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Brow lift (forehead lift) in Istanbul
For eyebrows that have dropped and make you look tired or weigh on your upper lids. Read how each technique works, where the scars sit and what recovery is really like.
- Operation time 1–3 hours
- Hospital stay Usually day surgery
- Time in Istanbul Usually 7–10 days after surgery
- Back to work 10–14 days
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift (forehead lift) raises eyebrows that have dropped with age to a more rested position, softens horizontal forehead lines and frown lines, and reduces the hooding that a low brow pushes onto the upper eyelids. Depending on your forehead and hairline, it is done through small incisions in the scalp using an endoscope, through a longer incision in the hair or along the hairline, or directly above the brow. It usually takes 1–3 hours as day surgery, and most people return to work after 10–14 days.
What it can do
- Raise low eyebrows to a more rested position
- Soften horizontal forehead lines and frown lines between the brows
- Reduce hooding on the upper lids that comes from a dropped brow
- Even out brows that sit at different heights, in suitable cases
What it cannot do
- Remove excess eyelid skin on its own; that needs blepharoplasty, often in the same operation
- Stop ageing: some settling of the brow is expected over time
- Be matched by injections: botulinum toxin lifts the brow only slightly and for about 3–4 months
Is it right for you?
A brow lift suits people whose eyebrows have descended, not just those with forehead lines. Many people with low brows raise them with the forehead muscle all day without noticing. Your forehead height, hairline, hair density and brow symmetry decide which technique fits, and suitability is confirmed at an in-person examination.
Usually a good fit if
- Low brows sit heavily on your upper lids or make you look tired or sad
- You have deep horizontal forehead lines or frown lines between the brows
- You find yourself raising your brows to see clearly or to look awake
- You do not smoke, or can stop at least 6 weeks before surgery
- You want a natural brow position rather than a dramatic change
Better to wait or consider alternatives if
- You expect to lose hair or are thinning at the hairline: scalp and hairline incisions can become visible
- You have a very high, curved forehead, which makes the endoscopic technique harder
- You have dry eyes or difficulty closing your eyes, as over-lifting the brow can affect eye closure
- You would rather avoid surgery for now: botulinum toxin or a thread lift are temporary alternatives
- You are under 18, or your expectations are hard for surgery to meet
Techniques
There is no single right brow lift. Each technique trades scar position against how much lift it gives and how it affects the hairline, so the choice depends on your forehead height, hairline, hair density and brow shape.
Endoscopic brow lift
Usually three small incisions under 2 cm, about 1 cm behind the hairline, plus incisions in the temples. Using a camera, the forehead tissue is released and the brow fixed in place with dissolving anchors or stitches, which can be felt for 5 months or longer. About 5 mm of settling is expected, and reported satisfaction is high.
Best for
Normal forehead height and enough hair to hide small scars
Coronal brow lift
An incision runs across the top of the head from ear to ear, inside the hair. The scar is hidden, but the hairline moves up, and some numbness of the scalp behind the scar is expected.
Best for
A low hairline that you would like raised
Hairline (pretrichial) brow lift
The incision follows the front hairline, so the forehead does not get longer. The scar is a little more visible but can be covered by a fringe.
Best for
A high forehead
Temporal brow lift
Small incisions in the hair of the temples lift the outer part of the brow. It is closely related to the temple part of an endoscopic lift.
Best for
A low outer brow (brow tail)
Direct brow lift and browpexy
In a direct lift, skin is removed just above the brow, sometimes under local anaesthesia; the scar sits at the brow edge and can be visible. In a browpexy, the brow is fixed from inside the upper-eyelid incision during eyelid surgery.
Best for
Marked asymmetry or facial palsy; a mild drop alongside eyelid surgery
Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker
Specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
- Specialist training: Dokuz Eylül University
- Medical degree: Trakya University
- Health tourism authorization: ST-2657
- Dr. İlker speaks English and Turkish.
How Dr. İlker approaches a brow lift
Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery trained at Dokuz Eylül University, aims to return the brows to a position in proportion with your eyes and nose. She notes that brow drop affects both women and men, and that women's brows are usually more arched, so the shape is planned around your own face.
Her own pages describe an incision in the hair-bearing scalp so that the scar is well hidden, with alternatives through the upper-eyelid incision or directly above the brow. Many of her patients combine a brow lift with eyelid surgery; such combined operations typically take 2–2.5 hours.
- Brow judged at rest Brow position is assessed with your eyes closed and forehead relaxed, so habitual lifting does not hide the real position.
- Technique chosen for your hairline Forehead height, hairline, hair density and asymmetry decide where the incisions go.
- Brow and lids planned together If excess lid skin also plays a part, eyelid surgery is planned in the same operation rather than separately.
- Consent in writing You receive a written plan and sign consent once your questions are answered.
The operation, step by step
A brow lift usually takes 1–3 hours and is done as day surgery. Your own plan is explained to you beforehand.
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Consultation and planning
Brow position is assessed with your eyes closed and forehead relaxed, along with forehead height, hairline, hair density, asymmetry and your medical history.
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Anaesthesia
Intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia; some techniques can be done under local anaesthesia.
