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Brow lift

What is a brow lift?

Surgery to change the position of the eyebrows on the face.

What does a brow lift do?

  • Face

    Raises eyebrows

What should I be aware of?

Possible complications of a brow lift include:

  • nerve damage causing numbness of the forehead
  • numbness in the scalp lasting up to 18 months
  • leaking cerebrospinal fluid
  • hair loss 1, p.307

We have so far been unable to find information on the long-term effects of brow lift surgery.

To ensure you are receiving the safest possible treatment, you should follow this advice from the Care Quality Commission on how to choose cosmetic surgery.

Information for under 18s

There is no set lower age limit for cosmetic facial surgery. However, the General Medical Council recommend 2 that:

  • Cosmetic surgeries must only be given to minors when it is in their best interests
  • Even if you have capacity to consent, you will be encouraged to involve your parents in the decision
  • If you do not want to have a cosmetic surgery, you should not have one, even if your parents consent on your behalf
  • Cosmetic surgeries should not be marketed towards under 18s

Are there other options?

A temporary alternative to raise the apparent height of your eyebrows is to remove hair from the bottom of the eyebrow using plucking or waxing.

References

  1. 1.
    Altman, Keith (2017) “Facial Feminization Surgery,” in Bouman, W. P. and Arcelus, J. (eds.), The Transgender Handbook: A Guide for Transgender People, Their Families and Professionals, Nova Science Publishers Inc, pp. 301–317. Link
  2. 2.
    General Medical Council (2016) “Guidance for doctors who offer cosmetic interventions.” Link

Acknowledgements

This page is illustrated using a photograph by Павел Сорокин available at Pexels.

Errors and omissions

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