Treatment face

Brow Lift in the UK

Correct sagging and rejuvenate the upper face with a brow lift. By lifting and repositioning the brows, this procedure creates a more youthful, refreshed appearance and can improve facial harmony.

Brow lift surgery is a procedure that elevates and repositions the brows, helping to improve the appearance of the upper face. It is commonly performed to address concerns such as heavy or drooping brows, forehead lines or a tired-looking expression that can develop due to factors such as ageing or genetics.

Mr Paul Wilson is an esteemed expert in facial surgery, known for his meticulous technique and patient-centred approach. Procedures are conducted at Northwood Hospital and at Paul Wilson Aesthetics, you will be cared for through personalised consultations and exceptional outcomes delivered with care and professionalism.

About

What is a brow lift?

As we age, the skin gradually loses elasticity, and the tissues supporting the brows can weaken. Combined with the effects of gravity and changes in the shape of the skull, this may cause the brows to drop or sit lower over time. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking can accelerate this process. A lowered brow position may create a tired, stern or heavy appearance and is often associated with forehead lines and frown lines between the eyebrows.

A brow lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reposition the brows to restore balance to the upper face. By addressing brow position, a brow lift restores a youthful, refreshed look, smoothing wrinkles, improving the appearance of the upper eyelids and overall facial aesthetics.

Types

Types of brow lift

Brow lift surgery is a highly customisable procedure, tailored to each individual’s facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Depending on the patient’s needs, Mr Wilson may recommend one of the following techniques:

Endoscopic Brow Lift

An endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive technique which involves small incisions hidden within the hairline. It is well-suited for patients with a lower hairline and mild to moderate brow drooping who want subtle lifting, minimal scarring and a quicker recovery.

Coronal Brow Lift

A coronal brow lift involves an incision made across the scalp, concealed within the hairline. This technique is typically reserved for patients with more significant brow sagging, as it allows for more comprehensive lifting and smoothing.

Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift

A temporal or lateral brow lift focuses on lifting the outer portion of the eyebrows. It addresses heaviness at the outer brow or hooding of the upper eyelids, creating a more open and refreshed eye area. Mr Wilson recommends pairing this procedure with a deep plane facelift to smooth off the bunching which can occur around the cheekbone as the facial soft tissues are elevated.

Direct Brow Lift

A direct brow lift is used for pronounced brow drooping, particularly when precise correction is required. The incision is made just above the eyebrow and, while more visible, can often be hidden effectively or camouflaged with microblading. This procedure is quick, can be performed under local anaesthetic and is particularly effective for brow asymmetries and altering the shape of the eyebrows.

benefits

What are the benefits of a brow lift?

A brow lift may offer a number of benefits, including:

Lifting sagging brows to create a more open and refreshed upper face
Smoothing forehead lines and reducing a tired or stern expression
Corrects drooping brows that may interfere with the line of sight
Long-lasting results when supported by appropriate care
Increased confidence
A more youthful appearance

candidates

Who is a good candidate for a brow lift?

A brow lift may be suitable for individuals who:

Are in good overall health
Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
Are concerned about sagging or drooping brows
Feel that a heavy or low brow creates a tired, stern or aged appearance
Feel that their brow position affects facial balance, or in some cases, vision
Are considering an upper eyelid blepharoplasty as the cause of lateral hooding is due to brow ptosis (drooping of the brow)

What to expect

What to expect during a brow lift?

Consultation

During your consultation, Mr Wilson will assess your upper facial anatomy, including brow position, skin quality and overall facial balance. He will discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals and review your medical history to help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

As brow lifts are highly customisable procedures, the surgical plan is tailored to your individual anatomy and desired outcome. Mr Wilson will explain the recommended technique, outline what to expect during recovery and answer any questions you may have. This consultation is your opportunity to ask any questions before proceeding with the procedure.

Anaesthesia and Procedure Time

Brow lift surgery may be performed under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation, depending on the technique used.

The surgery typically takes around 1 hour, though it may take up to 2 hours depending on the type of brow lift performed and the extent of correction required. Mr Wilson will confirm the expected procedure time during your consultation.

Surgery

Brow lift surgery involves repositioning the brows to a more youthful position, addressing excess skin and smoothing the forehead to improve the appearance of the upper face. As brow lifts are highly customisable, the surgical technique used will depend on your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Techniques may include an endoscopic, coronal, temporal (lateral) or direct brow lift.

Closure

Once the brow has been adjusted, the incisions are carefully closed using fine sutures. Attention is given throughout the procedure to minimise scarring and support a smooth healing process.

