Forehead Lift

Surgical procedure to elevate eyebrows and smooth forehead wrinkles

3,000 - 5,000

Average Cost (EUR)

1 - 2 Hours

Duration

1 - 2 Weeks

Return to Work

3 Months

Final Results

Surgical Procedure

The forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a cosmetic procedure that elevates the eyebrows and smooths the forehead. It is used to "open up" the gaze, reduce horizontal forehead wrinkles, and ease frown lines between the brows (glabellar lines), resulting in a more relaxed facial appearance.

The procedure involves relaxing the muscles that pull the eyebrows downward (e.g., corrugator muscles), and lifting the skin and underlying tissue, which are anchored to a higher position, often to the periosteum or deep fascia. The brows appear elevated and repositioned outward, softening a harsh or drooping look. Horizontal and glabellar wrinkles are diminished by weakening the brow depressor muscles. The effects typically last 8–10 years, although results may fade over time, especially if not paired with other facial rejuvenation procedures.

Anesthesia and Duration

This surgery may be performed under deep sedation and local anesthesia (especially endoscopic technique), while the coronal method requires general anesthesia. Duration is usually 1–2 hours.

Surgical Techniques

Endoscopic Technique (most common today): Involves 3–5 small incisions (1–2 cm) hidden at the hairline. An endoscope is used to guide tissue repositioning. This is a minimally invasive approach with nearly invisible scarring.
Coronal (Open) Technique: Involves a long incision across the scalp from ear to ear. The surgeon lifts a wide area of the scalp and forehead, removes excess skin, relaxes the glabellar muscles, and repositions the brow. Though effective, it is now less commonly used in favor of endoscopic techniques.
Direct Technique: Incisions are made directly in glabellar or supra-brow creases to elevate the central brow. Quick but may leave visible scars.
Temporal / Pretrichial / Mid-Forehead Approach: Multiple targeted incisions based on specific lifting needs (e.g., lateral brow, temporal zone, or central forehead).

Preoperative Preparation

Patients may need to discontinue antiplatelets, NSAIDs, and anticoagulants. Preliminary tests include bloodwork, ECG and medical consultation. A preoperative consultation with the surgeon is critical to align expectations. In some cases, pre-op photographs and surgical marking of the treatment area are required.

Note: Endoscopic technique is not suitable for patients with a high forehead (risk of further elevation).

Postoperative Recovery

Sutures or clips are removed within 7–14 days. Swelling and bruising usually subside within 1–2 weeks. Final results are visible earlier but stabilize around 3 months post-op.

Possible Complications

Systemic complications are rare. Possible but uncommon risks include:

Temporary nerve damage or asymmetry
Sensitivity loss along the incision (typically temporary)
Hypertrophic scarring or alopecia along the incision line (especially with coronal technique)
Hematomas, infections (overall complication rate ~12%)
In rare cases (~1%), conversion from endoscopic to open surgery may be necessary during the procedure

Cost

Europe

Endoscopic Brow Lift

€3,000 - €5,000

Small incisions behind hairline, minimal scarring, quick recovery

Coronal (Open) Brow Lift

€4,500 - €7,000

Longer incision across scalp, for more severe cases

Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift

€3,500 - €6,000

Less invasive, focusing on outer brow only

United States

Endoscopic Brow Lift

$4,000 - $6,500

Camera-assisted technique for minimal scarring

Open / Combined Techniques

$6,500 - $9,000

Particularly when performed with facelift or blepharoplasty

In Europe, typical costs are €3,000 to €5,000 for an endoscopic brow lift, which uses small incisions behind the hairline and a camera-assisted technique for minimal scarring and quicker recovery. A coronal (open) brow lift ranges from €4,500 to €7,000 and involves a longer incision across the scalp, typically used in more severe cases. A temporal (lateral) brow lift costs €3,500 to €6,000 and is a less invasive option focusing on lifting the outer brow only.

In the United States, costs are generally higher: $4,000 to $6,500 for an endoscopic brow lift, and $6,500 to $9,000 for open or combined techniques, particularly when performed with a facelift or blepharoplasty.

Final pricing depends on factors such as the surgeon's expertise, clinic location, type of anesthesia, and whether hospital fees and aftercare are included.

Brow lifts are usually not covered by insurance, as they are cosmetic procedures. However, in rare cases where drooping brows interfere with vision, partial coverage may be possible following a medical evaluation.