Brow Lift in Gig Harbor, WA
Restore a more rested, refreshed upper face with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Brow Lift
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that raises a drooping or heavy brow to a more youthful, natural position — restoring openness to the upper face and reducing the appearance of tiredness, heaviness, or concern that a low brow can create. Many patients are surprised to learn that what they assume are eyelid concerns are actually caused by brow descent. A brow lift addresses the underlying cause directly, and can be performed alone or alongside eyelid surgery for a more complete upper face rejuvenation.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A brow lift may be appropriate for patients who:
Have a heavy or drooping brow that makes the face appear tired, stern, or aged
Notice horizontal forehead lines or deep furrows between the brows
Feel that the brow position makes the upper eyelids appear heavier than they are
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
During consultation, Dr. Larsen evaluates your brow position, forehead anatomy, hairline, and overall upper face to determine the most appropriate technique for your individual case.
Procedure Overview
Brow lift surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
In general:
Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours
Performed under general anesthesia
The brow and forehead tissues are lifted and repositioned to a more youthful height
Underlying muscles contributing to furrowing between the brows can be addressed at the same time
Endoscopic brow lift uses several small incisions within the hairline and a small camera to lift and reposition the brow with minimal scarring — suited to patients with a normal or high hairline and moderate brow descent
Coronal brow lift uses a single incision across the top of the scalp within the hairline for more comprehensive lifting — suited to patients requiring greater correction
Dr. Larsen recommends the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy, hairline, and degree of brow descent during consultation
Patients return home the same day. A brow lift is commonly combined with upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for a more complete and harmonious upper face result.
Recovery
Most patients find brow lift recovery very manageable. Most patients follow a general pattern:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness or numbness across the forehead are normal. Rest is important. Light activity around the home is comfortable for most patients within a few days.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising and swelling begin to improve noticeably. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by the end of week two. Avoid strenuous activity, bending, and lifting.
Weeks 3–4 Swelling continues to resolve and brow position settles. Light daily activities resume comfortably.
Week 6+ Most normal activities can fully resume. Final brow position and result become progressively more apparent as residual swelling fully subsides.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout recovery to monitor healing.
Results
A brow lift restores a more open, rested, and naturally youthful upper face appearance.
Bruising and swelling resolve over the first few weeks
Final brow position and results are typically fully apparent at 3–6 months
Results are long-lasting — most patients enjoy their outcome for many years
When combined with eyelid surgery, the overall result is a more complete and refreshed upper face rejuvenation
Aging continues after surgery, but a well-positioned brow makes a significant and lasting difference to overall facial appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery? The two are often confused because a heavy brow can make the upper eyelids appear droopy even when the eyelid itself is not the issue. During consultation, Dr. Larsen carefully assesses both brow position and eyelid anatomy to determine the most appropriate procedure — or combination of procedures — for your concerns.
Will a brow lift make me look surprised? A natural result is always the goal. Dr. Larsen lifts the brow to a position appropriate for your individual anatomy rather than overcorrecting, which avoids the surprised or overdone appearance patients understandably want to avoid.
What is the difference between an endoscopic and coronal brow lift? An endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions within the hairline and is suited to patients with moderate brow descent and a normal or high hairline. A coronal brow lift uses a longer incision and allows for greater correction, suited to patients requiring more comprehensive lifting. Dr. Larsen will recommend the right approach based on your anatomy during consultation.
Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures? Yes. A brow lift is commonly combined with upper or lower eyelid surgery and can also be performed alongside a facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Larsen will advise on what can be safely combined during consultation.
What does a brow lift cost? Pricing depends on the technique used and whether it is combined with other procedures. Financing options are available
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if a brow lift is right for you.