Customized Brow Lift in Aliso Viejo Performed by Dr. Timothy Miller

Eyebrows that have drifted down over time look heavy and have developed excess upper eyelid skin, deep brow lines, or wrinkles, can leave a look that appears older, tired, angry, or sad. With a brow or “temple lift” performed by Dr. Miller, the eyebrows are delicately lifted to create a natural, aesthetically pleasing look. 

When needed, a custom “foreheadplasty” will enhance the results—the procedure smooths the forehead and reduces the activity of overactive muscles, providing a youthful, pleasant appearance. View the results of these procedures in the accompanying video: the patient looks beautifully Refreshed.

Brow Lift & Foreheadplasty Before & Afters with Dr. Miller

woman with straight hair with hand under her chin

What Is A Brow Lift?

A brow lift can help restore a pleasant, inviting, Refreshed facial look—boosting self-confidence. During the procedure, the effects of aging and gravity are corrected. This customized surgery gently lifts drooping brows, restoring them to a more youthful position. In some cases, the surgery helps to address vision issues associated with a drooping brow. In the procedure, meticulously placed incisions are at the ear level, hidden within the hairline. After lifting the forehead skin, any excess skin and fat will be removed, and the facial muscles will be tightened for a long-lasting rejuvenation. The result is a more well-rested, relaxed look.

Why Choose Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery for a Brow Lift?

Dr. Miller has dedicated his professional life to the refined art of facial plastic surgery. As a fellowship-trained, double-board-certified plastic surgeon, his expertise in facial procedures is far beyond most plastic surgeons in the region. His private, luxury practice is focused strictly on face and neck enhancements, including brow lift surgery. As a recognized leader in facial plastic surgery, he and his staff welcome discerning patients from Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, and other Orange County communities. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Miller, call us at 949-482-1752 or request a consultation online.

Dr. Miller's Approach to Brow Lifts

In the past and even today, eyebrow rejuvenation is often performed too aggressively. The eyebrows are elevated too high, resulting in an unnatural, displeasing, and pronounced “she’s had work done” look. These results can be avoided. Advanced, more artistic surgical approaches create a fresh, natural-looking outcome—as truthfully, “less is more.” When the emphasis is on a gentle elevation of the eyebrows, the surgical outcome is remarkably natural in appearance. Dr. Miller’s approach with a brow lift or temple lift is to better frame the eye, remove the tired, sad, or angry appearance of downturned and lowered eyebrows, and remove the excess skin on the outside portion of the upper eyelid (“hooding”).

Refresh Your Look, Refresh Your Life: Custom Brow Lift in Orange County

Commonly, patients with falling or deflated eyebrows may constantly raise their eyebrows, often subconsciously. This constant muscle activity is responsible for the horizontal lines and wrinkles on the forehead, which eventually become deep and etched into the brow. The corrugator muscles (small muscles on the inner part of the eyebrows) may be overactive, causing deep creases and furrows between the eyebrows called the “11s”. 

This subconscious muscle activity can be effectively reduced with a foreheadplasty during brow lift procedures. Non-surgical procedures such as BOTOX®, fat augmentation, and dermal fillers are options for some patients looking to remedy lowered and deflated eyebrows. Still, these treatments are not the ideal solution for everyone.

What is the Brow Lift Procedure?

The brow lift is a procedure performed with incisions hidden within the hair on the scalp. The hair is not shaved or cut. Proper “release” of the eyebrow is essential and takes years of surgical skill to master. Incision location and the correct release of the eyebrows offer tension-free, natural elevation vectors of the brow, along with long-term results. 

During the temple lift procedure, only the outside portion of the eyebrows is elevated, and occasionally, the procedure is extended to a full brow lift for those with heavier or significantly lowered brows. In these instances, the eyebrows’ inner portion is also elevated. As the video of our patient reveals, a foreheadplasty is often performed with a brow lift to enhance the aesthetic results.

The procedure can be performed with moderate sedation, meaning the patient is conscious but very relaxed. Deeper forms of sedation are available. The social downtime is typically 7 to 10 days, with the sutures removed after 10 days. Dr. Miller never uses surgical staples for any procedures but applies and removes the meticulously placed sutures himself.

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What Are The Benefits of a Brow Lift?

  • Helps reduce wrinkles, lines, creases, folds, and furrows
  • Raises sunken, drooping brows
  • Creates a brighter smile
  • Restores a more youthful, open expression
  • Can help restore vision
  • It can be combined with a facelift or blepharoplasty

Who Is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Good candidates for a brow lift have the following characteristics:

  • Sagging brows
  • Frown lines between the brows
  • Puffy or heavy upper eyelids
  • An unhappy, angry, tired, or sadder facial expression

As with any surgery, patients should be:

  • Healthy, both mentally and physically
  • Non-smoking
  • Free from serious medical conditions
  • Realistic and positive in their outlook
  • Willing to follow the surgeon’s instructions

What to Expect in the Recovery After a Brow Lift?

