Your eyebrows do more than frame your face–they communicate your emotions. But as the years go by, gravity takes its toll, causing the brows to droop, flatten, or furrow in a way that may not reflect how you feel on the inside.
If your brows are sitting lower than they used to, or you’re noticing deep creases across your forehead or upper nose, a brow lift or forehead lift may be the key to restoring a brighter, more approachable appearance.
At her boutique surgical practice in Irvine, Dr. Melanie Ho Erb offers a highly individualized approach to rejuvenating the upper third of the face–lifting the brows, softening lines, and refreshing your natural expression without the startled or overdone look.
Dr. Erb is an excellent surgeon and she helped me with issues I was having with my saggy brows. I am so glad I went to her for a 2nd opinion and after my meeting with her, I knew she was the right choice! I highly recommend her for any issues you have with your eyes.
What Is a Brow or Forehead Lift?
A brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) is a cosmetic procedure that raises the position of the eyebrows and smooths out forehead wrinkles and creases. It’s designed to correct brow droopiness, which can make someone look angry, sad, tired, or older than they really are.
Many patients initially think they need upper eyelid surgery, when in fact the primary issue is descended brows creating heaviness in the upper eyelid area.
A properly performed brow lift can:
- Lift drooping or heavy eyebrows
- Restore a youthful arch and shape to the brow
- Open the eye area and reduce hooded lids
- Smooth deep forehead wrinkles and horizontal lines
“I want your friends and family to see you in a relaxed and happy mood–not a surprised one. I tailor every lift to look completely natural.” – Dr. Melanie Ho Erb
Tailored to Your Features, Not a Trend
Dr. Erb believes in restoring natural expression, not creating a frozen or startled appearance. As an ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeon, she approaches every brow lift with surgical precision and an artistic eye for balance.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Dr. Erb performs many brow lifts in her private Irvine office procedure room using oral relaxing pills, oral sleeping pills, oral Tylenol, and numbing injections. Brow lifts also can be done at an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia administered from an anesthesiologist.
- Recovery time: Bruised and swollen for 2 weeks on average.
- Pain: You will feel some discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
- Downtime: 3 to 7 days
- Results: Softer, more open, less mad, less tired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift & Forehead Lift
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If the heaviness in your upper lids is caused by low brows rather than excess eyelid skin, a brow lift may be the better option–or sometimes both procedures are needed together. Dr. Erb will help you determine the right approach.
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No. Dr. Erb avoids high, unnatural brow positions. Her goal is to subtly lift the brows and open the eyes while keeping your look completely natural.
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Most patients experience mild discomfort that resolves within a few days. Bruising and swelling are normal but typically improve within 2 weeks.
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Surgical brow lifts offer long-lasting results, often 10 to 30 years, depending on your age, skin quality, and lifestyle.
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Yes. By repositioning the muscles and tissues that cause frown lines and creases, a brow lift can significantly reduce forehead wrinkles as part of the rejuvenation process.
Why Choose Dr. Erb for Brow Lift or Forehead Lift?
- Double board-certified in Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery (ASOPRS)
- Expert in subtle, natural rejuvenation of the eyes and upper face
- Thousands of facial and eyelid procedures performed
- Conservative and precise techniques tailored to gender, ethnicity, and anatomy
- Personally performs all procedures and consultations herself
Most brow lift surgeries are performed in Dr. Erb’s office procedure room with relaxing pills, sleeping pills, and numbing injections. Some brow lift surgeries are performed in a surgery center under twilight anesthesia depending on preference.
Meet Dr. ErbConsidering a Brow Lift or Forehead Lift in Irvine? Schedule a Consultation Today.
If your eyes and brows no longer reflect how youthful or energized you feel, a brow lift or forehead lift could help restore that positive expression – with results that feel subtle and natural.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Melanie Ho Erb in Irvine to explore your options and find out whether a customized brow lift is right for you.
Medically reviewed by Melanie Ho Erb, M.D. on