Temporal Brow Lift

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Boston, Wellesley, Westborough, MA and Beverly Hills, CA

At Ahn Point Center in Boston, a temporal brow lift offers a refined, minimally invasive solution for elevating the outer portion of the brows. By subtly repositioning this area, the procedure can reduce the appearance of hooded eyelids, soften forehead lines, and restore a more naturally youthful, refreshed look.

  • Dr. Ahn only performs cosmetic surgery on the face and neck.
  • Dr. Ahn uses a small incision technique that hides within your hair.
  • The Temporal Brow Lift only lifts the outer (temporal) part of the eyebrow.
  • This avoids any chance of a “surprised” look.
  • Dr. Ahn has an accredited, private office surgical suite located in the greater
  • Boston area, central to all of New England.

About brow lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure designed to elevate the brows and smooth the forehead. Over time, factors such as gravity, sun exposure, and natural aging can cause the outer portion of the brows to droop, creating a tired or heavy appearance around the eyes.

Dr. Ahn performs a temporal brow lift, a minimally invasive technique that focuses on lifting the outer (temporal) portion of the brow. This approach softens forehead lines, improves hooding of the upper eyelids, and restores a refreshed, youthful expression—all while avoiding the “surprised” look that can occur with older surgical techniques.

Candidates

A brow lift may be an appropriate option for individuals who notice:

  • Drooping or sagging of the outer brow
  • Hooding or heaviness over the upper eyelids
  • Horizontal forehead lines or furrows
  • A tired or aged appearance despite otherwise healthy skin

Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking a natural, rejuvenated look. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and aging pattern to determine whether a temporal brow lift—or a combination with other facial procedures—is the best approach.

Why does the brow age?

To answer this, first consider the ideal, youthful eyebrow. It has two particular characteristics:

  • An arch with its highest point on a line through the outer corner of the eye.
  • An outer, temporal portion that sits above the rim of the eye socket in women and at the rim in men.

With age, the temporal portion of the eyebrow tends to descend below the rim of the eye socket. This results in a tired appearance with hooding that covers the outer eyelid. Any patient with outer hooding and a droopy brow is a candidate for a procedure that lifts the brow.

Highlights

The temporal brow lift procedure at our Boston clinic typically meets the following criteria:

  • The procedure is performed as an isolated procedure or in combination with an eyelid lift or facelift.
  • It is performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
  • The incision is hidden behind the hairline in the upper temple hair-bearing scalp.
  • The skin and outer eyebrow are lifted in an upward and outward direction.

Types of brow lift procedures

Brow lift surgery has evolved significantly, offering a variety of techniques to address different aging patterns while minimizing invasiveness and maximizing natural results. Dr. Ahn specializes in methods that focus on safety, precision, and aesthetic harmony.

Temporal brow lift (short incision / lateral lift)

  • Targets the outer portion of the brow for a subtle, natural lift.
  • Incisions are hidden within the hairline at the temples.
  • Reduces hooding of the outer eyelids and softens crow’s feet and lateral forehead lines.
  • Minimally invasive with shorter recovery compared to traditional brow lifts.
  • Ideal for patients whose primary concern is drooping at the outer brow rather than the entire forehead.

Endoscopic brow lift

  • Uses small incisions hidden behind the hairline and a tiny camera (endoscope) for guidance.
  • Allows Dr. Ahn to lift the forehead and central brow with precision.
  • Reduces forehead lines and elevates the entire brow for a balanced, youthful appearance.
  • Less invasive than older techniques, with reduced scarring and faster recovery.

Coronal brow lift (traditional brow lift)

  • Involves a longer incision from ear to ear across the scalp.
  • Provides a more extensive lift, including the central and lateral brow.
  • Rarely used today due to longer recovery time and higher risk of numbness or hairline changes.
  • Reserved for select patients with significant forehead sagging.

Combined approaches

  • In some cases, Dr. Ahn may combine a temporal lift with eyelid surgery or other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve complete upper-face enhancement.
  • Tailoring the approach ensures that each patient’s results are natural, harmonious, and aligned with their unique facial structure.

Surgical facility

For patients in good general health, all surgeries are performed at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, our on-site, private, accredited, office-based surgical suite. The Aesthetic Surgery Center is accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO), which is the accrediting agency for hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities.

Anesthesia

All procedures at the Aesthetic Surgery Center are performed under intravenous sedation, also known as “twilight anesthesia.” We feel that procedures performed under twilight anesthesia are safer (without the risks of general anesthesia) and lead to a quicker and easier recovery.

