What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift or browpexy, is a surgical procedure that repositions the eyebrows and the underlying tissues of the forehead. As the soft tissues of the upper face lose tone over time, the brows can gradually descend, which contributes to a heavy or fatigued appearance through the upper face and hooding above the upper eyelids. The procedure may also soften horizontal lines across the forehead and vertical lines between the brows.
Several recognised techniques exist for brow lift surgery. Dr Scamp commonly performs the endoscopic technique, which uses small incisions placed within the hairline and an endoscope (a small camera) to visualise and reposition the underlying tissues.
Concerns a Brow Lift may Address
Common concerns raised at consultation include:
- Heaviness or hooding above the upper eyelids
- Descent of the eyebrows over time
- Deep horizontal lines across the forehead
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A heavy or fatigued resting appearance
- Forehead or brow asymmetry
Whether brow lift surgery is the right approach depends on the underlying anatomy and the specific cause of the concern.
Brow Lift Techniques
Several recognised techniques exist for brow lift surgery, each suited to different anatomy and surgical goals:
- Endoscopic brow lift: Small incisions placed within the hairline, with an endoscope used to visualise and reposition the underlying tissues.
- Coronal brow lift: A longer incision across the top of the scalp, generally reserved for specific anatomical situations.
- Hairline (trichophytic) brow lift: Incision placed along the front of the hairline, sometimes used where the forehead is naturally long.
- Direct brow lift: Incision placed directly above the eyebrow, sometimes used in older patients with deep forehead lines or significant brow ptosis.
Dr Scamp commonly performs the endoscopic technique, as it generally produces smaller scars hidden within the hairline and a faster initial recovery in suitable patients. The right technique for each patient is determined at consultation, taking into account anatomy, hairline position, the extent of brow descent, and individual goals.
The Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure
The endoscopic brow lift is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting. Several small incisions, generally three to five, are made within the hairline. The endoscope is passed through these incisions, allowing Dr Scamp to view and work on the underlying tissues without the longer scars associated with traditional techniques. The brow and forehead tissues are repositioned and secured in their new position, and the incisions are closed.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the patient’s anatomy and whether the brow lift is performed alongside other procedures. Pre-operative instructions covering medications, smoking, eating, and drinking are provided in advance of the surgical date.
Dr Scamp’s approach focuses on conservative repositioning to a position consistent with the patient’s natural anatomy and facial proportions. The aim is to address brow descent without producing an artificially raised or fixed expression.

