LaFace by Laura Phan MD 20398 Blauer Drive
Saratoga, CA 95070 Phone: (408) 502-5000 Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Some people have naturally low or heavy eyebrows, while others develop them as they age. Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Laura Phan helps restore a youthful, energized appearance with a surgical brow lift at her Saratoga, California, practice. Depending on how the eyebrow is elevated, the procedure can smooth forehead lines, open up the eye area, and elevate sagging or heavy eyelid while improving the upper peripheral vision.
Is a Brow Lift Right for Me?
A brow lift is ideal for patients whose low-hanging eyebrows make them look older than they feel. Many patients also say that their droopy brows give them a perpetually angry, worried, or tired look. A brow lift is usually considered a cosmetic procedure with the rare exception of cases that are deemed medically necessary (e.g., the eyebrows sit so low that they impair or obstruct the patient’s vision).
This patient in his 70s presented with concerns about heavy upper eyelid hooding, but wanted to avoid an overly surgical look.On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted that the heavy hooding was primarily due to brow ptosis. As the eyebrows descended over time, they pushed into the upper eyelids and contributed to the excess hooding. To address th... Read More
This patient in her 50s presented with concerns that she appeared older and angry, which certainly did not reflect how she felt. At the same time, she wanted to continue to look like herself—just more refreshed.On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted heavy upper eyelid hooding caused by both redundant skin and brow ptosis, with brow drooping bei... Read More
This patient in her 40s presented after long consideration of her asymmetric eyebrows. Non-surgical modalities had not been successful. Patient had done her research for more permanent solution to her eyebrows and consulted with different surgeons. On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted drooping brows on both sides, the right being more pr... Read More
This patient in his 60s presented with concern that he looked tired and even angry, which did not reflect how he felt, and the eyes appeared to be getting smaller over time. On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted drooping eyebrows and redundant upper eyelid skin folds. The heavy folds overlapped and obscured the eye opening on both sides,... Read More
This patient in her 50s presented with the concern of right worse than left heavy skin folds.During evaluation, Dr. Phan noted excess skin on both sides. The right side seemed worse because the tail of the right brow sat at a lower position and did not support the right upper eyelid as on the left side. Dr. Phan recommended bilateral u... Read More
This long-time patient returned in her 90s with concerns that she looked tired and older than she felt, as well as being extremely bothered by the asymmetries of her eyes.On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids on both sides, the right though being the worse side. To address the brow and eyelid ptosis, Dr. Ph... Read More
This patient in her 50s presented with long-standing concern of her uneven and drooping eyebrows. They made her look eyelids look and feel heavy. She planned for eventual brow lift. For the time being, she wanted some improvement, with undergoing surgery. On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted mild drooping of the brows on both sides. The... Read More
This patient in her 60s presented with concerns that her eyelids appeared heavy and asymmetric. On evaluation, Dr. Phan noted asymmetric drooping of the eyebrows, the right side being more pronounced. In addition to the brow ptosis, Dr. Phan also noted thick and redundant skin folds, as well as eyelid ptosis. To address all of the... Read More
Depending on your degree of brow ptosis, you may be a good candidate for one of the following brow lift procedures:
Endoscopic brow lift – Dr. Phan makes small incisions behind the hairline and carefully releases the soft tissues of the forehead and eyebrows from the bone. She then elevates and suspends these tissues at a higher position.
Mid-forehead lift – Dr. Phan hides the incisions in the forehead creases, removes extra skin, and elevates the eyebrows to a higher position. This procedure is ideal for patients with deep forehead wrinkles.
Direct browplasty – Dr. Phan makes incisions above the brow hair that run the length of the brow. She removes a small strip of skin before raising and anchoring the brows into place. This technique provides the most lift but may leave the most visible scars and potentially make the eyebrows rounder.
Indirect browpexy – Dr. Phan combines this procedure with blepharoplasty to provide internal support at the arch of the brow. A browpexy focuses more on subtle lift and stabilization than substantial elevation.
Combining Brow Lift With Blepharoplasty
While drooping eyebrows (brow ptosis) can contribute to the appearance of saggy, hooded eyelids, a brow lift alone may not be enough to address the upper lids. In such cases, a combined procedure with blepharoplasty may be the better option for you. Combining the procedures enhances the aesthetic outcome and involves taking time for a single recovery, compared to having the procedures performed separately.
Nonsurgical Brow Lift
If you are not yet ready for surgery or want to try out a temporary solution, a nonsurgical brow lift using BOTOX® can inhibit the depressor muscles and subtly elevate the eyebrows. Dr. Phan may also pair BOTOX with PDO threads to give the brows a more raised appearance.
A nonsurgical approach is less expensive than a surgical brow lift and involves minimal downtime. However, the results are temporary and won’t correct a severely sagging brow.
Understanding Your Recovery
For the first two weeks, your forehead and eyelids will exhibit some bruising and swelling, though you can mask any discoloration with makeup. In some cases, you may experience numbness or tingling in the center of your forehead, which usually resolves within a few months.
Most patients are back at work within 10 to 14 days, depending on which technique was used and their individual healing rates.
Meet the Face Behind LaFace
Originally trained in ophthalmology, Dr. Laura Phan has a deep passion for facial aesthetics and the intricate art of surgery. She has trained under world-renowned experts in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery and is one of only a few surgeons in her area with this specialist skillset. Whether she is designing personalized treatment plans or the interiors of her treatment rooms, Dr. Phan's refined aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail shine through.
Beyond rejuvenating the upper eyes with blepharoplasty or smoothing wrinkles with BOTOX, there are other ways to get the most out of your brow lift. Dr. Phan may recommend dermal fillers to restore volume to the temples and below the eyes or a chemical peel or RF microneedling session to rejuvenate the skin once you have sufficiently healed from surgery.
Although brow lift surgery can do wonders to open and brighten the face, Dr. Phan is a firm believer that the best, most long-lasting results require consistent maintenance with physician-directed treatments. She will work closely with you to create the right treatment plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the results of a brow lift last?
Brow lift results often last 10 to 12 years, sometimes longer. You can extend the duration of your results by limiting sun exposure, not smoking, and minimizing stress. Maintenance treatments such as BOTOX injections can also extend and complement surgical results.
Can a brow lift feminize my facial features?
Yes, a brow lift can absolutely feminize facial features. Women’s brows are typically higher and have more of an arch than men’s, whose brows sit lower and flatter. If desired, a brow lift can reposition the brows to create a softer, more feminine contour.
What does the word ‘endoscopic’ mean in relation to brow lift surgery?
Endoscopic means the surgeon inserts a tiny camera, called an endoscope, through small incisions hidden in the hairline. This camera gives a clear, magnified view of the tissues, enabling the surgeon to lift the brows precisely with minimal scarring and a quicker recovery than traditional methods.
Start Your Journey At LaFace by Laura Phan MD
Interested in learning more about brow lift surgery? Request a consultation online or call LaFace by Laura Phan MD at
(408) 502-5000 to get started. We treat patients from Saratoga, Los Gatos, San Jose, Cupertino, and throughout the San Francisco Peninsula.