Recovery

Recovery and results of a brow lift

Recovery following brow lift surgery varies between individuals.

What to expect

After surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort in the treated area. These effects are usually most noticeable during the first few days and typically subside within 10 to 14 days. Keeping the head elevated and limiting facial movements during the early recovery period can help reduce swelling and support healing.

With modern surgical techniques, scarring is minimal and is usually well concealed within the hairline or natural facial contours. As swelling settles, improvements in brow position and upper facial appearance become more apparent.

Activity and movement

Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within about 2 weeks, depending on individual recovery and the nature of their role. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that significantly raise your heart rate should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks, or until advised by your surgeon.

Follow-up care and long-term results

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure recovery is progressing as expected. Final results continue to refine over the weeks following surgery as swelling fully resolves, with outcomes becoming increasingly apparent over time.

Risks & complications

Risks and potential complications of a brow lift

As with any surgical procedure, a brow lift carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:

Infection
Bleeding or haematoma (blood collection under the skin)
Delayed wound healing
Swelling or fluid build-up (seroma)
Temporary changes in sensation around the forehead or scalp
Scarring or asymmetry along the hairline
Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
Recurrence over time

Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks during your consultation, ensuring you are fully informed before deciding to proceed.

Fees

How much does a brow lift cost?

The cost of a brow lift in the UK depends on the technique used, the complexity of the procedure and individual factors such as brow position, skin quality and the extent of correction required. These considerations can influence the overall cost of treatment.

Mr Wilson will provide you with a personalised quote during your consultation, ensuring you have a full understanding of the costs before proceeding.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a brow lift safe?

A brow lift is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon such as Mr Wilson. Modern surgical techniques minimise risk and ensure precision, resulting in natural-looking outcomes. As with any surgery, there are potential risks, but these are uncommon when proper precautions are followed.

A thorough consultation and pre-operative assessment help ensure the procedure is tailored to the patient’s needs and medical history. Choosing a reputable surgeon with a track record of success is essential to achieving optimal results and minimising complications.

What anaesthetic is used for a brow lift?

Brow lifts are typically performed under general anaesthetic, ensuring patients are completely comfortable and unaware.

In some cases, local anaesthetic with sedation may be used, particularly for less invasive techniques like endoscopic or temporal brow lift. The choice of anaesthetic depends on the type of procedure and the patient’s preferences, which are discussed during the consultation.

How long does a brow lift take?

The duration of a brow lift depends on the specific technique used and the complexity of the case. On average, the surgery takes between 1 and 2 hours. Minimally invasive techniques, such as the endoscopic brow lift, are usually quicker than traditional methods like the coronal brow lift.

During the consultation, Mr Wilson will provide an estimate based on your individual needs and chosen procedures. Additional treatments, such as combining a brow lift with eyelid surgery, may extend the overall time.

Are the results of a brow lift permanent?

While a brow lift provides long-lasting results, it doesn’t halt the natural ageing process. Patients can expect the rejuvenated appearance to last 10-15 years or longer, depending on factors such as skin quality, lifestyle and genetics.

Over time, minor sagging may occur due to ageing, but the improvements achieved through surgery remain noticeable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting the skin from sun damage and following post-operative care instructions can help. Some patients opt for non-surgical touch-ups, such as wrinkle reduction injections, to maintain their look.

Can I drive after a brow lift?

Patients should not drive immediately after a brow lift, especially on the day of surgery. The effects of anaesthesia and sedatives can impair coordination and reaction times, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle.

It’s recommended to arrange for someone to drive you home and provide support during the initial recovery period. Most patients can resume driving within a week, depending on their comfort level and healing process. Patients should consult Mr Wilson for specific guidance, as he may advise waiting longer if swelling or limited head movement could interfere with safe driving.

How does a brow lift work?

A brow lift works by repositioning the tissues and muscles that support the eyebrows to a higher, more youthful position. During the procedure, Mr Wilson carefully lifts the brow and addresses excess skin and underlying tissue that contribute to sagging or heaviness across the upper face.

Depending on the technique used, small incisions may be placed within the hairline or natural contours to minimise visible scarring. By restoring the brow to a more natural position, a brow lift helps soften forehead lines, reduce a tired or stern expression and improve overall upper facial balance.

Schedule your consultation

Book a consultation with Paul Wilson Aesthetics

Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics not only for the team’s surgical expertise, but also for their thoughtful, honest and patient-centred approach to aesthetic care. To get started, book a consultation where our team will discuss your concerns, outline your goals and determine if a brow lift is the right option for you.