The position of the eyebrows has an important influence on the appearance of the upper face and eyes.
As the forehead and brow tissues change with aging, the eyebrows may gradually descend. This can create heaviness over the upper eyelids, particularly towards the outer part of the eyes, and may make the face appear tired or older.
I am Dr. Gökhan Özerdem, a specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery in Antalya, Turkey. With more than 25 years of surgical experience, I perform brow lift and forehead lift surgery for patients from Turkey and abroad.
One of the most important parts of planning this operation is deciding whether the problem actually comes from the brow, the upper eyelid, or both.
The objective is not to create unusually high eyebrows. It is to restore a more appropriate brow position while preserving your natural facial expression.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve descent of the eyebrows and age-related changes affecting the upper third of the face.
Depending on the individual patient, brow lift surgery may improve:
- Low or descended eyebrows
- Heaviness over the upper eyelids
- Drooping of the outer brow
- Changes in the upper facial contour
- Some forehead lines associated with tissue descent
- A tired or heavy appearance around the eyes
The operation does not simply ‘pull the eyebrows upwards’.
The direction and degree of repositioning must be planned according to the patient’s facial anatomy, hairline, forehead, brow shape and eye position.
About Dr. Gökhan Özerdem
Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Antalya, Turkey
I am Dr Gökhan Özerdem, Specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, practising in Antalya, Turkey.
My professional background includes:
- More than 25 years of surgical experience
- Thousands of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures
- Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
- Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Member of the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
- Member of the Turkish Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Professional medical experience and licensing in Dubai
- Observer experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Gamma Probe Course at Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK
- Oral and poster presentations at national and international scientific congresses
- Session chairmanship at the Turkish National Plastic Surgery Congress
- International scientific publications and academic work
- Authorised to provide services to international patients under the relevant Turkish Ministry of Health International Health Tourism framework
Major surgical procedures are performed in fully equipped hospital facilities in Antalya with appropriate anaesthesia and medical support.
Brow Ptosis
What Happens to the Eyebrows as We Age?
The medical term for a low or descended eyebrow is brow ptosis.
With ageing, changes occur in the skin and deeper supporting tissues of the forehead. The eyebrows may gradually move to a lower position.
This is often particularly noticeable in the outer portion of the brow.
As the brow descends, additional tissue can gather above the upper eyelid. As a result, patients may believe that all of the heaviness comes from excess eyelid skin.
This is not always the case.
Sometimes the eyelid itself has significant excess skin.
Sometimes the eyebrow has descended.
And frequently, both factors are present.
Recognising the difference is essential before deciding which operation to perform.
Brow Lift or Upper Eyelid Surgery?
One of the Most Important Distinctions in Upper Facial Surgery
Patients often come to consultation asking for upper eyelid surgery because their eyes appear heavy or hooded.
However, removing upper-eyelid skin does not raise a low eyebrow.
Before recommending surgery, I therefore assess:
- Brow position
- Upper-eyelid skin
- Eyelid crease
- Forehead height
- Hairline
- Lateral brow position
- Natural facial asymmetry
- Relationship between the eyebrow and eye
If excess eyelid skin is the main problem, upper blepharoplasty may be sufficient.
If brow descent is the main problem, a brow lift may be more appropriate.
If both are significant, the two procedures may sometimes be combined.
The correct operation begins with identifying where the heaviness actually comes from.
My Approach to Brow Lift Surgery
My objective in brow lift surgery is not maximum elevation.
It is appropriate repositioning.
The eyebrows have an important role in facial identity and expression. Excessive elevation can create an unnatural or permanently surprised appearance.
I therefore consider several factors when planning surgery:
- Natural eyebrow shape
- Brow height
- Degree of descent
- Male or female brow characteristics
- Forehead height
- Hairline
- Skin quality
- Eyelid anatomy
- Facial proportions
The amount and direction of lifting should be determined individually.
A brow that is higher is not automatically a brow that looks better.
Lateral Brow Descent
For many patients, brow descent is more noticeable towards the outer part of the eyebrow.
This can contribute to heaviness over the outer upper eyelid and can alter the relationship between the brow and eye.
In these patients, surgical planning may place particular emphasis on the lateral brow rather than attempting to elevate the entire eyebrow equally.
The direction of correction matters.
Simply pulling the brow vertically upwards without considering its natural shape can produce an artificial result.
My aim is to restore a more balanced relationship between the forehead, brow and upper eyelid.
Brow Lift and Forehead Lines
Patients sometimes expect brow lift surgery to eliminate every forehead line.
This is not realistic.
A brow lift can improve some changes associated with tissue descent and may alter the appearance of certain forehead lines.
