Forehead/Brow Lift

The positive results of your forehead or brow lift will last for the rest of your life, but the surgery won’t stop the aging process. As your skin continues to lose resilience with age, wrinkles and sagging skin will eventually reappear. But you’ll always look younger and more alert than you would have without the procedure. Over time, you might consider nonsurgical treatments, such as laser resurfacing, to keep the upper portion of your face looking young.

Drooping upper eyelids, which can make you look tired even when you are fully alert, can sometimes be the result of loose and sagging skin in the brows. You can get a rough idea of this by gently lifting your brows with your fingers and observing, in a mirror, how that changes the position of your upper eyelids. In your consultation with Dr. Bresnick, he can explain whether a brow lift or eyelid lift would be of greater benefit to you, or whether you might consider combining both procedures.

A forehead and brow lift elevates the brow and smooths forehead creases, which often reduces heaviness on the upper eyelids and helps the eyes look more open and rested. Many patients find that their eyelids appear more youthful even without separate eyelid surgery, though some still choose to combine the procedures for a more complete rejuvenation.

Most people start considering a forehead or brow lift in their 40s to 60s, when sagging brows and deeper forehead lines become more noticeable. However, there is no strict “best” age. The right time is when you are healthy, bothered by upper‑face aging changes, and ready for a surgical solution that offers longer‑lasting improvement than injectables alone.

Botox can temporarily soften forehead lines and frown lines, but it cannot significantly lift a low or heavy brow or correct excess skin in the upper eyelid area. If you notice that your brow position itself is sagging or that you constantly raise your forehead to see better, a surgical brow lift may provide a more natural and longer‑lasting correction than simply adding more injections.

For patients with a naturally high or receding hairline, a forehead reduction or hairline‑lowering brow lift can elevate the brow while bringing the hairline forward, helping balance facial proportions. During your consultation, Dr. Bresnick will examine your hairline, brow position, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a standard brow lift or a forehead reduction approach is most appropriate.

Before your visit, it is helpful to gather medical information, make a list of your medications, and think about the specific changes you would like to see in your upper face. Dr. Bresnick also encourages patients to bring photos from at least ten years ago so he can study your natural aging pattern and plan a lift that restores your youthful look without changing your unique facial character.

On surgery day, you will arrive at the accredited facility, meet with the team, review your plan, and receive anesthesia so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Bresnick then performs your customized brow and forehead lift, carefully elevating and tightening the tissues before closing the incisions in a way that helps them heal as discreetly as possible.

Most patients feel well enough to move around the day after surgery but plan about 5 to 7 days off work to rest and allow early swelling and bruising to improve. By around two weeks, most visible bruising has faded and you can usually resume more vigorous activities, though subtle refinement in contour and firmness continues for several weeks to months.

Incisions for a brow and forehead lift are placed within or along the hairline or in natural creases so they are easier to camouflage once healed. With proper care and time, these scars typically fade significantly and are usually hidden by your hair and the natural contours of the forehead.

Many patients safely combine a brow lift with procedures such as an eyelid lift or facelift to rejuvenate both the upper and lower face in a single operation. When performed by an experienced, board‑certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bresnick, combining procedures can streamline recovery while creating a more harmonious, comprehensive result.

While every patient ages at a different pace, the lifting and smoothing achieved with a forehead and brow lift often lasts many years before significant sagging returns. You will continue to age naturally, but good skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle can help you enjoy your refreshed appearance for as long as possible.

Light walking is usually encouraged early in recovery, but you should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that raise your blood pressure for several weeks. Dr. Bresnick will give you a personalized timeline, but many patients gradually return to more vigorous workouts between 4 and 8 weeks, once healing has progressed and swelling has largely resolved.

A properly performed brow lift is designed to reposition and support the tissues while preserving your ability to make natural facial expressions. You may feel temporary tightness or mild numbness early in recovery, but as healing continues, most patients regain comfortable movement and enjoy a smoother, more relaxed look rather than a “frozen” appearance.

For the first days after surgery, you will be asked to sleep with your head elevated on extra pillows or a wedge to minimize swelling and pressure on the surgical area. It is also best to avoid sleeping on your stomach or directly on your face, instead resting on your back so the forehead and brow can heal in their new position.

When the brows droop and deep creases form across the forehead or between the eyes, the face can look worried, tired, or stern even when you feel relaxed. By lifting the brows and smoothing the forehead, a brow lift helps restore a more open, approachable, and rested expression while still looking like you.

Look for a board‑certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial surgery, a gallery of before‑and‑after photos, and a personal style that aligns with your goals. During your consultation with Dr. Bresnick in Encino, you can review technique options, discuss combination procedures, and ensure that his aesthetic approach matches the natural, refreshed look you want.