Brow lift in Zurich

It changes the height and shape of the brow, particularly the lateral descent, and indirectly the distance between the brow and the lid margin.

It does not change skin quality, volume in the midface, fat prolapse of the lower lid, or movement wrinkles caused by muscle activity. A brow lift is also no substitute for an upper eyelid lift when there is genuinely excess lid skin.

Brow position

Height, shape and symmetry of both brows at rest — not while deliberately raising them, as the forehead muscles mask the findings.

Lateral brow descent

The outer part of the brow often descends first, creating heaviness over the outer corner of the eye.

Forehead height and hairline

These help determine which approach is suitable, because some techniques shift the hairline.

Upper lid skin

The amount and distribution of excess skin are assessed with the brow in a corrected position, otherwise the excess is overestimated.

Relationship between brow and upper lid

If only lid skin is removed when the brow sits low, the distance shrinks further and the tired impression can persist or even increase.

The impression of tiredness arises from the interplay of brow position, lid skin, fat distribution and the midface. If the brow is the main cause, a lid lift alone changes the expression only to a limited degree — what becomes visible above all is that less room remains between the brow and the lash line.

Direct brow lift

Skin removal immediately above the brow. Precisely controllable, but leaves a visible scar at the brow edge; used mainly in selected situations.

Browpexy

Stabilisation or slight elevation of the lateral brow through the upper eyelid lift approach. Limited effort, limited effect.

Temporal lift

A small approach in the temple region, directed at the lateral brow. It does not act on the inner brow.

Endoscopic brow lift

Several short incisions within the hair-bearing scalp, with endoscopically assisted release and fixation. Allows treatment of the entire forehead region.

Gliding brow lift

A minimally invasive approach via very small incisions in which the tissue is glided and secured. As with all variants, suitability depends on the findings and objectives.

Choosing the approach

No procedure is fundamentally superior. Decisive factors are the extent and distribution of brow descent, forehead height and hairline, skin quality, previous surgery and planned combinations.

An upper eyelid lift is appropriate where there is genuine excess skin with a well-positioned brow. A brow lift is appropriate where a descended lateral brow explains the heaviness in the outer lid area. Often the combination is the right answer, with the brow position determined first and the skin excess assessed afterwards.

Depending on the approach and extent, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation, or under general anaesthesia. The incisions — except in the direct brow lift — lie within the hair-bearing scalp, in the temple or in the lid crease.

Swelling and bruising often also affect the eyelid region and are most pronounced in the first few days. A feeling of tightness or numbness in the scalp is common and usually subsides over weeks to months.

Everyday life is usually possible again after about one to two weeks, depending on the approach; sport and greater exertion follow in stages. The final brow position becomes apparent after several months.

Possible risks include postoperative bleeding, infection, wound healing and scar problems, hair loss around the incisions, sensory disturbances, temporary or rarely permanent weakness of forehead nerve branches, asymmetries, over- or under-correction, and recurrence over time.

Limitations: the brow position can be changed, but ageing cannot be stopped. A brow lift changes neither skin quality nor movement wrinkles.

The medical consultation for surgical procedures costs CHF 250. The price of a brow lift is determined after individual planning. Following the examination, you will receive an individual cost breakdown that clearly states which services are included.

• Dr. med. Michael W. Payne

  Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

• Facial surgery — overview
• Upper eyelid lift
• Facelift
• Upper eyelid lift or brow lift — decision guide

The initial consultation is about clarification, not selling. It does not necessarily end with a surgery date — often it brings the realisation that a different approach, or no procedure at all, is the right choice.

The consultation process

1. 01

   Discussion

   We listen to your concerns, medical history, expectations and what you would like to change about your appearance.

2. 02

   Examination

   A careful clinical examination and assessment of your underlying anatomy.

3. 03

   Options

   Possible procedures, alternatives, limitations and risks — explained clearly and without time pressure.

4. 04

   Time to reflect

   You decide in your own time. Any outstanding questions can be addressed in a further consultation.