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Incisions
Small scalp incisions for an endoscopic lift, an ear-to-ear incision for a coronal lift, an incision along the hairline, or one just above the brow.
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Lifting and fixing
The forehead tissue is released, usually beneath the deepest layer over the bone. The frown muscles and forehead muscle may be weakened, and the brow is fixed in its new position with stitches, anchors or screws.
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Closing
Removable or dissolving stitches, clips or skin glue close the incisions.
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Dressing and going home
The forehead may be taped or the head loosely wrapped, sometimes with a thin drain. You go home the same day with a companion.
Your days in Istanbul
If you are travelling, plan the trip around stitch removal and a check before flying. Your own dates are confirmed after your examination.
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Examination
Before surgery
Arrive in time for an unhurried in-person examination at least 48 hours before surgery, as BAAPS advises. For surgery under sedation or general anaesthesia, BAAPS suggests arriving at least 72 hours ahead.
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Day surgery
Surgery day
Most people return to their accommodation the same day with a companion. Keep your head raised; cold packs go around the eyes, not on the forehead itself.
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Rest and a first wash
The first days
A headache-like discomfort is common for a day or two. The head dressing usually comes off after 1–3 days, and you can then shower. Avoid bending and lifting.
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Stitches out and cleared to fly
Before you fly home
Stitches or clips come out at 1–2 weeks, about a week after an endoscopic lift. If they are due after your flight, agree beforehand how they will be removed. ASPS advises waiting 7–10 days after facial surgery before flying.
Recovery, day by day
Typical timelines from ASPS, Cleveland Clinic and StatPearls. Everyone heals differently, and your own instructions come first.
- Day 1
Tightness and headache
Discomfort like a tension headache is common for the first 1–2 days, and the forehead may feel numb or tingly. Keep your head raised. Cold packs around the eyes can help in the first 24 hours, but do not put ice or heat on the operated area itself.
- Days 2–3
Swelling moves down
Swelling and bruising can drift down around the eyes. The head dressing comes off after 1–3 days, and you can usually shower afterwards. Avoid bending and heavy lifting.
- Week 1
Stitches out
Swelling starts to go down. Sleep with your head raised for the first week. After an endoscopic lift, stitches or clips usually come out at about a week.
- Week 2
Back to work
Most swelling settles within 2 weeks and the incisions have healed initially by 10–14 days, when many people return to work. Make-up can cover bruising. Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
- Weeks 3–4
Easing back in
The last of the swelling resolves over a few weeks. Hair colouring is considered fine from about a month. Return gradually to harder exercise.
- Months 2–3
Incisions fading
The incisions narrow and fade. A photo check at about 3 months is often recommended. Use sun protection.
- Month 6
Forehead healed
Full healing of the forehead can take up to 6 months. Fixation devices can sometimes be felt under the scalp for 5 months or longer.
- Month 12
Final review
The result is usually reviewed at a year. After coronal or hairline incisions, some scalp numbness behind the scar can remain. Protect scars from the sun throughout the first year.
Contact us straight away if you notice
- Swelling and pain in the forehead that increase quickly (possible haematoma)
- Fever, or discharge from an incision
- Eyes that will not close or become very dry and painful
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Aftercare at home
- Keep your head raised for the first week.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending and strenuous exercise for a few weeks.
- Do not put ice or heat on the operated area; use cold only around the eyes if instructed.
- Protect the incisions from rubbing and pressure.
- Wait about a month before colouring your hair.
- Use sun protection on your forehead and scars; it helps both healing and the long-term result.
Risks and how they are reduced
Most effects after a brow lift are temporary. The figures below come from a StatPearls review and vary with the technique used.
Choosing the incision to suit your hairline and hair, planning a natural brow height, stopping nicotine and blood-thinning medicines on medical advice and following aftercare closely all reduce risk.
| Risk | How often |
|---|---|
Swelling, bruising, numbness and itchingExpected in the early weeks; numbness and tingling of the forehead and scalp usually fade. | Common |
Longer-lasting forehead numbnessReported in about 5.5% of patients, from irritation of the sensory nerves above the eyes. After coronal or hairline incisions, some numbness behind the scar is expected. | Uncommon |
Hair loss near the incisionReported in about 2.8%. People prone to hair loss are poor candidates for coronal and hairline incisions. | Uncommon |
Uneven or over-lifted browsBrow asymmetry is reported in about 1.7%, and dissatisfaction with the result in 7.4%. Careful planning of brow height and shape matters. | Uncommon |
Facial nerve weaknessWeakness of the nerve branch that raises the forehead is reported in under 1% of patients. | Rare |
Raised hairline, dry eyes or incomplete closureA coronal lift raises the hairline, and over-lifting can affect eye closure and cause dryness or irritation. | Varies |
Scarring, skin loss, revision and blood clotsVisible scars, poor healing or the need for revision are possible; blood clots are rare. | Varies |
Results and how long they last
The change is visible straight away, though swelling softens it at first. The result settles over a few months, and the forehead can take up to 6 months to heal fully.