Recovery

Immediately after the surgery, a certain degree of swelling and bruising of the outer forehead is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will speed healing and relieve discomfort. The bruising and swelling will usually last for the first 7-10 days. Patients rarely feel significant pain and are quite comfortable with oral pain medication.

The stitches are removed at approximately one week. Depending on how quickly you recover, you may expect to resume light activity within a week to 10 days and start enjoying your new look within approximately 10-14 days. If you have a special event planned, Dr. Ahn advises that you allow at least 3-4 weeks of recovery before the event.

Cost

We are often asked “What does a brow lift, also known as a temple lift, cost?” The reality is that it varies from person to person. The cost of a brow lift ultimately depends on how much work will need to be done and what, if any part, can be covered through insurance.

Ahn Point Center also offers financing to pay for brow lift costs. Find out more about our financing options and schedule your own consultation with Dr. Ahn.

Costs not covered by insurance

Because most brow and temple lifts are primarily performed to reduce the signs of aging on the upper eyelids, forehead, and eyebrows, most insurance companies consider it an elective cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. At the Aesthetic Wellness Center, our costs associated with a temple lift involve three separate components:

  • The surgeon’s fee
  • The anesthesia fee
  • The cost for the facility

The actual price for prospective patients will ultimately depend on how much work the surgeon will need to perform to create the desired look. The surgeon’s experience as well as geographical location can also impact the total cost of a brow lift.

Treatments

A brow lift can be combined with other procedures to achieve comprehensive upper-face rejuvenation:

  • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Removes excess skin or fat from the upper or lower eyelids for a refreshed eye appearance.
  • Facelift or Mini Facelift: Complements the brow lift by addressing midface and lower face aging.
  • Botox® or Fillers: Maintains smooth lines and enhances volume in surrounding areas for balanced results.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing or Chemical Peels: Improves skin texture and reduces fine lines on the forehead and brow area.

Combining treatments allows Dr. Ahn to tailor results to each patient’s facial structure, creating a harmonious and natural outcome.

Factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon

You may be able to find doctors who will perform the surgery more cheaply, but make sure you understand why. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” When you find a procedure at an unusually low rate, err on the side of caution. Before considering any life-changing surgery, it is important to look at:

Experience

How many years a doctor has been in business will impact the price you pay. Obviously, a doctor who has performed thousands of brow lifts will likely cost you more than a doctor who has only performed a handful.

Credentials

Make sure you know what schools your doctor attended as well as the certifications he or she attained. Where a surgeon received his medical training can also impact the cost of the desired medical procedure.

Location

Different parts of the country have different costs, and the quality of the facility can command higher pricing.

Reviews

When looking for a qualified doctor, reviews can be extremely helpful. This, too, can factor into surgery costs. A great place to read reviews on cosmetic procedures is Vitals.com.

Anesthetists

As with your surgeon, make sure you know his or her credentials, experience, and educational background.

About Ahn point center and Dr. Ahn

Dr. Min S. Ahn is a top-rated surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. His team at Ahn Point Center offers the latest techniques for aesthetic facial rejuvenation, making his practice the preferred choice for many clients. The ultimate goal of Ahn Point Center is to enhance and rejuvenate the natural beauty of their patients for results they will love.

FAQ

What is the recovery time for my brow lift?

Recovery time after a brow lift is approximately 8-10 days. The stitches are removed after one week, and after that, you can wear makeup.

Will there be any noticeable scarring after a brow lift?

After a small incision during the temporal brow lift, there are typically no visible scars as they are hidden behind the hairline.

What are the risks associated with a brow lift?

The risks of a temporal brow lift are minimal. Bleeding is a small risk but can typically be managed in the office. A full brow lift has many risks, including bleeding, nerve damage, noticeable scars, and the dreaded “surprised” look.

Why should I get a brow lift?

You know if you need a brow lift by doing this simple test: Close your eyes and relax the muscles of the forehead. Feel where the tail of your eyebrow is located. If it is below or at the rim of your eye socket, then the brow is low and should be lifted.

What are the types of brow lifts?

The temporal, small-incision brow lift only lifts the outer portion of the eyebrow. It does not lift the whole brow or the inner part of the brow. It looks more natural, is done through a smaller incision that heals without noticeable scars, and has a shorter recovery.

The endoscopic brow lift uses a telescope through several small incisions behind the hairline to lift the brow. The risks of an endoscopic brow lift include the “surprised look” because the whole brow is lifted or an unnatural-looking forehead because the hairline has moved higher.
The old-school coronal brow lift is done through an incision across the top of the head from ear to ear. It has the same risks as an endoscopic brow lift and also can cause noticeable wide scars, hair loss, and numbness of the top of the head.