What is brow lift surgery?
The brow and the upper eyelid are anatomically inseparable. As the brow descends with age — falling below the level of the orbital rim — it pushes redundant skin onto the upper eyelid, contributing to the heavy, hooded look that many patients attribute to the eyelid alone. In these cases, addressing eyelid skin without lifting the brow may produce only a partial improvement.
Brow lift surgery elevates the brow toward a natural position — ideally at the level of the orbital rim in men and just above it in women, with a gentle lateral arch. This can open the upper face and reduce the apparent heaviness of the eyelids.
Dr. Issa offers several brow lift techniques and selects the most appropriate based on your anatomy, degree of descent, hairline position and aesthetic goals. Commonly used techniques include the endoscopic brow lift (small incisions behind the hairline, minimal scarring), the temporal brow lift (lateral elevation via a small hairline incision), and the direct brow lift (an incision at the upper border of the brow, used in specific cases).
Not sure whether your eyelid heaviness is really a brow concern? Ask Dr. Alia Issa.
Who is a candidate for a brow lift?
Dr. Issa assesses brow position at every consultation — it is often the unrecognised cause of apparent eyelid heaviness. Candidates typically present with:
- Brow position at or below the level of the orbital rim (brow ptosis)
- A tired, stern or heavy appearance around the upper face
- Upper eyelid heaviness that is partly or wholly driven by brow descent
- Horizontal forehead creases from compensatory muscle overactivity
- Asymmetry of the brows — one side lower than the other
- Previous upper eyelid surgery that produced a partial result because the brow was not addressed
Patients who come in asking only about eyelid surgery are sometimes best served by a combined approach — or, in mild cases, by brow lifting alone. Dr. Issa advises on the most suitable option at consultation.
How the procedure works — before, during and after
Every case is individual. The following is a general outline of what patients can expect.
Brow position is assessed with the patient at rest and with the forehead relaxed. The degree of brow descent, hairline position and desired outcome inform the choice of technique, which is discussed in full.
Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. An endoscopic lift uses 3–5 small incisions behind the hairline; the temporal approach uses a single hairline incision to elevate the lateral brow; the direct approach places an incision at the brow's upper border. Procedure time is typically 60–90 minutes.
Swelling and mild numbness at the hairline or forehead are expected and generally settle over 2–4 weeks. Many patients feel ready to return to work at around 10–14 days, with strenuous activity restricted for about 3 weeks.
The brow settles into its new position over several weeks, with the result generally apparent by around 3 months. Longevity varies between individuals.
Why choose an oculoplastic surgeon for a brow lift?
Because the brow and eyelid work together, assessing brow position is part of a complete eyelid evaluation. An oculoplastic surgeon considers how the brow, eyelid and forehead interact so the plan addresses the true cause of upper-face heaviness rather than treating the eyelid in isolation.
Related reading in the Journal: our guide to brow lift surgery in Dubai: endoscopic, temporal or direct techniques.
Frequently asked questions
What is a brow lift and who needs one?
A brow lift elevates a descended brow that has fallen below the orbital rim, creating a heavy, tired or stern appearance. It is often performed alongside upper eyelid surgery, as brow descent is a common contributor to apparent eyelid heaviness.
How is a brow lift performed?
Dr. Issa offers endoscopic, temporal or direct brow lift techniques depending on your anatomy and goals. The approach is selected at consultation after a thorough assessment of brow position and facial structure.
What is the recovery from brow lift surgery?
Many patients return to daily activities within 10–14 days. Swelling and scalp numbness generally settle over several weeks, with the result usually apparent by around 3 months. Individual recovery varies.
Can a brow lift be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes. Brow lift and upper eyelid surgery are frequently performed together in the same session. When brow descent contributes to upper eyelid heaviness, correcting the eyelid skin alone may produce an incomplete result.
Will a brow lift look natural?
Dr. Issa plans the degree and direction of lift to suit your anatomy, with the aim of a refreshed, open appearance rather than an overlifted look. Outcomes vary between individuals and are discussed at consultation.
What is the difference between a brow lift and Botox?
Botox can provide a modest, temporary brow lift by relaxing the brow depressor muscles. A surgical brow lift provides more significant, longer-lasting elevation and may be more appropriate when brow descent is a primary concern. Dr. Issa will advise which suits you.
Book your brow lift consultation in Dubai with Dr. Alia Issa.