What is a Brow Lift?

The brow lift procedure is designed to elevate the eyebrows, freshen the look of frown lines, and give your forehead an ultra-smooth appearance.

As skilled plastic surgeons in Del Mar, our doctors use the latest techniques to perform this brow lift surgery—patients no longer require an incision from ear to ear, but instead just four small incisions in the scalp less than one inch in length.

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Dr. Balikian examining patient's brows

What to Consider when Planning Your Brow Lift Surgery in San Diego

Brow lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reduces wrinkles and excess skin around the forehead and eyes. A brow lift surgery, which is also referred to as eyebrow or forehead surgery, offers several aesthetic benefits, but every cosmetic procedure has its risks and should be considered carefully. Our surgeons will discuss how the procedure is executed including the different types of brow lift surgeries and the risks and costs of brow lift surgery.

Brow Lift Videos

Quad Bleph, Endoscopic Browlift & Fat Transfer

Behind the Scenes Video of a Brow Lift Surgery at Dr. Paul Chasan’s San Diego Office

Brow Lift Before & After

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The Ranch & Coast Superior Brow Lift Treatment & Technique

Our skilled facial plastic surgeons have developed a method that utilizes small wires to suspend the eyebrow in a very precise manner (see published articles below for more information). An endoscope (or a pencil-thin camera) is used to visualize every muscle, vein and nerve under the skin. The skin is lifted away from the tissue, and muscles are altered to create a more youthful look. It also achieves a superior result with no hair loss or distortion of the hairline. A key point in lifting the eyebrows is to lift the outer aspect more than the inner aspect to create a beautiful, natural arch in the brow.

Endoscopic brow lifting takes about 45 minutes to perform, and most forehead lift patients in Del Mar are up and about and back to their normal routine in a few days.

Our Brow Lift Team—Meet Dr. Richard Balikian

In addition to Dr. Chasan, Ranch & Coast is proud to present Dr. Richard Balikian as a brow lift surgeon.

Dr. Balikian earned his medical degree from Boston University Medical School. He then completed an internship in General Surgery, followed by an intensive residency in Head & Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC. Following this, Dr. Balikian was hand-selected to pursue an additional year of highly specialized training—with one of the world’s top cosmetic facial surgeons. In addition to his impressive training and background, Dr. Balikian has been involved in teaching young surgeons at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he held the appointment of Clinical Instructor of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Types of Brow Lift Surgery

A brow lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reduces vertical and horizontal lines in the forehead as well as sagging skin around the upper and outer eyes by lifting the brow region. There are three types of brow lift surgeries—an endoscopic brow lift, a temporal brow lift, and a traditional brow lift. Let’s take a look at each.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

An endoscopic brow lift is a recently developed and minimally invasive procedure that reduces sagging skin and wrinkles. To perform an endoscopic brow lift, a plastic surgeon uses small incisions and sutures to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin. The process, benefits, and risks of an endoscopic brow lift are discussed more in-depth later in this article.

Temporal Brow Lift

A temporal brow lift surgery, according to an article published by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, “is most commonly performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery. One-inch long incisions are made above each temple behind the hairline. Your plastic surgeon will use these incisions to lift and reposition your outer brow area.” A temporal brow lift is more invasive than an endoscopic brow lift, but less invasive than a traditional brow lift.

Traditional Coronal Brow Lift

A traditional or coronal brow lift isn’t performed often anymore since less invasive procedures are available, but it is the best option for some patients. A coronal brow lift is performed by making an incision from ear to ear and removing a small section of skin and tissue. A 2018 Mayo Clinic article states a coronal brow lift, “is used if someone has a receding hairline, but depending on healing, a scar might be visible.”

More on the Endoscopic Brow Lift Technique

Endoscopic brow lifts are increasingly popular among plastic surgeons and patients because the procedure is minimally invasive and has less recovery time and scarring than previous brow lift operations. The endoscopic brow lift reduces wrinkles and excess skin around the eyes, and minimizes frown lines.

The team at Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgey has developed innovative techniques for performing an endoscopic brow lift that produce optimal aesthetic results with minimal incisions and scarring. An endoscopic brow lift is performed using general and local anesthesia and is an outpatient operation. An American Board of Plastic Surgery article explains, “your plastic surgeon will make several small incisions about three-quarters of an inch in length just behind the hairline. Using a tiny camera and small instruments, the surgeon will reposition the muscles and tissue around the forehead.”

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Model coming up out of a pool

How Much Does Brow Lift Surgery Cost?

The cost of brow lift surgery depends upon whether you choose an endoscopic, temporal, or coronal brow lift. The cost would also include fees for anesthesia, facilities, etc. Our office will happily assist you to find the right plan for your surgery costs. At Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Del Mar, we support you through the personal decision of whether to have a brow lift surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will be glad to discuss the various considerations surrounding a brow lift.

What are the Risks and Side Effects of a Brow Lift?

As with any cosmetic procedure, the most important decision you can make is choosing a reputable and qualified plastic surgeon. Our surgeons have years of experience and have worked with a vast number of patients to achieve great results with their brow lift procedures. The forehead, eyebrows, and upper eyelids play key roles in facial expression and aesthetic qualities. Moreover, your surgeon will be able to preserve the facial features that are consistent with your ethnicity, race, and unique features. While this isn’t always something people keep at the top of their minds, a great surgeon will know the nuances involved with every patient, and this is a skill only achieved from ample experience.

The risks and side effects of a brow lift surgery according to an article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are, “anesthesia complications, bleeding, loss of hair at the incision site, facial asymmetry, nerve injury with weakness or paralysis, and unfavorable scarring.” These side effects are best minimized or avoided by working with an experienced, reputable surgeon who has the confidence to get you the outcome you want.

