shutterstock 1647035926

Recent years have brought about a brow boom. From [microblading](https://aedit.com/aedition/microblading-treatments-for-fuller-thicker-eyebrows) (and its more refined cousin, microfeathering) and [brow lamination](https://aedit.com/aedition/brow-lamination-vs-microblading-for-fuller-eyebrows) to neurotoxin and filler injections, eyebrows are — quite literally — reaching new heights. While pencil-thin arches were all the rage in early ‘90s and a fuller, bushier brow has returned in recent years, the current trend is less about size and more about shape.

A scroll through your Instagram feed will likely show a growing group of influencers and models embracing a wide-eyed look that’s just a hair short of ‘surprised.’ So, what’s behind the eyebrow-raising aesthetic? “Currently, brow lifts are extremely popular amongst younger women,” says [Kian Karimi, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/kian-karimi-md-17458), a board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Los Angeles. “The brow beauty standards have changed a bit because some public figures such as Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have been showing very heightened, almost exaggerated brows and this has become extremely popular.”

Many reports recommend the so-called ‘[Botox® Brow Lift](https://aedit.com/procedure/chemical-brow-lift)’ to achieve the stars' major arch emphasis, injections aren’t the only way to change the shape of the brow. Here, The AEDITION breaks down the surgical and non-surgical brow shaping solutions that are currently trending.

## **Non-Surgical and Surgical Brow Lift Techniques**
As with everything in aesthetic medicine, there is no such thing as one size fits all. In the case of brow lifts, there are a trio of techniques for patients to consider depending on their needs and desired result. “There are three main methods for elevating the brows: Botox® injections, thread lifts, and surgical lifts, which can be traditional or endoscopic (i.e. performed in conjunction with a tiny camera),” says [Jason Roostaenian, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/jason-roostaeian-md-449), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at UCLA. “The modality a surgeon chooses will depend on each patient’s anatomy and goals, as well as the practitioner’s personal preference and skill set.”

### **The Botox Brow Lift**
“Botox® has been the traditional way we’ve been able to accomplish brow lifts in the office,” Dr. Kian shares. “By injecting Botox® in the muscles that pull the tail of the eyebrow down, we are able to enjoy elevation of the brow. This is a really great way to get two to three millimeters of elevation of the brow, which is typically all someone needs.”

As he explains it, neurotoxin injections work best for a patient who experiences brow drooping and crow’s feet around the eyes when they smile. Like most [Botox® treatments](https://aedit.com/aedition/comparing-neurotoxin-botulinum-type-a-injections-botox-dysport-jeuveau-xeomin), the results take about five to seven days to kick in and last three to four months. Comparatively speaking, injections are the most budget-friendly brow lift option (they typically cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the practice), though they require regular maintenance.

### **Thread Brow Lifts**
Given the recent rise of minimally invasive thread lifts for the face, it should come as no surprise that the technique is being considered for eyebrows, too. “A thread brow lift is a very popular, trending procedure,” Dr. Kian says. “A dissolvable thread — like a [PDO thread](https://aedit.com/procedure/pdo-thread-lift) — is used to elevate the tail of the brow to achieve an exaggerated brow look.”  

While the procedure delivers a more pronounced lift than can be achieved with Botox® alone, Dr. Kian warns that it does not last very long and can yield an unnatural result. “I’ve seen cases where the far tail of the brow is elevated, and it kind of gives the brow an unnatural appearance and loses its natural arch,” he explains. “The lift itself won’t last very long because these threads are very thin, and they aren’t fixated on any tissues. The results could last maybe a month at the maximum.”

As such, Dr. Kian doesn’t recommend the procedure on its own. “I don’t think it looks that good,” he says. “The tissue in this area is quite thin, so the only type of threads you can use are thinner. I’ve seen thicker threads used, and it can lead to a lot of pain. The threads may even need to be removed.” The price of the thread lift depends on the provider, but it can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
 
### **Surgical Brow Lifts**
For those seeking a longer lasting result, a surgical brow lift represents the most permanent option. “A surgical brow lift can be done many different ways, but most modern surgeons are using small incisions hidden within the hairline to completely release the brow and fixate it onto deeper tissues,” Dr. Kian explains, adding that the benefits typically last five to 10 years.

