Pretrichial Brow Lift

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A pretrichial brow lift gives patients a refreshed appearance by addressing a sagging brow and excess skin. For this procedure, the incision is made in front of the hairline or just within the hairline.

Pretrichial Brow Lift Overview - 717

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

10 days

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$2000 - $3000

The Specifics


What is a pretrichial brow lift?

A pretrichial brow lift is a forehead lift surgery producing permanent improvements to the forehead, brow, and eyes. This brow lift technique utilizes an ear to ear incision within the hairline (similar to a coronal brow lift), although there is less risk of changes to the hairline. The scalpel incision follows two millimeter behind the hairline in the frontal region and extends into the hair in the temporal region. Refreshing forehead skin and restoring the brow line to an elevated, toned position rejuvenates the face and creates a more youthful appearance. The results of a pretrichial brow lift are subject to the effects of aging over time.

What cosmetic concerns does a pretrichial brow lift procedure treat?

  1. Aging & Tired Eyes: Restoring a heavy or sagging brow through a pretrichial brow lift rejuvenates the eyes to a more youthful appearance.
  2. Forehead Shape & Size: A pretrichial brow lift smooths, tones, and tightens the forehead skin for a refreshed appearance.

Who is the ideal candidate for a pretrichial brow lift procedure?

The ideal candidate for a pretrichial brow lift has significant grooves/furrows or frown lines across the forehead, a low/heavy brow, or furrow lines at the top of the nose. A pretrichial brow lift is not recommended for those with thin hair, active hair loss, or darker skin due to the higher risk of noticeable scarring.

What is the average recovery associated with a pretrichial brow lift procedure?

Wound healing following a pretrichial brow lift usually takes 10 to 14 days. Bruising, pain, and swelling usually improves significantly over the first few weeks. Wound dressings, cold packs, and elevation of the head can help to lessen swelling. Sutures or staples and the drain will be removed after one week. While recovery time varies among individuals, most patients feel comfortable in public after two weeks, and makeup can be worn after one week.

To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to brow lift recovery.

What are the potential side effects of a pretrichial brow lift procedure?

Possible side effects from a pretrichial brow lift include visible scarring, prolonged swelling, hair loss, bleeding, pain, changes in sensation (like numbness, hyperesthesia, or permanent scalp paresthesias), and infection of the incision site.

What can someone expect from the results of a pretrichial brow lift procedure?

A pretrichial brow lift creates immediately noticeable and permanent enhancements to the forehead, brow, and eye aesthetic. A pretrichial brow lift rejuvenates the eye, brow, and forehead area by toning, tightening, and smoothing forehead and brow skin. Rejuvenating a heavy or sagging brow, creates a more youthful appearance and contour of the upper third of the face.

What is the average cost of a pretrichial brow lift procedure?

A pretrichial brow lift procedure can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. The actual cost of a pretrichial brow lift is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to brow lift cost.

thumbs-upPros

  • Permanent
  • Does Not Raise Hairline
  • Good Access To Forehead Muscles
  • Scar Can Be Well Camouflaged

thumbs-downCons

  • More Difficult Technically
  • Potential Visible Scar

Invasiveness Score

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


A pretrichial brow lift smooths and elevates the forehead but does not raise the hairline. However, patients will have a greater likelihood of a visible scar with this method. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a pretrichial brow lift.

The Takeaway


A pretrichial brow lift is a surgical forehead lift producing a permanent enhancement to the forehead, brow, and eye areas. The incision technique is ear to ear, approximately two millimeters behind the hairline. Scarring risk and changes to the hairline are usually minimal.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Sarit Cohen Forehead Lift Using Botulinum Toxin PubMed.gov; 2018-02-15
  2. Barry L Eppley Forehead/Brow Reduction or Augmentation with Custom Implants for Enhanced Facial Profileplasty PubMed.gov; 2019-10-01
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