Forehead & Brow Surgery

Brow surgery, commonly called a brow lift, is a surgical procedure which raises the eyebrows to a higher position. Some types of oculofacial surgery lift only the brow, and other types lift both the forehead and the brow. These types of surgery may be performed in both men and women for reconstructive purposes to improve peripheral vision, as well as for cosmetic reasons to rejuvenate the forehead and brow area, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

Wolfe Eye Clinic offers forehead and brow surgery in Iowa by fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeons who are here to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Douglas Casady and Dr. Audrey Ko are dedicated to improving the functionality of the eyes and assisting you through the process to making the best choice for your vision and appearance. We offer oculofacial plastic surgery consultations at our Ankeny and Des Moines clinics. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (833) 532-8809 or request more information by filling out our form here.

Are there different types of brow and forehead lifts?

Some of the most common types of brow and forehead lifts include direct, internal browpexy, endoscopic, pre-trichial, or bicornal approach with or without forehead contouring. Each type provides a different outcome based upon the patient’s needs and our oculoplastic surgeons at Wolfe Eye Clinic can answer questions you may have at your consultation.

Direct brow lift: the lifting of the eyebrows through an incision above the eyebrows or on the forehead, which allows for a hidden scar in an existing forehead wrinkle
Internal (trans-blepharoplasty) browpexy: the lifting of the eyebrows by an incision through the eyelid crease, which allows for a hidden scar in the upper eyelid fold
Pre-trichial (trichophytic or hairline) or Bicornal brow lift: the lifting of the forehead and eyebrows through an incision around the hairline
Endoscopic brow lift: the lifting of the forehead and eyebrows through hidden incisions behind the hairline
Forehead contouring and reduction: customized sculpting of the bones around the forehead and eyebrows for a subtle softer and more open look around the eyes

How do I know what kind of forehead or brow surgery to have?

Your oculoplastic specialist at Wolfe Eye Clinic will assess your unique facial characteristics and discuss which types of brow lifts would work best for you to achieve your desired outcome. You can feel confident knowing that our oculofacial surgeons are ophthalmologists who are dedicated to eyes and the facial surroundings, as well as the best outcome for each patient. With advanced fellowship training and an active role in ongoing research and technics to provide continued growth, our surgeons are here to answer any questions you may have. Ready to schedule a consultation? Fill out our form here or give us a call at (833) 532-8809.

Will forehead or brow surgery be covered by my health insurance?

Like with any surgery, it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage you may have and oculoplastic providers in your network. Your health insurance will likely cover a portion of the cost of these surgeries if it is performed to improve visual function of the eyes or for reconstructive purposes. To determine if the surgery is likely to improve vision, certain guidelines must be met, including visual field testing to assess the how much of your peripheral vision is being blocked by your droopy eyebrows. The oculoplastics team at Wolfe Eye Clinic is experienced in navigating the insurance pre-authorization process and can give you an idea of the likelihood of insurance coverage during your consultation or clinic appointment.

Can I have insurance-covered and cosmetic brow surgeries at the same time?

Many of our patients choose to combine forehead and brow cosmetic surgeries with insurance-covered surgeries. For example, a common combination that patients will undergo is an insurance-covered brow surgery with a cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Our oculofacial plastic specialists in Iowa can help you to navigate questions you may have at your consultation or clinic appointment.

Where are forehead and brow surgeries in Iowa performed?

Wolfe Eye Clinic oculofacial plastic surgeons perform forehead and brow surgeries at our state-of-the-art Wolfe Surgery Center in West Des Moines. Clinic visits and consultations are available at our Ankeny and Des Moines clinics and during your appointment, our oculofacial team will provide you information on your upcoming brow and forehead surgery.

Will I need a driver and someone to take care of me on the day of my forehead or brow surgery?

On the day of your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable during your procedure. Since this can make you very sleepy afterwards, you will need a driver to bring you home and to take care of you for the first 24 hours until the anesthesia wears off.

What type of anesthesia is used during brow and forehead surgeries?

At Wolfe Eye Clinic, an injection for numbing the surgical area is given in all brow and forehead cases. Patients undergoing a direct brow lift or internal browpexy typically undergo monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Patients undergoing an endoscopic brow lift or pretrichial brow lift would typically undergo general anesthesia. Rest assured that your oculofacial plastic surgeon and their team will review this information in detail with you and be there to answer any questions you may have.

How long does a forehead or brow surgery take?

The length of the surgery depends on the type of brow and forehead lift that is being performed. In general, the surgery itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. However, due to the time needed to prepare you for the operating room and time needed to allow you to recover from anesthesia, you and your driver will need to set aside at least half a day for your care on the day of surgery.

What can I expect during the recovery period for a forehead or brow surgery?

Typically, the restrictions after a forehead or brow surgery are no heavy lifting, bending, or straining for two weeks. You will have a follow up appointment for suture removal and to check for infection approximately one week after surgery. Most patients feel comfortable being in photographs or attending public events (weddings, graduations, vacations) approximately three to four weeks after surgery. If you have questions or concerns, we are here to help!

Find an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon for Forehead or Brow Surgery Near You

Wolfe Eye Clinic offers oculofacial plastic surgery consultations in Iowa at our Ankeny and Des Moines clinics. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (833) 532-8809 or request more information by filling out our form here.

Meet our Oculofacial Surgeons