Brow Lift Overview

What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift, or a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure to subtly lift sagging eyebrows and smooth away forehead lines and creases. Brow lift surgery in Manhattan with Dr. Sean Alemi enhances overall facial aesthetics by lifting and repositioning the tissues to their natural, youthful position for a refreshed, healthy, approachable look.

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What Do Brow Lifts Treat?

As we age, the skin loses elasticity, leading to drooping brows and forehead wrinkles that can create an appearance of fatigue, anger, or sadness—even when you feel well-rested and energetic. A brow lift rejuvenates the upper face for an alert, refreshed look. This procedure can be performed with other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as eyelid surgery, enhancing overall results. The concerns that can be resolved with this procedure include:

  • Sagging eyebrows
  • Uneven brow position
  • Hooded eyes
  • Creased forehead

Brow Lift Before & After Photos

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What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift?

Benefits of a brow lift include:

  • Smoothing forehead wrinkles and lines
  • Lifting sagging brows that may hood the eyes
  • Reducing frown lines between the eyebrows
  • Opening up the eye area for a more awake, refreshed look
  • Enhancing facial symmetry and balance
  • Providing longer-lasting rejuvenation compared to non-surgical options

Who Is a Good Candidate for Brow Lifts?

You may be a good candidate for a brow lift if you:

  • Have sagging or low-positioned eyebrows
  • Notice deep forehead creases or frown lines
  • Appear constantly tired, sad, or upset due to brow position
  • Are in good overall health with no medical conditions that impair healing
  • Have realistic expectations about the results
  • Are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before surgery

Dr. Alemi carefully evaluates each patient to ensure the procedure aligns with their goals and delivers natural-looking results.

Consultation: Tell Us About You

Before undergoing a brow lift in NYC, Dr. Sean Alemi, MD, FACS, will conduct a thorough consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations. Together, you will explore the techniques available for a customized surgical approach to treat your individual concerns. We offer compassionate care at our practice, where you will be listened to and heard.

You can always get in touch with us to communicate any concerns or feelings, and you will receive warm, receptive compassion. The practice is more than just a place to get a world-class brow lift or any surgical procedure. It is a practice focused on every aspect of a positive patient experience, from thorough pre-operative preparation to attentive post-operative care. 

How Should I Prepare for My Brow Lift?

Preparing for a brow lift is an important step to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. Dr. Alemi provides each patient with detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to their specific needs and health history.

Preparation may include:

  • Undergoing a medical evaluation and lab testing
  • Adjusting or pausing certain medications and supplements
  • Stopping smoking several weeks before surgery
  • Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist you post-surgery
  • Avoiding alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding risk
  • Following all fasting and skincare instructions the night before surgery

Our team will guide you through every step to help you feel confident and ready for your brow lift.

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What Can I Expect During My Brow Lift Procedure in NYC?

On the day of your surgery, sedation will be used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Dr. Alemi will then use one of two surgical techniques to perform your brow lift:

  • Traditional Brow Lift: This method, also known as an “open brow lift,” involves placing an incision hidden within the hairline across the top of the head or along the front of the hairline. Dr. Alemi lifts and tightens the underlying muscles and tissues through the incision, repositioning the eyebrows to a higher, more youthful position while removing excess skin. This technique allows for the comprehensive correction of a sagging brow, overhanging brow, and deeper forehead creases.
  • Endoscopic Brow Lift: A minimally invasive alternative, the endoscopic brow lift involves smaller incisions behind the hairline. An endoscope—a thin tube with a camera—is inserted to visualize the brow tissues. This method allows precise lifting and repositioning in specific areas while minimizing scarring and recovery time.
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What Will Recovery Be Like After a Brow Lift?

Recovery after a brow lift is generally smooth when patients closely follow post-operative care instructions. Dr. Alemi ensures each patient understands the recovery timeline and what to expect during healing.

Here’s what recovery may involve:

  • Mild swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes for the first 1–2 weeks
  • Keeping the head elevated to reduce swelling
  • Temporary numbness or tightness in the forehead area
  • Stitches or staples are typically removed within 7–10 days
  • Most patients return to work and normal activities within 10–14 days
  • Strenuous activities should be avoided for 3–4 weeks
  • Full results gradually become visible as swelling fully subsides

Dr. Alemi and his team provide comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.

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Monitoring Your Healing

At Alemi Facial Plastic Surgery, you will receive expert care throughout the healing process. In addition to multiple post-op check-ups with the doctor, you will have a dedicated nurse practitioner to answer all your questions, who will closely monitor your progress. You will be given a complimentary recovery kit that contains the following healing products:

  • Two weeks of supplements (Arnica, Bromelain, Vit C, Zinc)
  • The necessary supplies for incision or suture care (peroxide, Q-Tips, antibiotic ointment)
  • Gel ice packs, gauze, silicone-based scar therapy

We are dedicated to ensuring your recovery after your brow lift in NYC is smooth, comfortable, and fast, and we are always available to speak with you when you have a question or concern.

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Why Choose Alemi Facial Plastic Surgery for a Brow Lift in NYC?

At Alemi Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alemi is dedicated to providing thorough, personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs throughout every stage of brow lift surgery. From the initial consultation to the procedure itself and through recovery, he combines the latest surgical techniques with compassionate support to ensure the best possible experience and results.

  • Graduated top of his class from the UC Irvine School of Medicine
  • Double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • Completed Head and Neck Surgery residency at UCSF with extensive research, publications, and national presentations
  • Completed fellowship with world-renowned facelift expert Dr. Andrew Jacono; invited to join his prestigious practice as an associate
  • Performed 100+ pro-bono reconstructive surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate on international surgical missions

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Alemi to learn more about brow lift surgery.

Brow Lift FAQs

How long do the results last?

Is a brow lift painful?

Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures?

When can I return to normal activities after surgery?

How much does a brow lift cost?

How many appointments will I need?

Are there any risks associated with brow lifts?

Do brow lifts cause hair loss?

Are there any non-surgical alternatives?

Does insurance cover brow lifts?

How long do the results last?

A brow lift can provide long-lasting results, often maintaining a youthful look for many years, depending on individual aging factors.

Is a brow lift painful?

While some discomfort is expected post-surgery, most patients find pain manageable with prescribed medication.

Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a brow lift can be performed alongside other procedures, such as blepharoplasty, for enhanced upper face rejuvenation, or with a deep plane facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

When can I return to normal activities after surgery?

Many patients return to their routines within 10 to 14 days, though it’s important to avoid strenuous activities until Dr. Alemi gives the go-ahead.

How much does a brow lift cost?

The cost of a brow lift varies based on the surgical technique, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether it’s combined with other procedures. After your consultation with Dr. Alemi, you’ll receive a personalized quote outlining the full cost.

How many appointments will I need?

You’ll typically have a pre-operative consultation, the surgery itself, and several post-operative visits to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Are there any risks associated with brow lifts?

As with any surgery, there are some risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, numbness, scarring, or changes in forehead sensation. Dr. Alemi’s advanced techniques help minimize these risks.

Do brow lifts cause hair loss?

Some patients may experience temporary hair thinning near incision sites, but permanent hair loss is uncommon. Incisions are usually placed discreetly to minimize visibility.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives?

Non-surgical options like Botox or dermal fillers can offer temporary lifting effects for mild brow drooping, but they do not provide the long-lasting, comprehensive results of a surgical brow lift.

Does insurance cover brow lifts?

Most brow lifts are considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. In rare cases where the procedure is medically necessary (such as for vision obstruction), partial coverage may be possible.

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