lower, flatter brow position. Hair characteristics, such as a high or receding hairline or short hair, also guide incision placement to ensure scars remain well concealed.
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What type of anesthesia is used?
The type of anesthesia varies depending on the technique. Some lifts, like a direct brow lift or internal browpexy, may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Others, such as an endoscopic brow lift, are typically done under general anesthesia for maximum comfort. Dr. Abboud will discuss anesthesia options with you to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience.
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How long do results last?
Unlike non-surgical options, surgical brow lift results are long-lasting. While no procedure can stop the natural aging process, patients typically enjoy a rejuvenated look for many years. Longevity depends on factors like age, skin quality, and lifestyle, but results often last a decade or longer.
Are brow lifts safe?
When performed by a qualified, fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon, brow lifts are considered safe. Risks, such as temporary numbness, scarring, or asymmetry, are uncommon and usually minor. More serious complications, such as nerve injury, are rare. Dr. Abboud will review all potential risks with you during your consultation and take every precaution to ensure a safe outcome.
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Does a brow lift fix my brow asymmetry?
A brow lift can enhance brow asymmetry by addressing the underlying anatomy and repositioning the brows for better balance. However, it does not correct differences in muscle tone, which are a common cause of one brow sitting higher or moving differently than the other. In many cases, subtle asymmetries from muscle activity are best managed with Botox® injections, which can relax the stronger side and create a more even, harmonious appearance.
Will I still look like myself?
Yes. The goal of a brow lift is not to change your appearance but to restore your natural expression. Dr. Abboud’s approach emphasizes subtlety—lifting and reshaping the brows just enough to refresh the eyes and upper face, while preserving your individuality.
Your Brow Lift Recovery
Recovery varies, but most patients experience some swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes for the first 1–2 weeks, with significant improvement by week two. Most return to light activities after several days and resume normal routines within 2 weeks. Final results continue to refine over several months, with a refreshed, natural appearance that lasts for years.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results will vary, and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo or statement used on this website.
Brow Lift Consultation
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If you are considering brow lift surgery and would like to have an in-person consultation with Dr. Abboud, please contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.