“There are a few surgical techniques that can lift the entire brow area, including a forehead lift and a [coronal brow lift](https://aedit.com/procedure/coronal-brow-lift),” Dr. Jason says. “But, anytime we’re talking about elevating the lateral brow, my preferred approach is a temporal brow lift. We make an incision hidden in the hairline and raise the underlying tissues to restore a more youthful appearance.”

Both providers agree that the surgery, which involves about a week of downtime, is an option for anyone who has drooping brows and is looking for a long-term correction. Dr. Jason notes that he has seen an influx of younger patients inquiring about brow lifts (a trend he attributes to social media), but it can also be performed to complement other facial rejuvenation procedures.

“Sometimes we do it in conjunction with a facelift, a blepharoplasty, and a bit of Botox® to soften the frown lines,” Dr. Jason says. “Anyone who’s experiencing lateral hooding — sagging of the tail that pushes the upper eyelid down — is a candidate for a surgical procedure. Though some people are wary of cosmetic surgery, it’s much longer lasting, economical, and less risky than repeated thread lifts, which can cause infection, pain, and scar tissue buildup.” [According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/cost), the average cost of a surgical brow lift was $3,600 in 2018 — though it can be upwards of $10,000 depending on the provider.
 
## **So, What’s the Best Way to Achieve a High-Brow Look?**
As it turns out, the most effective brow lift choice may be a hybrid. “For our younger patients, we actually use a trifecta approach to the brow,” Dr. Kian says. “We like using Botox®, filler, and threads — but not the type of threads where it creates an unnatural appearance.”

<CaptionImg url={https://images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/6cIIEQXM9SrsmcXVJ7yLJX/7866ff4657ec01f673c3ff40b7df10ae/PDO_Thread_Brow_Lift.jpg}>
  Dr. Kian performing a PDO thread brow lift. 
</CaptionImg>

As he explains it, many patients are dealing with a “deflated” tail of the brow, which is best treated with a combination of techniques. “If we put a little bit of filler into the tail — or into the temple, if it is hollow — we add support to the tail, providing the foundation of a good brow lift,” he says. “Then, we put smooth, dissolvable PDO threads above the brow. It’s not to artificially raise it, but to get some tightening above the brow, which will give a more natural elevation over time. Finally, the last thing we do is sprinkle a little Botox® into the muscle that pulls the tail of the brow down.”

While the results will not be as long lasting as a surgical brow lift, they will have longevity. “When all of these things are done together, it produces a natural, beautiful, and long lasting brow lift,” Dr. Kian shares.

## **The Takeaway**
It goes without saying that beauty trends come and go. The exaggerated arches that are ‘in’ today can be ‘out’ tomorrow. “We went through a period of time where lower brows were considered to be more attractive and natural. Now, the pendulum has shifted the other way,” Dr. Kian explains. “I do think this elevated brow phenomenon is more a fad than a new trend of beauty. I suspect that over time a slightly lowered brow will be preferred on the faces we find most beautiful.”

But, that’s not to say the brow lift doesn’t always serve a purpose. “As surgical brow lift techniques have improved, we’re able to provide our patients with a natural look that never goes out of style,” Dr. Jason says. At the end of the day, it’s about finding the best treatment option for your concerns and ideal aesthetic.  

Now Trending

Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid are just a few of the stars who have embraced a more exaggerated brow shape. So, is the trend here to stay? The AEDITION asks the experts.

