Is a Brow Lift Painful?

Discomfort is usually described as mild to moderate and most noticeable in the first few days after surgery. Dr. Daly will prescribe pain medication as needed, but many people transition to over-the-counter options within a week. Temporary sensations of tightness, numbness, or itching are also common as the area heals. Overall, the experience is typically far less painful than patients anticipate, and the visible improvements often make the recovery well worth it.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients will have about 3 to 5 key appointments throughout their brow lift jou ey. This includes the initial consultation, pre-operative appointment, surgery, and one or more post-operative follow-ups to monitor the healing process. Depending on your progress, additional check-ins may be recommended to ensure everything is settling properly and to address any questions that arise during your recovery. These visits are an important part of the process; they help ensure your results are safe, smooth, and in line with your expectations.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll likely notice a change in your brow position immediately after surgery, but swelling and bruising will partially hide those early results. Most of the visible swelling improves within two to three weeks, giving you a much clearer sense of your new look. However, the final result continues to refine over the next several months as tissues fully settle and any residual swelling fades. By around six months, most patients have a good sense of their long-term outcome, and the results are typically long-lasting, especially when paired with healthy skin habits and sun protection.

Can I Combine a Brow Lift With Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Common pairings include upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) , skin resurfacing treatments, or a facelift . Combining procedures can be more efficient in terms of recovery and enhance your overall facial balance. During your consultation, Dr. Daly will help you explore whether a combined approach is appropriate based on your anatomy, goals, and timeline.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Brow Lift?

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, visible scarring, temporary or permanent changes in sensation, and hair loss along the incision line. In rare cases, revision surgery may be necessary if results are uneven or healing doesn’t progress as expected. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Daly, with experience in facial anatomy, is the best way to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth, safe outcome.

Sacramento, CA

Brow Lift

Introduction to Brow Lift

How our brows sit can shape how others read our expressions—sometimes in ways that don’t quite match how we actually feel. A brow lift offers a subtle shift that helps restore ope ess and ease to your expression without altering what makes you YOU, looking to soften a naturally stern resting face or bring a little more lightness to your look? This procedure can help align your outer appearance with the energy you carry within. At her Folsom practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Daly takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to brow lifts, achieving polished, understated results that beautifully complement each patient’s natural features.

Before & After Photos

Gallery

Before
After
Before
After

Photo Gallery

What is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that raises the position of the eyebrows to create a smoother, more balanced upper face. It targets sagging or asymmetry in the brows, deep forehead creases, and lifts heavy tissue around the upper eyelids. Several techniques are used, depending on your anatomy and goals, including endoscopic, hairline, and temporal lifts, each offering different benefits in terms of lift, scarring, and recovery time. By adjusting the underlying tissues and muscles, a brow lift restores a more relaxed and approachable appearance without affecting your ability to show natural expression.

A light-skinned woman with long dark hair sits leaning forward, resting her head on her hand. She wears a loose-fitting white blazer-style jacket with a collar and long sleeves. Her expression is contemplative as she looks slightly to the side. The soft white studio backdrop and even, bright lighting create a clean, polished look. She has smooth skin, natural makeup, and wears delicate gold earrings. - Brow Lift in Folsom, CA

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Brow Lift?

Ideal candidates for a brow lift in the Sacramento area are individuals who are bothered by low-set or uneven brows, forehead wrinkles, or the appearance of heavy upper eyelids that contribute to a more intense or fatigued expression. Good candidates are in overall good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. It’s also important to consider skin elasticity, age, and facial structure when evaluating suitability, as these factors can influence the recommended surgical approach. While many patients are in their 40s to 60s, younger individuals with naturally low brows or inherited facial characteristics may also benefit from the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift?

Visually, a brow lift softens horizontal forehead lines and lifts drooping brows that may be contributing to a heavy or closed-off look. This can result in a more open and refreshed appearance, especially around the eyes, without the need for more invasive facial surgery. Emotionally, many people report feeling more confident and comfortable with their facial expressions, especially in professional or social settings where first impressions are crucial.

What’s the First Step?

