Aesthetic Surgery
Temple and Brow Lift
Lifting the brows and temple area
At a Glance
In Brief
Lifting of the brows and temple area
Treatment Duration
Approx. 60–90 minutes
Anaesthesia
Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia
Downtime
Usually socially ready after 1–2 weeks
Results
Visible once swelling subsides, healed within 6 months
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
A temple and brow lift is a surgical procedure in which drooping eyebrows and the tissue of the temple area are lifted. Lines on the forehead and at the outer corner of the eye can also become smoother as a result.
Over the years, the outer brows in particular tend to descend, which can make the eyes look tired and the upper lids seem heavier. The aim is a more open, alert expression that keeps your natural facial movement. In the consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei explains which technique and incision suit your findings and where the scars will lie. The procedure can be combined with a cheek lift or a face-neck lift; these combinations are described on the page ‘Cheek lift and face-neck lift’.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
Which areas are lifted depends on the position of your brows and the findings in the temple region.
Outer Eyebrows
In many cases, it is mainly the outer third of the eyebrows that is raised. The position and shape of the brows are realigned in the process.
Temple Area
The descended tissue at the side of the eyes is repositioned upwards. Fine lines at the outer corner of the eye can appear smoother as a result.
Heavy Upper Lids
Low-set brows can push the skin of the upper lids downwards and contribute to hooded eyelids. With the brows raised, the eyes look more open; the doctor assesses beforehand whether an upper eyelid lift is also advisable.
Forehead
When the lift extends into the forehead, forehead lines can also become smoother. How far the procedure extends is planned separately for each patient.
What is a temple and brow lift?
In a temple and brow lift, drooping eyebrows and the temples are raised surgically. It is intended for women and men whose brows have dropped over the years, giving the eye area a tired or heavy look.
In many cases, it is mainly the outer part of the brows that is raised. Low-set brows can also contribute to hooded eyelids, which is why the eye area is assessed as a whole before the procedure. Which technique is suitable and how the incision runs depends on your findings and is explained to you beforehand.
The procedure takes about 60–90 minutes and is carried out under twilight sedation, which is medication-induced sedation combined with local anaesthesia, or under general anaesthesia. The aim is an alert, natural expression that keeps your facial movement.
- Lifting of the brows and temple area
- Technique chosen to suit the findings
- Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia
- Takes about 60–90 minutes
- Outpatient or with one overnight stay
Why a temple and brow lift at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
Your surgeon is Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Planned Around Your Findings
The forehead, brows and upper lids are assessed together. This determines which areas are lifted and how far the procedure extends.
Upper Eyelids Considered
Low-set brows and hooded eyelids are often connected. Before the procedure, it is clarified whether raising the brows is sufficient on its own or whether an upper eyelid lift is a useful addition.
Recovery in View
Most patients are ready for work and social occasions again after 1–2 weeks. We go through the course of recovery with you beforehand so that you can plan the time afterwards.
Natural Expression
The brows are raised just far enough for the eyes to look more alert while your facial movement is preserved. Our aim is for you to look refreshed, not changed.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
Everything starts with a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich. The position of your brows, the temple area and the upper lids are assessed, and the extent of the operation is discussed. You then decide in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
Before your appointment, you receive clear instructions on medication, nicotine and sun exposure. Blood-thinning medication is paused only after consulting the doctor.
Anaesthesia
The operation takes place in a certified surgical centre. Specialists in anaesthesiology look after the twilight sedation or general anaesthesia.
Procedure
The drooping brows are lifted and the temples are tightened. This takes about 60–90 minutes. Depending on the extent, you go home the same day or stay one night for observation.
Aftercare
The head bandage stays on for about 1–2 days. Follow-up appointments accompany your healing until it is complete.
| Temple and brow lift | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out transparently after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
After the consultation and preparation, the procedure takes place in a certified surgical centre. The surgeon lifts the drooping brows and the temple area, which takes about 60–90 minutes. Depending on its extent, the procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis or with one night in the clinic, which we decide with you during planning.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The procedure is carried out under twilight sedation with local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia. The choice depends on the extent of the operation and the technique. Anaesthesia is given by specialists in anaesthesiology in a certified surgical centre, and the details are discussed with you beforehand.
What risks and side effects are possible?
Swelling and bruising of the forehead, upper lids and cheeks, along with a feeling of tightness, are usual at first. Sensation in the forehead and scalp can also be temporarily altered; these reactions generally subside within a few weeks. The risks include bleeding, infection, conspicuous scars, an uneven brow position and thinner hair in places. Lasting changes in sensation or weakness of the forehead muscle are rare, and we discuss your individual risks with you in detail beforehand.
What should I consider before the procedure?
You should avoid nicotine for 6–8 weeks before the procedure, as smoking can impair wound healing. Blood-thinning medication, including medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid, is paused only after consulting the doctor, usually about 2 weeks beforehand. You receive all further instructions on preparation from us in good time before your appointment.
What should I consider after the procedure?
For the first few days, sleep with your upper body raised and cool the eye area gently to limit swelling. Avoid heavy lifting and saunas for a few weeks, and strong sun during the first months. At the agreed follow-up appointments, we check how healing is progressing and give you further advice on care.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
The head bandage stays on for about 1–2 days. Swelling and bruising usually subside noticeably within 1–2 weeks, and most patients are then ready for work and social occasions again. You should wait about 4 weeks before returning to sport.
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When do results become visible?
The new brow position becomes visible as the swelling goes down, usually after a few weeks. It can take up to 6 months for the tissue to heal completely. The scars that every operation leaves fade over time.
How long do the results last?
The effect of a brow lift is long-lasting. Natural ageing continues, so the brows may descend slightly again over time. How long the lift lasts in your case depends on individual factors, which we discuss during your consultation.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is usually planned for a temple and brow lift. As the tissue continues to change over the years, a further lift may be wanted later on. The procedure is often combined with an upper eyelid lift, which is planned individually.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
The procedure may be considered by women and men whose brows have descended, particularly in the outer third, giving the eyes a tired or heavy look. Good general health and realistic expectations are required. In a personal consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei assesses whether the lift is suitable for you.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is available on request. The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique chosen. You receive a transparent breakdown after the consultation.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.