Drooping Brows: Brow Lift Approaches and How They Differ From a Temporal Lift

With age, brows can descend and give the face a tired, sad or tense expression. Drooping brows often make excess skin on the upper eyelid look more prominent, so people usually describe the problem as “sagging eyelids”. In this article we look at brow ptosis, how it differs from eyelid sagging, and general brow lift approaches.

Why do brows droop?

The supporting structures of the forehead and temple soften with age; with gravity, the brows descend, often starting at the outer ends. Genetics, sun damage and facial expression habits can also play a role. Some people unconsciously tense their forehead muscles to hold their brows up, which can lead to marked horizontal forehead lines.

Drooping brows or sagging eyelids?

This distinction matters for planning. When the brows are low, removing only upper eyelid skin can pull the brows down further and may not give the expected result. Conversely, when brow position is normal, the main issue may be excess eyelid skin. At the consultation, brow position, use of the forehead muscles and eyelid excess are assessed together; some people have both.

Brow lift approaches

• Temporal lift: through incisions within the hair-bearing scalp at the temples, it aims to lift mainly the outer brow and temple tissues upwards and outwards.
• Lifting the forehead and brow as a unit: where the whole brow is clearly low, approaches lifting the forehead tissues through incisions in the scalp or near the hairline may be considered.
• Combined with eyelid surgery: in suitable people, a brow lift can be planned together with upper eyelid surgery.
• Non-surgical options: in some mild cases, Botox can give a limited and temporary effect on brow position.

The appropriate approach depends on the degree of brow ptosis, forehead height, hairline and the person’s expectations.

Temporal lift versus a classic brow lift

A temporal lift focuses mainly on the outer brow and temple and may not be enough on its own if the inner part of the brow is clearly low. More comprehensive brow and forehead lifts can address the whole brow but differ in incision placement and recovery. The aim is not to raise the brows excessively but to achieve a natural brow position in harmony with the face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a brow lift make me look surprised?

Planning takes care not to raise the brows excessively. For a natural expression, brow shape and position are determined according to facial structure.

Is the effect of a brow lift permanent?

A brow lift does not stop ageing; tissues continue to age over time. How long the effect lasts varies with the person and the approach used.

Can Botox correct drooping brows?

In some people Botox can give a slight and temporary lift at the tail of the brow, but it is not expected to correct marked brow ptosis.

For more information, visit our Temporal lift and eyelid aesthetics page and our article on who may not be suitable for a temporal lift, and reach us via our contact page.

This article is for informational purposes only; a medical examination by a physician is required for diagnosis and treatment.