A brow lift -- also called a forehead lift -- is a cosmetic procedure that can reduce forehead wrinkling, raise drooping brows and eliminate vertical frown lines sometimes caused by aging.
Typical costs:
A brow lift typically costs about $2,500 to $5,500. For example, Cruise Plastic Surgery in California charges $2,500 to $5,000 for a brow lift. The Palm Harbor Plastic Surgery Centre[1] in Florida charges about $4,000. And the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre[2] in California charges between $5,000 and $5,400, depending on the patient.
A brow lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it typically is not covered by health insurance.
In a traditional forehead lift, the surgeon trims the patient's hair, then makes an incision across the top of the head, just below the hairline. The doctor then lifts the skin and pulls it back, trimming off the excess and stitching it into place. In an endoscopic forehead lift, which causes fewer scars and allows quicker healing, the surgeon makes several small incisions, then inserts a small camera into the forehead to guide the surgery. The endoscopic technique is considered a good choice for younger patients without too much excess skin, as well as men who are balding and do not have a hairline to conceal a scar.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery provides diagrams and descriptions of the two techniques. A forehead lift, which takes one to two hours and usually requires only local anesthesia with sedation, can correct deep creases in the forehead as well as sagging eyebrows.
Additional costs:
Some patients choose to combine a forehead lift with a face lift, which targets the lower portion of the face, so that results will be more uniform. Some forehead lift patients also choose to have procedures that will improve skin texture or remove scars and wrinkles.
If the patient is not happy with the results or has complications, the surgery to fix the problem can cost as much as, or more than, the initial procedure.
Discounts:
Patients who have decided to have more than one procedure may save on anesthesia and facility fees, and possibly get discounted surgeon's fees, by having both done at once.
Tip: Some surgeons may offer a discount if you agree to offer a testimonial or sign a model release form that allows the doctor to use your before and after photos on a website or in advertising.
Shopping for a forehead lift:
Tip: Be sure to look for a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and has substantial experience performing facial surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons[3] provides a free referral service.
Make sure you have a good idea of the effect you hope to achieve. BeverlyHillsBody offers before and after photos of forehead lift patients. Also, talk with your doctor about risks, which include forehead paralysis, hair loss, numbness and unnaturally high brows.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]