However, it is not a universal treatment for every wrinkle.
Forehead lines are influenced by:
- Skin quality
- Ageing
- Sun exposure
- Muscle activity
- Genetics
- Brow position
For this reason, the expected effect on forehead wrinkles should be discussed separately from the expected effect on brow position.
Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty Together
Brow lift and upper eyelid surgery address different anatomical problems.
A brow lift repositions the eyebrow and forehead tissues.
Upper blepharoplasty removes genuine excess upper-eyelid skin and, where necessary, addresses other eyelid structures.
Some patients require only one procedure.
Others may benefit from both.
When I consider combining brow lift and upper blepharoplasty, I take particular care not to over-correct the upper eye area.
The amount of eyelid skin that should be removed can change when the brow is repositioned.
For this reason, the two operations must be planned together rather than as two unrelated procedures.
Can a Brow Lift Be Combined with a Facelift?
Yes, when there is a genuine indication.
Facelift surgery primarily addresses the mid and lower face, jawline and, when combined with neck surgery, the neck.
It does not correct a low eyebrow.
Patients with ageing changes affecting several facial regions may therefore benefit from a combination such as:
- Facelift
- Neck lift
- Brow lift
- Upper or lower blepharoplasty
However, I do not automatically recommend performing every possible facial procedure during the same operation.
The patient’s anatomy, general health, total operating time and expected recovery must all be considered.
Different Brow Lift Techniques
There is more than one way to perform brow lift surgery.
The appropriate technique depends on factors such as:
- Degree and pattern of brow descent
- Forehead height
- Hairline position
- Hair density
- Previous surgery
- Skin and soft-tissue characteristics
- Desired degree of correction
Depending on the patient, different surgical approaches may be considered.
I do not believe that one brow lift technique should be applied to every patient.
The surgical method should be selected after examining the forehead, hairline, eyebrows and eyelids together.
Where Are Brow Lift Scars?
Scar position depends on the surgical technique used.
Depending on the approach, incisions may be placed within or around the hair-bearing scalp or in another anatomically appropriate location.
The patient’s hairline and forehead height are therefore important considerations during surgical planning.
Every surgical incision leaves a scar.
The objective is to position scars as discreetly as possible while still allowing effective and controlled correction.
Scars usually become less noticeable as they mature, although healing varies between patients.
Brow Lift Surgery for Men
Male brow anatomy differs from female brow anatomy.
In men, the eyebrows generally sit in a lower position, and an excessively elevated or arched brow can create an unnatural appearance.
Hairline position and the possibility of male-pattern hair loss are also important when planning incision placement.
For male patients, I therefore pay particular attention to:
- Natural brow height
- Brow shape
- Hairline
- Hair density
- Forehead height
- Future hair loss
- Masculine facial proportions
The objective is rejuvenation without creating a feminised or surprised appearance.
Anaesthesia and Hospital
The type of anaesthesia used for brow lift surgery depends on the surgical technique and whether the procedure is performed alone or in combination with other facial operations.
More extensive brow lift procedures and combined facial surgery may be performed under general anaesthesia in a fully equipped hospital in Antalya.
The final anaesthetic plan is determined according to the operation and the individual patient.
When brow lift surgery is combined with other procedures, I also consider the total extent and duration of surgery.
Patient safety remains more important than completing multiple procedures during a single operation.
Recovery After Brow Lift Surgery
Swelling, bruising and a sensation of tightness can occur during the early recovery period.
Some swelling may extend towards the eyelids because of the anatomical relationship between the forehead and upper face.
Temporary changes in sensation around the forehead or scalp can also occur, depending on the surgical technique.
During recovery, patients should follow instructions regarding:
- Wound care
- Hair washing
- Sleeping position
- Physical activity
- Medication
- Smoking
- Sun exposure
- Scar care
The early appearance is not the final result.
Swelling gradually decreases and the brow settles as the tissues heal.
When Will I See the Final Result?
An initial change in brow position is visible relatively early, but the tissues require time to settle.
Early swelling can temporarily alter the appearance of the brow and forehead.
For this reason, I do not recommend judging the final result during the first few weeks.
The appearance becomes more natural as swelling decreases and the tissues settle.
Scar maturation continues for considerably longer.
Will My Eyebrows Look Surprised?
They should not.
The ‘surprised look’ is one of the main concerns patients have about brow lift surgery.
This appearance is generally associated with inappropriate brow position, excessive elevation or failure to respect the patient’s natural anatomy.
My objective is not to place every eyebrow at the same height.
The desired position depends on the patient’s:
- Sex
- Natural brow shape
- Eye shape
- Forehead
- Facial proportions
- Pre-existing asymmetry
Natural brow lift surgery is about position and balance, not maximum elevation.