A consultation with Dr. Daly in Folsom is your first step. She will evaluate your facial anatomy, brow position, skin quality, and muscle movement to determine whether a brow lift or another treatment will best support your goals. You’ll also discuss your medical history, any previous facial procedures, and what results you hope for. Photos may be taken for surgical planinng, and different technique options will be explained so you understand the approach that fits you best. This is also your chance to ask questions, express any concerns, and get a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Brow Lift Surgery

Brow lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in Folsom under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the surgical plan. The type of incision used—such as endoscopic (small incisions hidden in the hairline), hairline (a longer incision camouflaged along the hairline), or temporal (an incision along the edge of the hairline and hidden in the hair)—will depend on your anatomy and the degree of lift needed. After the incisions are made, Dr. Daly carefully lifts and repositions the brow tissues, adjusting underlying muscles as needed to achieve a natural-looking result. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures or clips, and you’ll be monitored in recovery before heading home the same day with post-op instructions. The entire process usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Recuperation & Healing

Brow Lift Recovery

Most patients can expect initial swelling, bruising, and tightness in the forehead area for the first week after surgery. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses can help reduce discomfort and support healing. While everyone heals differently, most people feel comfortable returning to work and light activities within 7 to 14 days. Strenuous exercise, bending, and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks to prevent complications. Incisions are usually well-hidden within the hairline or natural facial features, and residual swelling continues to improve over the following weeks, with final results becoming visible within 2 to 3 months.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost in Sacramento, CA?

The cost of a Brow Lift in Sacramento, CA, can vary based on the surgical technique used, anesthesia fees, facility costs, and your surgeon’s level of experience. Generally, you can expect pricing to start at $8,000 for most brow lift procedures, although this is only a rough estimate. If your brow lift is being combined with other treatments, such as eyelid surgery, that may also influence the final price. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote that reflects your surgical plan, as well as information about financing options if needed.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Daly?

Dr. Lauren Daly is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and brings an intuitive, thoughtful touch to facial aesthetics. Known in Sacramento for her refined, approachable style and natural-looking results, Dr. Daly blends technical skill with a deep understanding of proportion and balance. Her practice feels more like a carefully curated studio than a clinical office, with a focus on comfort, clarity, and connection. Patients appreciate her calm demeanor, attentive listening, and the way she makes even the most complex procedures feel approachable and empowering.

Brow Lift FAQ’S

Discomfort is usually described as mild to moderate and most noticeable in the first few days after surgery. Dr. Daly will prescribe pain medication as needed, but many people transition to over-the-counter options within a week. Temporary sensations of tightness, numbness, or itching are also common as the area heals. Overall, the experience is typically far less painful than patients anticipate, and the visible improvements often make the recovery well worth it.
Most patients will have about 3 to 5 key appointments throughout their brow lift jou ey. This includes the initial consultation, pre-operative appointment, surgery, and one or more post-operative follow-ups to monitor the healing process. Depending on your progress, additional check-ins may be recommended to ensure everything is settling properly and to address any questions that arise during your recovery. These visits are an important part of the process; they help ensure your results are safe, smooth, and in line with your expectations.
You’ll likely notice a change in your brow position immediately after surgery, but swelling and bruising will partially hide those early results. Most of the visible swelling improves within two to three weeks, giving you a much clearer sense of your new look. However, the final result continues to refine over the next several months as tissues fully settle and any residual swelling fades. By around six months, most patients have a good sense of their long-term outcome, and the results are typically long-lasting, especially when paired with healthy skin habits and sun protection.
Absolutely. Common pairings include upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), skin resurfacing treatments, or a facelift. Combining procedures can be more efficient in terms of recovery and enhance your overall facial balance. During your consultation, Dr. Daly will help you explore whether a combined approach is appropriate based on your anatomy, goals, and timeline.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, visible scarring, temporary or permanent changes in sensation, and hair loss along the incision line. In rare cases, revision surgery may be necessary if results are uneven or healing doesn’t progress as expected. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Daly, with experience in facial anatomy, is the best way to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth, safe outcome.

Get Started Today

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering a brow lift, a personal consultation is the best way to explore your options and determine if it’s the right choice for you. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, review before-and-after photos, and lea more about the procedure. Contact our Folsom office or complete the online form to get started today.

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