Plenty of people who ask about eyelid surgery turn out to need something higher up. When the eyebrow has dropped, the skin above the eye bunches over the lid, and no amount of trimming the lid itself will lift the cause.
That’s the case for lifting the brow: it repositions the brow so the upper face looks more open and rested. It is a quieter operation than a facelift, but there are several techniques, and the price depends heavily on which one is used.
Here’s what brow lift surgery involves, how the techniques differ, what it costs in the UK, and what recovery looks like.
Key takeaways
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| What it does | Raises a drooping brow and softens forehead lines, often reducing the hooded look of the upper eyelid. |
| Several techniques | Endoscopic, coronal and temporal approaches differ in incisions, scarring and how long the lift lasts. |
| Typical private cost | Roughly £4,000 to £8,000, with endoscopic techniques and London surgeons toward the upper end. |
| Often combined | Many patients also have upper eyelid surgery, which is priced separately. |
| NHS funding | Not routinely funded for cosmetic reasons alone. |
| Recovery | Bruising and tightness settle over weeks, and most people return to light work in one to two weeks. |
What a brow lift is, and who it suits
With age, the brow descends, particularly at the outer edge. A clinical overview notes this can cause lateral upper eyelid hooding, and that people with a lowered brow are often perceived as tired or cross even when they feel neither.
That is why a brow lift and eyelid surgery are so often discussed together. A complete guide to hooded eyes explains how to tell whether hooding comes from the lid or the brow, and the answer decides which operation you need.
Candidates are typically in their 40s to 60s, though some younger people have an inherited low brow. If eyelid skin is the main problem, what upper and lower eyelid surgery costs will be more relevant.
Types of brow lift
There is no single best technique. The StatPearls chapter on endoscopic brow lift says there is no clear evidence that any one type is superior, and notes that more than half of brow rejuvenation procedures are now done endoscopically.
Endoscopic approach
Several small incisions are made behind the hairline and a camera guides the lift. The scars are short and recovery is usually quicker. The same source notes it can raise the hairline slightly and may not suit people with a receding hairline.
Coronal (traditional) approach
A longer incision runs across the top of the head, allowing more direct control. Open approaches may give a more durable lift, though there is little data, and the scar is longer and hidden in the hair.
Temporal (lateral) approach
This lifts mainly the outer part of the brow through small incisions at the temples. It suits people whose drooping is concentrated at the tail of the brow, and it is a smaller operation. For wider context, the range of facial contouring procedures shows how a brow lift fits alongside others.
Brow lift cost and NHS funding
Private surgical brow lifts in the UK are commonly quoted somewhere between about £4,000 and £8,000. The figure varies with the technique, the surgeon’s experience, the anaesthetic and the facility, and London clinics tend to sit higher. Professor Hindocha’s fee is quoted individually in writing after consultation.
If you combine it with upper eyelid surgery, expect a combined quote, which is usually lower than paying for two separate operations. Check that the quote includes the anaesthetist, facility fees and follow-up.
On the NHS, one ICB’s cosmetic procedures policy lists brow lift for cosmetic reasons alone as not routinely funded. Policies vary by area, and funding is more likely only where drooping measurably affects vision.
Risks and recovery
The most common complications of endoscopic lifting are altered sensation, asymmetry, hair loss around the incisions and a need for revision. Temporary weakness of the forehead nerve is far more common than permanent paralysis, and the same source reports high patient satisfaction.
Expect headache-like tightness for a day or two, bruising around the eyes, and sleeping with your head raised for about a week. Vigorous activity usually waits two weeks. At Lux, the operation takes around two hours under general anaesthetic as a day case, and most people return to light work within one to two weeks.
Scars sit in the hairline, but good care helps them settle, as covered in how to minimise scarring after surgery.
How Lux Plastic Surgery approaches brow lift surgery
Professor Sandip Hindocha, FRCS (Plast), GMC-registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon and NHS Clinical Director, assesses your brow position, eyelids and hairline together before recommending a technique. Consultations take place at clinics in Bedford, London, and Manchester.
You can read more about the brow lift surgery service or send an enquiry through the contact page.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Prices are indicative and vary by surgeon, clinic and technique, so always request a written quote.
FAQ
How much does a brow lift cost in the UK?
Private surgical quotes are commonly around £4,000 to £8,000, depending on the technique, surgeon and location. Combined surgery is priced separately.
How long do the results last?
Results can last many years, though ageing continues and some settling of a few millimetres is expected in the early months.
Will it leave visible scars?
Incisions are placed within or just behind the hairline, so scars are usually hidden by hair. Endoscopic scars are shorter than coronal ones.
What is the difference between a brow lift and a facelift?
A brow lift treats the forehead and brow. A facelift treats the cheeks, jowls and neck. Some people have both for a balanced result.
Can I get a brow lift on the NHS?
Not for cosmetic reasons alone. Local policies vary, and funding is only considered where drooping measurably affects vision.
