A temporal brow lift, also known as a lateral brow lift, is an elective facial rejuvenation procedure that elevates the outer portion (tail) of the eyebrows and improves the appearance of the upper face. When the lateral brows are depressed, we appear sad. This targeted approach focuses on lifting the lateral brow to create a more refreshed, youthful, and naturally elevated look. This procedure is usually offered to women who have lost volume in the upper forehead and temple areas, allowing the brows to sink and move medially. Lifting the lateral brows too aggressively in men can feminize their appearance.
Patients seeking a lateral brow lift often want to correct drooping of the outer brow, reduce heaviness over the eyes, and enhance the overall eye and brow contour. This procedure can be performed at the same time as blepharoplasty and facelift procedures.
What Is a Temporal Brow Lift?
A temporal brow lift is a less invasive alternative to a full brow lift or forehead lift, targeting the outer third of the eyebrows.
This procedure may include:
- Elevation of the lateral brow
- Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles around the outer eyes
- Improvement of upper eyelid heaviness caused by brow and forehead descent
- Subtle enhancement of eye shape and openness
Unlike a full brow lift surgery, this approach is ideal for patients with mild to moderate brow descent primarily affecting the outer brow who have sufficient temporal hair to hide an incision.
How We Do a Temporal Brow Lift
During a temporal brow lift at Aesthetic Revolution Las Vegas, beveled incisions are typically placed within the hairline near the temples to allow lifting and repositioning of the lateral brow. The skin is elevated and released from the underlying fascia from the edge of the orbit upward, then re-draped and anchored superiorly in the hairline. This elevates and lateralizes the lateral brow. The proximal hairs grow through the beveled incisions, helping to hide them more effectively than if the incisions were made in or above the actual brow hair (direct brow lift), as was done in the past.
The procedure typically includes:
- Elevation of the lateral brow and forehead tissue
- Repositioning and securing of the brow
- Removal of minimal excess skin if needed
This technique allows for a natural lift with minimal visible scarring.
Procedure Details
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Anesthesia: Twilight Sedation or General Anesthesia if desired
What Can a Temporal Brow Lift Fix?
A temporal brow lift is ideal for patients seeking upper facial rejuvenation with a subtle, natural result. It can help:
- Lift drooping outer brows
- Reduce heaviness over the upper eyelids
- Improve eye openness and contour
- Smooth fine lines around the upper lateral eye
- Create a more youthful, refreshed appearance
Pre-Surgical Guidelines
To prepare for lateral brow lift surgery, patients should:
- Avoid nicotine for at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
- Stop blood-thinning medications as directed
- Maintain overall health and stable weight
- Follow all pre-operative instructions provided during consultation
Brow Lift After Care
Recovery from a temporal brow lift is typically quicker than a brow/forehead lift (across the entire hairline) and can be performed in patients who don’t have sufficient hair along the mid-forehead to hide an incision.
After surgery:
- Mild swelling, bruising, or tightness may occur
- Any numbness or muscle weakness of the lateral forehead usually resolves in time
- Discomfort is generally minimal
- Incisions are concealed within the hairline
Patients should:
- Keep the head elevated during early recovery
- Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks
- Follow all incision care instructions carefully
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Recovery Timeline:
- Initial recovery: 1–2 weeks
- Return to light activity: 1–2 weeks
- Resume full activity: 3–4 weeks
- Results continue to refine as swelling resolves. Remodeling and balancing of the lateral brow position can continue for months.
Results
A temporal brow lift provides long-lasting improvement in lateral brow position and upper facial contour, resulting in a more open, refreshed appearance.
Results are subtle and natural-looking, enhancing the eyes without an over-elevated or unnatural appearance.
Scars are minimal and typically concealed within the hairline.
For patients who may be satisfied with a more subtle elevation or want to avoid surgery, long-lasting fillers may be used to volumize the temples and lateral forehead as an alternative.
Talk With Our Las Vegas Team About a Temporal/Lateral Brow Lift
A temporal brow lift is a highly individualized facial rejuvenation procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Z will evaluate your health, brow position, eyelid anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a lateral brow lift, a full brow lift, or a combination with blepharoplasty or a facelift is the most appropriate approach for a safe, natural, long-lasting enhancement that meets your goals.