A brow lift resets the position of the brow but does not stop ageing. After an endoscopic lift, about 5 mm of settling is expected over time, depending on the thickness of the forehead. There are no reliable figures for how many years a brow lift lasts; lifelong sun protection helps.
How long it lasts: Long-lasting, but ageing continues and some settling is expected; there are no reliable figures in years.
With any surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. We recommend a detailed consultation with your doctor before any procedure.
Before and after
Before and after photos are shared only with patients’ written consent. You can ask to see examples during your consultation.
Before and afterQuestions to ask at your consultation
Take these to any surgeon you see — including us.
- Are you a specialist in plastic surgery, and will you perform my operation yourself?
- Which technique do you recommend for my forehead and hairline, and where will the scars be?
- Will my hairline move?
- Is my brow the main cause of my heavy lids, or do I also need eyelid surgery?
- How high will my brows be, and how will you avoid a surprised look?
- What anaesthesia will I have, and where will the operation take place?
- What is included in my plan?
- Whom do I contact if I have a problem after I return home?
- When can I return to work and exercise?
What shapes your plan and quote
No prices are published on this site. After your examination, you receive a personal written plan that sets out what it includes.
- The technique and the number of incisions
- Whether eyelid surgery or other procedures are combined
- Sedation, general or local anaesthesia
- The fixation method used
- How long you need to stay in Istanbul
We do not publish prices: every plan is personal and is written for you after your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long is brow lift recovery?
The incisions heal initially in 10–14 days, and most people return to work then. Swelling settles over a few weeks, but the forehead can take up to 6 months to heal fully, and numbness or tingling can take a while to fade.
Will a brow lift leave scars?
Yes, but where depends on the technique. Endoscopic and coronal scars sit in the hair; a hairline scar is a little more visible but can be hidden by a fringe; and a direct brow lift leaves a scar along the brow edge. Scars fade over months.
Is a brow lift permanent?
It is long-lasting but not permanent. Ageing continues, and after an endoscopic lift about 5 mm of settling is expected. There are no reliable figures for how many years a brow lift lasts, and lifelong sun protection helps maintain the result.
What is an endoscopic brow lift?
It is a technique done through a few small incisions behind the hairline, using a camera and fine instruments. The brow is held with dissolving anchors or stitches while it heals. Studies report high patient satisfaction and few serious complications. Whether it suits you depends on your forehead height and hair.
Do I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery?
If the hooding comes from a dropped brow, eyelid surgery alone does not lift the brow and can even make a low brow more obvious. If the excess is in the lid skin, blepharoplasty is the answer. Often both are planned together.
Will I lose hair after a brow lift?
Hair loss around the incision is reported in about 2.8% of patients. If you are prone to hair loss or thinning at the hairline, coronal and hairline incisions are usually avoided, because the scars could become visible. Your hair history is part of the planning.
Will my forehead be numb after a brow lift?
Numbness and tingling are common early on and usually fade. Longer-lasting forehead numbness is reported in about 5.5% of patients, and some scalp numbness behind coronal or hairline scars is expected and can be long-term. Itching is also common in the early weeks.
Is a brow lift painful?
Discomfort similar to a tension headache is common for the first 1–2 days, and the forehead may feel numb or tingly. It is controlled with painkillers and usually eases quickly. Cold packs around the eyes, not on the forehead, can help in the first 24 hours.
Can I lift my brows without surgery?
Yes, but only temporarily. Botulinum toxin can lift the brow slightly for about 3–4 months, and a thread lift with PDO threads lasts at least 6 months; PLLA threads are reported to last two to three times longer. Neither lasts as long as surgery.
When can I exercise after a brow lift?
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks, and heavy lifting and hard exercise for a few weeks. Build back up gradually once your surgeon is happy with the healing, and keep sleeping with your head raised during the first week.
When can I colour my hair after a brow lift?
Colour it before surgery if you like. Afterwards, hair colouring is considered fine from about a month after an endoscopic brow lift. If you had a coronal or hairline incision, ask your surgeon when the scar is ready for hair dye.
Will a brow lift make me look surprised?
Not if it is planned with care. An over-lifted or uneven brow is one of the possible unwanted outcomes, and dissatisfaction is reported in 7.4% of patients. That is why brow height and shape are planned around your own face.
How long should I stay in Istanbul for a brow lift?
Plan around 7–10 days, so stitches or clips can be removed and you can be checked before you travel. ASPS advises waiting 7–10 days after facial surgery before flying. If the brow lift is combined with other procedures, your stay may need to be longer.
Medical informationThe information on this page is general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical and interventional procedure carries risks, which will be explained to you in detail during your consultation. Whether this procedure suits you can only be decided after an in-person examination and assessment. We encourage you to also seek independent advice from your own doctor before deciding.
A conversation, at your pace.
Wondering whether it is your brows or your eyelids?
Send your questions, with photos if you wish. Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker will tell you which option is worth examining and what each would involve.
- Nef 22 Ataköy, D Blok, Kat 1, Daire 36, Çobançeşme E-5 Yanyol Cad. No:22, Bakırköy / İstanbul
- Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00
- +90 542 280 27 51
- Dr. İlker speaks English and Turkish.
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