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Types of Brow Lift

There are several surgical methods to elevate the eyebrows to a youthful, attractive position. Four of the more commonly used brow lift procedures in San Francisco are the coronal, trichophytic, temporal, and endoscopic brow lift. Each method has particular advantages and disadvantages. Dr. David Mabrie will choose the method based on your particular anatomy and aesthetic desires.

To learn more about your options for brow lift (or forehead lift) in San Francisco, you can view our Brow Lift Overview page. For information that is specific to you and for a individualized treatment plan, request a consultation online or call us at 415-445-9513.

Coronal Brow Lift

The coronal brow lift is the classic form of brow lifting in which an incision is made behind the hairline, in the scalp. Skin is removed from the hair-baring portion of the scalp and the brows and hairline are elevated. This approach has advantages of hiding the incision in the scalp and, in general, having the longest lasting effects. Disadvantages include raising the hairline. For some browlift patients in San Francisco, a long incision in the scalp is an emotional disadvantage.

Trichophytic (Hairline) Brow Lift

The trichophytic, or hairline brow-lift is a modification of the coronal lift in which the incision is placed directly in the hairline in a wavy fashion, camouflaging the incision. Skin is removed from the non-hair-baring portion of the forehead. The brows are elevated while the hairline is not. The approach shares the long lasting results of the coronal lift and does not raise the hairline. However, it is not as advantageous in men who have a high likelihood of male pattern hair loss, as this may eventually reveal the scar.

Temporal Brow Lift

The temporal brow lift is a procedure in which smaller incisions are made in the temple region of the forehead and scalp. Most of the incision is hidden in the scalp with a small portion placed on the side of the forehead. This approach has the advantage of being a smaller procedure requiring less dissection. The disadvantages are the reduced duration of effects, lasting 3-4 years, only the outer portion of the brow is elevated, the part of the eyebrows close to the nose is not elevated. There may be a small scar on the side of the forehead. This approach is an option in older patients with deep forehead wrinkles who wish to avoid the extensive dissection of a coronal or trichophytic brow lift.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The endoscopic brow lift is a procedure elevating the brow without excising any skin. Several small incisions are made behind the hairline, the skin of the forehead is repositioned and secured in an elevated position using an endoscope and specialized instruments. This approach has the advantage of small incisions hidden in the scalp. Disadvantages include the elevation of the hairline and the transient nature of the results (which is usually 1 to 3 years). This procedure is a good option for patients in their mid to late 30's with minimal brow ptosis.

Chemical Brow Lift (Non-Surgical)

BOTOX® Cosmetic may be used to elevate the eyebrows non-surgically. BOTOX® Cosmetic is placed in the muscles which depress the eyebrows. These muscles are temporarily relaxed, allowing the eyebrows to elevate 1 to 2mm. The elevation will last 3 to 4 months. This is a good option for San Francisco brow lift patients desiring cosmetic improvement without a surgical procedure.

Thread Lift

The thread lift is another non-surgical method to lift drooping skin. This is a newly developed technique. The effects are reported to be 50-60% of the effects of a surgical procedure. As the technique has been newly developed, long-term data is not yet available.