A Guide To Brow Lift Procedures: Botox Brow Lift, Thread Brow Lift, Surgical Brow Lift

The Aesthetic Trend That Is — Literally — Raising Eyebrows

shutterstock 1162475821-min

In the realm of facial rejuvenation, [brow lifts](https://aedit.com/procedure/chemical-brow-lift) often take a back seat to more publicized procedures. But in the hands of an experienced [plastic surgeon](https://aedit.com/aedition/finding-the-right-plastic-surgeon-dermatologist-or-cosmetic-dentist), brow lift surgery can transform the upper face and address visible signs of aging. Brow lift procedures aim to tighten the forehead and elevate part or all of the [eyebrows](https://aedit.com/aedition/microblading-hollywoods-secret-to-achieving-naturally-defined-eyebrows), restoring them to a more youthful position. When properly executed, it brightens up the entire eye area and helps patients to look less “tired,” “grumpy,” or “sad.” 

## **The Brow Lift Has Had a Lift, Too**
In recent years, plastic surgeons have modernized brow lift techniques to provide more natural-looking results with fewer incisions and less visible scarring. [Traditional brow](https://aedit.com/procedure/traditional-midbrow-lift) procedures utilized an incision along the hairline from temple to temple, called a [coronal brow lift](https://aedit.com/procedure/coronal-brow-lift), to elevate the entire brow and often produced that tell-tale surprised look. These days, surgeons instead frequently use [endoscopic lifts](https://aedit.com/procedure/endoscopic-brow-lift), performed via small incisions with a tiny camera, which focuses mainly on the outer portion of the eyebrow (called a temporal brow lift).

“A small incision hidden in the hairline of each temple provides me all the access I need to correct the sagginess that’s the most common indicator for a brow lift procedure,” says Los Angeles-based board certified plastic surgeon [Jason Roostaeian, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/jason-roostaeian-md-449). In addition to surgically elevating the lateral brow, Dr. Jason uses [Botox®](https://aedit.com/procedure/botox-facial) to smooth out the forehead creases instead of creating additional incisions. “Most of the time,” he says, “it’s just not worth the risk, nor is it necessary, to cut the muscle when we can treat the area with neuromodulators.”

Denice was concerned about her drooping eyelids and [sagging jawline](https://aedit.com/procedure/jawline-slimming-with-botox) and got a comprehensive facial rejuvenation that included a temporal brow lift. “When Dr. Jason suggested a brow lift, I was concerned because I’d heard horror stories about celebrities who ended up looking surprised all the time," she says. "He assured me he wouldn’t do that.” She says that initially, a brow lift “was the least important for me, but it turned out to be the best result. I used to have a very thick furrow in between my brows –that’s gone.” 

## **How to Pick the Right Brow Procedure**
Because each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are unique, surgeons sometimes still rely on traditional brow lift techniques that have been updated with more modern methods. Farzaneh, another of Dr. Jason’s patients, wasn’t necessarily looking for a brow lift when she made her appointment. “I had a bone cyst on my forehead that I wanted to get rid of, and I also felt like my eyelids were drooping.” During her consultation, Dr. Jason suggested she was a candidate for coronal brow lift surgery, which would address the sagging along the entirety of her brow. Together they decided on a treatment plan that also included a [facelift](https://aedit.com/procedure/liquid-facelift) and [lower blepharoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/lower-eyelid-blepharoplasty-transconjunctival-approach). The coronal brow lift left a larger scar than other options would have, but at six months post-op, Farzaneh says she uses her hair to conceal her fading scars. “I wouldn’t change anything. Before the surgery, I looked tired and sad and now I look very refreshed. I feel better and more confident."

Philadelphia-based board certified plastic surgeon [Oren Friedman, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/oren-friedman-md-1609), commonly performs another type of brow lift: the mid-forehead lift. “Mid-forehead brow lifts are primarily performed on men with high hairlines, as the incision hides beautifully in the men’s deep forehead creases," he says. "This type of brow lift is often performed for cosmetic reasons, but also is frequently used for patients with facial paralysis in which one eyebrow is at a much lower position than the other side.”

John, for instance, suffered from facial paralysis and asymmetry on the left side of his face as a result of a benign tumor removal. To elevate John’s sunken brow, Dr. Friedman performed a mid-forehead brow lift, concealing the incision in his natural forehead lines. “I had creases in my forehead from working in construction," he says. "You have to really look at it to see it’s a scar.” The surgery, along with procedures to help restore his cheek and eyelid function, helped John regain a sense of peace after his ordeal. 

