A forehead lift is a surgical procedure that refreshes the upper face by lifting a low or heavy brow and softening deep forehead lines and frown lines. For many people, changes in the brow position can make the eyes look smaller, create a tired or stern expression, or emphasise creases across the forehead. A forehead lift aims to restore a more open, rested look while keeping your facial expressions natural.

What a forehead lift is designed to improve

A forehead lift (also called a brow lift) focuses on the forehead, eyebrows, and the area just above the eyes. Depending on your anatomy and goals, it may help to:

• Raise brows that have descended over time
• Reduce deep horizontal forehead lines
• Soften vertical lines between the eyebrows (often called frown lines or “11 lines”)
• Improve brow asymmetry when one side sits noticeably lower
• Create a more balanced upper-face shape, which can make the eyes look more open

It is important to know that a forehead lift does not stop the ageing process. It can, however, turn back some of the visible effects of ageing in the upper face, with results that are typically long-lasting.

Who may be a good candidate, and who may not

A forehead lift may be suitable if you:

• Feel your brows sit lower than they used to, or they make you look tired, angry, or worried
• Have prominent forehead creases or deep frown lines that do not respond well to non-surgical options
• Notice heaviness of the brow that contributes to upper eyelid “hooding”
• Are in good general health and able to have surgery and anaesthesia safely
• Have realistic expectations about improvement rather than “perfection”

A forehead lift may be less suitable, or may require careful planning, if you:

• Have significant medical conditions that increase surgical risk
• Smoke or use nicotine products (these can impair healing and increase complication risk)
• Have a history of poor scarring or wound healing
• Have a high or receding hairline, or are concerned about hair thinning (this can influence incision choice)
• Mainly need eyelid skin removal rather than brow elevation (an upper blepharoplasty may be more appropriate, or combined treatment may be discussed)

During consultation, our specialists will help you understand whether a forehead lift, an alternative treatment, or a combined approach is most likely to meet your goals.

Assessment and planning: getting the details right

Planning a forehead lift is highly individual. At your appointment, your surgeon will assess:

• Brow position and shape, including any asymmetry
• Forehead skin quality and elasticity
• The strength and pattern of the muscles that create frown lines
• Hairline position and hair density (important for scar placement)
• Your overall facial proportions and how brow position affects the eyes

Your medical history will be reviewed carefully, including medications and supplements. Some medicines that increase bleeding risk may need to be paused under medical guidance. If you have a history of dry eyes, migraines, thyroid eye disease, or previous facial surgery, this should be discussed, as it may affect planning and recovery.

Photographs may be taken for clinical planning and to help you track changes over time.

How the procedure is typically performed

A forehead lift is usually performed as a day-case procedure. It may be carried out under general anaesthesia or under sedation with local anaesthetic, depending on the technique and what is safest and most appropriate for you.

Common techniques

The approach is chosen based on your anatomy, the degree of brow descent, hairline considerations, and the changes you want.

• Endoscopic forehead lift: Several small incisions are made within the hair-bearing scalp. A small camera helps guide the procedure. This approach can reduce visible scarring and may be well suited to many patients.
• Open (classic) forehead lift: A longer incision is made along or just within the hairline. This can be helpful when more extensive lifting is needed or when hairline position needs to be managed carefully.
• Limited or temporal lift: Smaller incisions are used, often focused toward the temples, to achieve a more modest lift, particularly of the outer brow.

What happens during surgery (high-level)

Once anaesthesia is in effect, incisions are placed in locations designed to be as discreet as possible, typically within or along the hairline. The tissues of the forehead and brow are then repositioned to a higher, more youthful position. In some cases, the muscles that contribute to deep frown lines are adjusted to soften their appearance. Excess skin may be removed if needed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or clips.

A light dressing may be applied to support the area during the early healing phase.

Recovery and what to expect after surgery

Most people experience swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes, especially in the first week. Tightness, mild discomfort, and temporary numbness of the scalp are also common.

Typical recovery timeline

Recovery varies, but a general guide is:

• First few days: Swelling and bruising are most noticeable. Keeping the head elevated and using cold compresses (as advised) can help.
• Around 7 to 14 days: Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal social activities, depending on bruising and the nature of their job. Stitches or clips, if used, are usually removed during this period.
• 2 to 6 weeks: Swelling continues to settle. Light exercise is often restarted gradually, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared.
• Several months: The tissues continue to soften and settle into their final position. Scars typically fade gradually over time.

Your surgeon will provide personalised aftercare instructions, including how to wash your hair, how to care for incision sites, and when to resume exercise, driving, and travel.

Results: when you will see the change

Some improvement is usually visible once early swelling starts to reduce, but the upper face can take time to settle. Most people see a clearer sense of the outcome within a few months, with continued refinement as healing progresses.

A forehead lift can produce long-lasting improvement, but it does not prevent future ageing. Sun protection, healthy lifestyle habits, and good skincare can help maintain the result.

Risks, limitations, and important considerations

All surgery carries risks, and it is important to weigh these carefully. Your surgeon will discuss the risks in the context of your health and the planned technique.

Potential risks and complications include:

• Bleeding or collection of blood under the skin (haematoma)
• Infection
• Poor scarring or visible scarring
• Temporary or, rarely, persistent numbness or altered sensation of the scalp
• Temporary hair shedding around incision sites, or less commonly longer-term hair thinning in that area
• Asymmetry or an over- or under-correction that may require further treatment
• Delayed healing
• Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
• Rare injury to facial nerves, which can affect brow movement

There are also practical limitations. A forehead lift can soften lines, but very fine wrinkles may not disappear completely. Some patients benefit from complementary treatments, such as injectable treatments or skin resurfacing, once healing is complete, to refine skin texture and fine lines.

Your consultation and ongoing support from our medical team

Choosing facial surgery is a personal decision, and our role is to guide you with clear, honest advice and careful planning. Your journey typically includes:

• Initial consultation: discussion of goals, facial assessment, medical history review, and a tailored treatment plan
• Pre-operative preparation: guidance on medications, smoking cessation, and practical planning for recovery
• Surgery and immediate aftercare: performed at our specialist clinic with appropriate monitoring and safety standards
• Follow-up appointments: to check healing, remove sutures or clips if needed, and support your recovery

If questions arise at any stage, our team remains available to advise you, assess any concerns, and help you recover confidently and safely.