The Endoscopic Approach to Brow Lifting
The brow is often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of ageing. As the eyebrows play a key role in our facial expressions, a sunken brow can lead to an appearance of moodiness or unhappiness that is counter to the impression we might prefer to present.
Surgery Time
1 – 2 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Hospital Stay
Day case or 1 night stay
Time Off Work
7 – 10 hours
Full Recovery
2 – 4 weeks
Endoscopic vs Direct Brow Lift
Mr Juling Ong will advise you on the particular technique which may be most suitable for you. The endoscopic technique is regarded as a minimally invasive procedure and all incisions are made in the scalp, hidden far behind the hairline, with a small camera, called an endoscope, used to guide the surgery.
| Direct Brow Lift | Endoscopic Brow Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical approach | Small strip of skin removed just above the eyebrow and extending slightly into temple | Several small incisions hidden in the scalp, using a camera (endoscope) |
| Best for | Reshaping the brow, correcting asymmetry, significant drooping, heavy brows, high hairlines or excessive wrinkling above brow | Moderate brow descent, patients wanting hidden scars and minimally invasive surgery |
| Anaesthetic | Can be performed under local or general anaesthetic | Usually performed under general anaesthetic |
| Scarring | Scar just above the brow and into the temple – will fades over time but may remain slightly visible | Incisions hidden in the scalp – usually no visible scars on forehead |
| Recovery | 7–10 days off work, 2–4 weeks full recovery | 7–10 days off work, 2–4 weeks full recovery |
| Longevity of results | Long-lasting, especially effective for severe droop | Long-lasting, but less powerful compared to direct lift |
| Pros | – Precise lift, especially for asymmetry, shape or marked droop – Can be done under local anaesthetic – Immediate visible effect | – Minimally invasive |
| Cons | – Visible scar above brow (though often well-concealed in crease) – Less suited to patients concerned about scarring | – Hidden scars |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endoscopic brow lift?
An endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions within the hairline and a tiny camera (endoscope) to release and reposition the brow and forehead tissues. It elevates a drooping brow, softens forehead lines, and corrects glabellar creasing between the brows, with no visible scarring.
Who is a suitable candidate for an endoscopic brow lift?
Ideal candidates are patients with mild to moderate brow ptosis and a normal to high hairline. Patients with a very high forehead or significant hairline recession may not be suitable, as the incisions must remain behind the frontal and temporal hairlines. Patients with more severe brow drooping may achieve better results with a direct brow lift.
What risks are associated with endoscopic brow lift surgery?
As the endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure, this reduces some of the risk of surgery. However, all surgical procedures do carry some risks, and these may include bleeding and infection (both very rare). Headaches are common in the first few days after a brow lift, as is some numbness in the forehead area and swelling and bruising. Headaches can be treated with painkillers, and numbness should gradually reduce over time. Mr Juling Ong will explain all the risks in detail before you commit to proceeding with the surgery.
What is the recovery from an endoscopic brow lift?
Most patients take one to two weeks off work. Small staples or sutures close the scalp incisions and are removed at seven to ten days. Scalp numbness is common initially and usually resolves within weeks to months. Bruising around the eyes is expected during the first one to two weeks.
What scarring can I expect from an endoscopic brow lift?
As all the incisions are made within the scalp, rather than around the hairline, there should be no visible scarring from an endoscopic brow lift. This may change if the procedure is performed in combination with other procedures, such as facelift surgery, but Mr Juling Ong will discuss this in detail at the consultation stage.
Can an endoscopic brow lift be combined with blepharoplasty?
Yes, and this combination is very effective. Brow ptosis can mimic or worsen the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin. Correcting the brow position first – or simultaneously – ensures that the eyelid surgery can be done more precisely, addressing only the true eyelid component and preventing unnecessary additional resection of the upper eyelid skin.
How soon will I see the results of my brow lift?
Results will be visible once the swelling and bruising have gone down – usually within 7 to 10 days post-op- and will improve over time as the swelling fully resolves, which may take several weeks.
How long will the results last?
You should find that the effects of your brow lift last for several years, although this can vary from person to person depending on age, general health, skin quality, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. The endoscopic technique repositions the deep tissues using internal fixation, but facial ageing continues over time. Many patients combine the procedure with other facial rejuvenation procedures to maintain a harmonious overall result. You can prolong the results of the brow lift by leading a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from the sun, and following a good skincare routine.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