Brow Lift Surgery Preparation and Recovery

Your San Diego plastic surgeon may ask you to make some lifestyle changes before your brow lift procedure. A 2018 article from WebMD states that your cosmetic surgeon may require you to quit smoking temporarily if you smoke, and may ask you to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine. Your recovery time will depend upon which brow lift procedure you choose.

The endoscopic brow lift has the shortest recovery time, while the coronal brow lift has the longest recovery time. An article published by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states, “your stitches or staples are usually removed about one week after surgery and you can return to a sedentary job. One to two weeks after surgery you can drive, and two to four weeks after surgery you can resume exercise.”

Patient Testimonials

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Ranch & Coast Plastic surgery is my favorite place I have ever had plastic surgery. The place is very professional with top tier customer service. At ranch coast you are gre...
Dr. Chasan is really the best doctor out there. I got my rhinoplasty done by him and the results were higher than my expectations.
Dr. Francis was fantastic.  In his patience, confidence, ability to clearly answer my questions in terms of layman's language, and bedside manner.
Absolutely love my tummy tuck and lipo. The belly button scar is small and looks great. No dog ears, no complications. Dr. Chasan is talented and skilled. He seems to be very de...
Dr. Chasan is awesome, front desk people helpful, and I loved the patient coordinator! Everyone made me feel super relaxed and comfortable and optimistic about my situation... I...
I highly recommend Madeline for Hydra Facials. She is super nice and very professional. She really takes the time to recommend the best service for my skin. She will customize t...
I was referred by a nurse friend of mine and she was right! I have been treated with dignity, respect, and kindness all by a team of extremely knowledgeable and experienced prof...
I can't thank Dr. Francis enough! I've always been so subconscious about my ears. I finally decided to look into Otoplasty and found Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery, alongside...
I had a septoplasty (for a deviated septum) and rhinoplasty with Dr. Chasan eight weeks ago, and I cannot speak more highly of his skill, expertise, and incredible staff. After ...
I recently had a breast lift after 2 kids and over 2 years of breastfeeding combined- leaving my breasts saggy. I am ecstatic about my results and the care I received from Dr. C...
I am highly satisfied with the procedure I had, with the results, with Dr. Chasan and with his overall team. This is despite having a few post-op unexpected small difficulties. ...
I recently had a Mommy Makeover with Dr. Paul Chasan at Ranch and Coast, and I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience and results! From the moment I walked in, the staff m...
I can’t speak highly enough about Dr. Chasen and his team. After undergoing multiple reconstructive breast surgeries to address persistent encapsulation, Dr. Chasen is the...
I am very happy I returned to Ranch and Coast! In 2011 i was very happy with Dr Chasan. Now I decided to have laser done on my face. The results are great. Smooth clear skin. A ...
Brooke’s Lymphatic massage is an absolute gift. After surgery, she was able to move the fluids around, help reduce swelling and increase overall circulation. Definitely re...
I got my first lip filler ever using Rha3 with Anh and I could not be happier! She made me comfortable the whole time and made the process as pain free as she could for me and a...
I have been going to Brooke for about 4 weeks now to assist in post op healing and now for additional help with skin tightening, sculpting and general improvement of my skin. Sh...
I feel welcome from the time I enter the office and throughout my appointment. Wilma is fantastic and uses good judgment and her experience for my treatment. She is the best!...
Brooke is a Coolsculpting wizard! She is extremely knowledgable and put me at ease with the entire process. I have already begun to see results and can’t wait to see the f...
I want to thank Ann who did my Botox and fillers. She did a beautiful job. I have a very important wedding coming up and now I can feel beautiful. Again thank you. You were so k...
I having been going to Anh for Botox and filler for years; she always does a phenomenal job, but what I appreciate the most about her is she will be honest with you about what y...
I have been going to Wilma for Botox in my forehead for about 6 years now. I first started out with every 4 months.  After the pandemic I have gone every 6 months approxima...
I had CoolSculpting done on my chin five weeks ago, and I’m very pleased with the results so far. The treated area already looks more contoured and slim, and I can’t...
Wilma has been a nurse for Dr. Chasan at Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery for many years. She is kind, reassuring, beautiful inside & out. She is also an incredible injecto...
My overall experience has been phenomenal, and the results have exceeded my expectations.I initially found Dr. Chasan by simply searching for the “Top 10 Plastic Sur...
I was referred to by a nurse friend of mine and she was right! I have been treated with dignity, respect, and kindness all by a team of extremely knowledgeable and experienced p...
Anh is like my personal life coach for wellness and beauty. She has a gentle touch and explains everything with so much knowledge . I appreciate that, especially since I have ne...
Dr. Francis is truly exceptional and deserves more than 5 stars! I had multiple consultations before I met Dr. Francis, and I immediately knew he was the right person for my sur...
I saw Dr. Francis for submental liposuction + chin filler and my experience was fantastic. I am so happy with the result! Dr. Francis’s staff were wonderful as well. If yo...
I found Dr. Francis after a quick “otoplasty” google search and didn’t know what to expect. I scheduled a consultation with him and all the staff were so welco...
I am very happy I returned to Ranch and Coast! In 2011 I was very happy with Dr Chasan. Now I decided to have a laser done on my face. The results are great. Smooth clear skin. ...
I recently had a Mommy Makeover with Dr. Paul Chasan at Ranch and Coast, and I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience and results! If you're considering any procedure, I h...
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Additional Reading and References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Brow Lift Recovery
Mayo Clinic: Brow Lift

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Brow Lift Guide
WebMD: Cosmetic Procedures and the Brow Lift

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