After a brow lift, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain medications, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection, will be prescribed. Use cool compresses to help alleviate tenderness in the upper face and eyes.

Most patients take a few weeks off from work to rest and heal. Avoid strenuous exercise for about four weeks. During recovery, protect the results from the sun by wearing sunblock and a sun hat. Patients are soon back on their feet, enjoying a more youthful, engaging appearance, with a saggy, heavy brow resolved.

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Brow LiftFAQ

Will I have visible scars after a brow lift?

Dr. Miller’s incisions are well hidden within the hairline. For patients with higher hairlines or those who wish to lower their hairline, Dr. Miller uses trichophytic incisions, a specialized technique that encourages hair to grow through the incision sites. No hair is removed during the procedure, and no staples or screws are used. Dr. Miller delicately performs all incision closures.

Will I look wind-blown?

No. Dr. Miller is known for creating very natural-looking results. The treatment creates a refreshed look, not wind-blown or pulled, and your eye shape remains the same. Most patients will go home after surgery and return the next day for evaluation. Sutures inconspicuously located in the hairline are removed about ten days after surgery. Dr. Miller often prescribes pain medication to be taken for one to three days after the procedure for optimal comfort. Patients can resume most normal activities within seven to ten days, with no exercise restrictions after four weeks.

What are the non-surgical alternatives to brow lift surgery?

BOTOX® Cosmetic, fat transfer, or dermal fillers can be effective non-surgical options to elevate a slightly lowered brow. However, if significant sagging is present, these treatments may not be sufficient. Dr. Miller will recommend the best course of action during a consultation.

How do I choose a plastic surgeon for a brow lift?

Skill and experience are essential for any surgery. While many surgeons offer this surgical procedure, the outcomes can vary widely. When brow lift surgery has been performed too aggressively, the result can be shocking, leaving the patient with a pulled, unnatural look – and that’s the last thing wanted. The ideal result is a refreshed, more youthful look that appears entirely natural. Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D. is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon. Every procedure is carefully planned and executed to produce a subtle improvement that inspires compliments. His background and specialized surgical training have given him extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the face and neck and how to produce beautiful surgical results. When looking for a facial plastic surgeon to perform a brow lift in Orange County, take the time to review qualifications, experience, and education as a critical first step.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Depending on the patient’s needs and preferences, brow lift surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or twilight sedation. We ensure our patients are comfortable before, during, and after their procedure.

Are there any risks?

All surgeries have inherent risks, but complications are greatly minimized by choosing an experienced, skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller. With a brow lift, the risks include anesthesia, infection, bleeding, poor scarring, hematoma, numbness, nerve damage, and hyperpigmentation.

What other procedures can be combined with a brow lift?

A brow lift can work wonders in rejuvenating the upper face, especially when paired with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). A facelift or neck lift can also accompany a brow lift to significantly roll back the look of natural facial aging. Moreover, combining procedures can save patients time and money and help them attain their aesthetic goals more quickly.

Is a brow lift for men different from a brow lift for women?

An excellent plastic surgeon understands the nuances of facial anatomical structures and will customize their brow lift to reflect gender identity accurately. For women, the brow usually has a central arch and is higher on the face than for men. The male brow has less of an arch, sitting lower to the eyelids. The amount of skin removed must take these differences into account to create the most natural-looking natural outcome.

Step-by-Step Procedure Facts

  • The procedure will be performed in our QUAD A-accredited operating facility.
  • It will be performed under either general anesthesia or conscious sedation; this will be discussed with Dr. Miller during a consultation.
  • Most patients return home to rest and recover the same day.
  • Pain is managed with pain medication for the first two to three days for increased comfort.
  • Most social activities are resumed in seven to ten days. 
  • Results will progressively improve as any residual bruising and swelling resolve.

Patient Care Beyond the Ordinary

Dr. Miller established his practice to be patient-centered. Every detail was implemented to make the experience smooth, pleasant, and positive. Our state-of-the-art surgery center has the most advanced technology and adheres to the strictest patient health and safety protocols. Patients are confident when an Orange County brow lift is performed by a plastic surgeon who is at the top of his field. Dr. Miller takes great pride in creating the most natural-looking, beautiful facial enhancements.

Brow lift surgery can deliver genuinely refreshed results. The procedure can be performed as a stand-alone or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures. Talk to us about brow lift surgery and schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Miller to find out if this procedure is appropriate. Please view our gallery and read patient reviews for more information. Our accredited office is located in Aliso Viejo and is easily accessed from Newport Beach and the surrounding communities in Orange County.

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