As with all cosmetic procedures, it’s best to research and consult with a plastic surgeon who will listen to your particular concerns and formulate a unique treatment plan, rather than approaching a doctor with a specific procedure in mind. "Often, people come in complaining about their droopy eyelids, asking me for upper eyelid surgery, when in fact what they need is a brow lift,” says Dr. Jason. The difference is subtle. “When the eyelid skin is hanging low at the outer edge of the eye, that’s likely an indicator for a brow lift. When it’s sagging more over the eyelashes, that’s when we do the [upper blepharoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/upper-eyelid-blepharoplasty)," he says.

When patients seek out a consultation to address a sagging brow or frown lines, it’s not uncommon to find other areas exhibiting age-associated laxity and volume redistribution. Both Dr. Jason and Dr. Friedman frequently perform brow lift surgery in combination with neck and facelifts, which alleviate excess skin in the mid to lower face and jaw areas, as well as with upper and [lower blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts)](https://aedit.com/procedure/lower-eyelid-malposition-massage-and-steroid-injection). According to Dr. Friedman, “to help create natural-appearing results, rejuvenating multiple areas at once is the preferred approach. This way a refreshed brow region blends nicely with the rejuvenated eyelids and face.” Dr. Jason agrees. “With facelifts, we’re moving up the tissue of the lower half of the face. In many patients, I find it best to continue that lift up to the temples, which also helps to conceal some of the scar up along the scalp.” 

## **Brow Lift Procedure and Recovery**
Brow lift procedures usually take about one to two hours. The type of anesthesia, local or general, largely depends on the patient's comfortability. Dr. Friedman generally recommends local anesthesia with sedation for his endoscopic brow lift surgery, as he finds there is significantly less swelling and more rapid recovery, whereas Dr. Jason typically performs his coronal and temporal lifts under general anesthesia. Patients undergoing only a brow lift can go home the same day; those who combine the surgery with a facelift and/or other surgical procedures are encouraged to stay overnight. At home, patients should diligently follow their plastic surgeon’s instructions, which include washing hair very gently and avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive chewing. To minimize swelling, Dr. Friedman advises patients to get up and out of bed as soon as possible. Dr. Jason suggests patients apply a cold compress for 48 to 72 hours, keep their head elevated while sleeping for about two to three weeks, and stick to a low salt diet for three months post-operation. “In most cases, bruising and swelling subside sufficiently within the first few weeks, but can persist for up to three months,” says Dr. Jason. Depending on the surgeon, the technique used, and whether or not it’s combined with other procedures, brow lift surgery ranges from about $4,000 to $12,000.

Complications after brow lift surgery are rare, but in addition to the typical risks associated with anesthesia, can include hematoma (collection of blood underneath the skin), scalp itching, and loss of sensation (which generally returns after one year but may be permanent). “Headaches after brow lift procedures are also quite common,” says Dr. Jason. Besides these medical risks, the biggest danger of undergoing a brow lift is an unsatisfactory result. According to Dr. Jason, “If a person isn’t happy because they feel like their brows are still too low, that’s a relatively simple fix –they can repeat the surgery. But if it’s the opposite –if their surgeon pulled the mid-forehead too tightly and they look surprised all the time– that’s almost impossible to correct. This is why it’s so important for people to seek out board certified plastic surgeons."

“After the brow lift,” says Dr. Friedman, “patients are thrilled to have their eyes revealed –they look younger, happier, and healthier with eyebrows repositioned to their youthful levels.” Dr. Jason agrees: “In the right candidate, a brow lift can have a remarkable effect not only on a patient’s youthful appearance but on their everyday wellbeing. When you look refreshed, you can’t help but feel that way too.”

Aesthetics

Brow lifts are one of the most overlooked rejuvenation procedures, but in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, they can transform the face.