Short answer
A brow lift is surgery that raises and reshapes the eyebrows by lifting the tissue above them. It usually takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia or sedation, often through small incisions in the hairline. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 6-7 days and return to work within 7-10 days.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift is an operation that lifts drooping eyebrows to a higher, more youthful position. As we age, the brows often descend and press down on the upper eyelids, which can make you look tired, sad or angry even when you are not.
The surgery focuses on the position and shape of the brows themselves. If your main concern is deep forehead lines or a high hairline, a forehead lift may be more suitable, and your surgeon will explain the difference.
Who is it for?
A brow lift suits adults whose eyebrows sit low or have dropped at the outer ends. It is also an option for people who feel their upper eyelids look heavy, because sometimes the real cause is the brow rather than the lid.
- Low or flat eyebrows
- Drooping outer brow tails
- Heaviness over the upper eyelids
- A tired or frowning expression
How the procedure is done
Most brow lifts at Metropolmed use an endoscopic technique. The surgeon makes a few short incisions behind the hairline, uses a small camera to release the tissues, then fixes the brows in their new position.
For some patients a temporal (lateral) lift that raises only the outer brow, or an incision just above the brow, gives a better result. You may go home the same day or stay 1 night in hospital.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Endoscopic or open brow lift?
The right technique depends on your hairline, forehead height and how much lift you need. An endoscopic brow lift uses 3-5 short incisions behind the hairline and suits most patients with a normal forehead height.
If your hairline is high, an incision along the front of the hairline avoids making the forehead look longer. A temporal lift raises only the outer third of the brow and suits patients whose main concern is drooping brow tails. Your surgeon explains which approach suits you after examining you.
- Endoscopic: small hidden incisions, natural lift
- Hairline incision: lifts brows without raising the hairline
- Temporal lift: outer brow only, quicker recovery
Recovery and results
Mild swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes are normal for 1-2 weeks. Tightness or numbness on the scalp is common and usually fades over a few months. Stitches or clips are removed after about 7 days.
Most patients return to desk work within 7-10 days and to exercise after 3-4 weeks. The brows may sit slightly high at first and settle into their final position over 3-6 months.
Risks and safety
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry of the brows, temporary or, rarely, lasting numbness of the scalp, hair thinning along the incisions and a surprised look if the brows are over-lifted. Weakness of the forehead muscles is rare.
A doctor assesses your suitability in person, checks how your brows and eyelids move, and agrees the target brow position with you before surgery.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Head bandage, rest with head raised.
- Week 1Swelling eases, stitches or clips removed.
- Week 2Most bruising gone, return to normal routine.
- Month 1Exercise resumes, scalp sensation gradually returns.
- Month 3-6Brows settle into their final position.
Frequently asked questions
Will a brow lift make me look surprised?
No, not when it is planned carefully. The aim is to restore your natural brow height, and the surgeon marks the target position with you before surgery.
Do I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery?
It depends on what causes the heaviness. If the brow has dropped, a brow lift is the right fix; if there is excess eyelid skin, eyelid surgery helps; many patients benefit from both.
How long does a brow lift last?
A surgical brow lift typically lasts 10 years or more. It lasts far longer than non-surgical options such as threads or muscle-relaxing injections.
Is an endoscopic brow lift scar visible?
No, the incisions are short and placed behind the hairline. Once healed they are usually hidden by your hair.