Your Brow and Forehead Lift Surgery Journey in Antalya
1. Before Travelling
You provide your medical history, relevant information and photographs where appropriate.
2. Consultation in Antalya
I examine your eye brow and forehead personally and discuss which areas can realistically be improved.
3. Surgical Planning
We discuss the proposed technique, incision sites, scars, anaesthesia, expected recovery, limitations and relevant risks.
4. Surgery
Your operation is performed in a fully equipped hospital in Antalya.
5. Early Recovery
My team and I monitor your early postoperative recovery while you remain in Turkey.
6. Returning Home
Once your recovery allows you to travel safely, you can return home.
Follow-up communication continues after your departure.
Brow Lift in Turkey for International Patients
Travelling to Antalya for Forehead Lift Surgery
International patients considering brow lift surgery can begin with a preliminary assessment before travelling to Turkey.
My team may request information regarding:
- Medical history
- Current medication
- Previous facial or eyelid surgery
- Previous non-surgical facial treatments
- Relevant medical conditions
- Photographs of the face and upper eye area
Photographs can provide useful preliminary information, but they cannot replace physical examination.
After you arrive in Antalya, I assess the forehead, hairline, brow position and eyelids personally before confirming the final surgical plan.
How Long Should I Stay in Antalya After Brow Lift Surgery?
The recommended stay depends on the type of brow lift and whether it is performed alone or combined with another procedure.
An isolated brow lift may require a different recovery period from a brow lift combined with blepharoplasty, facelift or neck lift surgery.
For international patients, I prefer to determine the appropriate length of stay according to the planned operation and early postoperative recovery rather than apply the same timetable to everyone.
Your recovery should determine when you are ready to travel home.
Why Choose Dr Gökhan Özerdem for Brow Lift Surgery?
Brow lift surgery requires more than deciding how far upwards to move the eyebrows.
The surgeon must determine:
- Whether the brow is actually low
- Whether eyelid skin is contributing to the problem
- Which part of the brow requires correction
- How the natural brow shape should be preserved
- Which surgical technique is appropriate
- Where scars should be positioned
- Whether blepharoplasty should also be considered
- How much correction will look natural
After more than 25 years of surgical practice, I believe that conservative judgement is particularly important in upper facial rejuvenation.
The objective is not to make the patient look permanently surprised or dramatically different.
The aim is to restore balance between the forehead, eyebrows and eyes while preserving natural facial expression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift Surgery
The terms are often used interchangeably. Brow lift surgery focuses on repositioning descended eyebrow tissues, while the surgical approach also involves the forehead. The exact technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and the areas requiring correction.
This depends on the cause of the heaviness around your upper eyes. Excess eyelid skin may require blepharoplasty, while a low brow may require brow lift surgery. Many patients have a combination of both.
No. A brow lift repositions the brow and forehead tissues. Genuine excess upper-eyelid skin is treated with upper blepharoplasty when necessary.
Yes, in appropriate patients. When both brow descent and excess upper-eyelid skin are present, the procedures can sometimes be combined. They should be planned together to avoid over-correction.
That is not the objective. Excessive or inappropriate brow elevation can produce an unnatural appearance. I plan the degree and direction of correction according to the patient’s natural eyebrow position and facial anatomy.
Not necessarily. Natural facial asymmetry is extremely common. One eyebrow may sit higher than the other before surgery. This is taken into consideration during planning, although perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
It may improve some forehead changes, but it does not eliminate every wrinkle. Forehead lines are influenced by muscle activity, skin quality, sun exposure, ageing and other factors.
Yes. In many patients, descent is particularly noticeable in the lateral brow. The surgical plan can place greater emphasis on this area when appropriate.
Yes. A facelift and brow lift address different areas of the face and may be combined in suitable patients. The overall extent and duration of surgery must be considered carefully.
Yes. Every surgical brow lift involves incisions and therefore scars. Their location depends on the technique used, hairline and individual anatomy.
Forehead height and hairline position are important when choosing a brow lift technique. This is one reason why I do not use the same surgical approach for every patient.
Yes. However, male eyebrow position, hairline and facial proportions differ from those of women. The surgical plan should preserve masculine characteristics.
Considering a Brow Lift in Antalya, Turkey?
If your upper eyes appear heavy or your eyebrows have descended, the first step is to determine where the problem actually originates.
You may require a brow lift, upper blepharoplasty, a combination of the two or, in some cases, no surgery at all.
An initial assessment can help clarify the appropriate approach before you make your travel arrangements.
Dr Gökhan Özerdem
Specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Antalya, Turkey
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