What is a direct brow lift?
With age, the eyebrows can sag. As a result, the skin of the upper eyelid hangs lower, making the gaze appear heavy or tired, even if the eyelid itself has little excess skin. During a direct brow lift, the eye surgeon removes a narrow strip of skin directly above the eyebrow hairs. This raises the eyebrow and restores space to the upper eyelid.
Who is this technique intended for?
The direct brow lift is particularly suitable for people aged 55 and older, in practice usually men with thick eyebrows and natural wrinkles on the forehead. The scar is positioned along the upper edge of the eyebrow, directly above the eyebrow hairs. Thick eyebrows largely conceal it, and the line often coincides with a natural crease, meaning the scar is usually barely noticeable after healing. This technique is less suitable for thin eyebrows and a smooth forehead; in that case, the eye surgeon will discuss alternatives with you. The brow lift is often combined with a upper eyelid correctionFirst, the eyebrow is repositioned, and then the excess skin is removed from the upper eyelid. The eye surgeon will assess during the consultation whether this is beneficial in your situation.
Also possible with the laser
The cut can also be made with the CO2 laser, just like with the laser-assisted upper eyelid correction: more precision, less tissue damage, and generally faster recovery. The laser-assisted brow lift costs € 200 more.
At a glance
- Treatment: direct brow lift, both sides; the incision runs along the upper edge of the eyebrow and is largely hidden in thick eyebrows
- Price: € 1,750, including the introductory consultation, aftercare and check-ups; laser-assisted version € 1,950
- Performed by: the eye surgeon
- For whom: mostly clients aged 55 and over with sagging eyebrows, more often men than women
- Where: Zwolle or Amsterdam; introduction and aftercare also in Rotterdam
- Anaesthesia: local; you go home the same day
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
- Recovery: stitches removed after six days; can be combined with an upper eyelid correction (price discussed at the consultation)
How does a direct brow lift work?
Who is the direct brow lift suitable for?
A direct brow lift may be suitable if your eyebrows have visibly sagged, causing your upper eyelids to feel heavy or restricting your field of vision. Characteristic features include thick eyebrows that largely conceal the scar along the upper edge of the eyebrow, often in combination with natural wrinkles on the forehead. Therefore, people aged 55 and older, and usually men, are particularly suitable candidates for this technique.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery is similar to that of an upper eyelid correction: cool the wound, rest, and keep it dry for the first few days. You can usually resume administrative work after three days; physical work, care work and hospitality work should not be resumed during the first week. Paracetamol is usually not necessary, but you may take it if you wish. You will be given a scar cream when the stitches are removed. The scar is located along the upper edge of the eyebrow and usually becomes less visible over the following months. We are available for you in case of an emergency.
Risks
As with any procedure, temporary symptoms may occur, such as swelling, a pulling sensation, or numbness in the forehead above the incision. Rare complications include post-operative bleeding, infection, slight asymmetry of the eyebrows, or a more noticeable scar. We will discuss all risks with you during the consultation.
Costs
A direct brow lift (both sides) costs € 1,750, including the introductory consultation, aftercare and check-ups. With the CO2 laser (laser-assisted), the procedure costs € 1,950. During the consultation, the eye surgeon will discuss with you whether a combination with an upper eyelid correction is advisable. A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure and is generally not reimbursed by health insurers; Looks Clinics is a non-contracted healthcare provider, and you pay for the treatment directly. View all rates.
Before
After
Very satisfied with the knowledgeable and friendly staff and doctor and with the result!
I was quite nervous, but everyone was calm and I was put at ease. The procedure and recovery went very smoothly, and the result is fantastic; no more tired, painful forehead and a lovely, open look.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions about the direct brow lift. If your question is not listed, we will be happy to answer it during the introductory consultation.
A scar is created along the upper edge of the eyebrow, directly above the eyebrow hairs. With thick eyebrows, the hairs largely conceal it, and the line often coincides with a natural crease; as a result, the scar is usually barely noticeable after healing. This is less feasible with thin eyebrows; in that case, we usually recommend a different technique.
Yes. During an upper eyelid correction, the excess skin is removed from the eyelid itself. During a brow lift, the sagging eyebrow is lifted. Sometimes one of them is sufficient, sometimes they are combined. The eye surgeon assesses this during the consultation.
Men often have heavier, lower-set eyebrows and more pronounced forehead wrinkles. As a result, the eyebrow sags sooner, and the scar can be concealed well along the thick upper edge of the eyebrow.
Yes. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Administering the anaesthetic may be briefly sensitive; after that, you will usually only feel some pressure.
The result usually lasts for many years; however, natural skin ageing continues.
Also at Looks Clinics
Our eye surgeons also perform these treatments. During the introductory consultation, we will discuss which one suits you best.
Upper eyelid correction
The classic upper eyelid correction: the excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids are removed.
Laser-assisted upper eyelid correction
The same procedure as the upper eyelid correction, with the CO2 laser: faster recovery, less tissue damage, and greater precision.
Lower eyelid correction
For bags under the eyes and a sunken tear trough, via the inside of the eyelid or through a small incision under the lash line.
CO2 laser skin tightening
Non-surgical skin treatment of the lower eyelids for fine lines and sagging.
Ptosis correction
For a slightly drooping eyelid caused by a weakened eyelid muscle: via the inside of the eyelid, without a scar on the skin.
Am I suitable?
