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 ptosis, 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
- Improve lines between the brows (glabellar lines)
- 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.
She offers several techniques depending on your facial structure, goals, and the degree of brow descent:
Endoscopic Brow Lift
- Minimally invasive technique using small incisions hidden in the hairline
- Ideal for subtle lifting and smoothing with minimal scarring
Direct Brow Lift or Internal Browpexy
- Often combined with upper blepharoplasty when appropriate
- Lifts the brow directly or internally without altering natural contours
Forehead Lift (Full or Modified)
- Addresses deeper wrinkles and more significant brow descent
- Can reduce frown lines and improve the entire upper face
Dr. Erb will recommend the best approach for you after a personalized consultation and exam.
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 7-10 days.
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Surgical brow lifts offer long-lasting results, often 10 years or more, 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 & 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 accredited Irvine office under local anesthesia with optional sedation, though some may be done in a surgery center depending on preference.
Meet Dr. ErbConsidering a Brow 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 upper facial lift is right for you.
Medically reviewed by Melanie Ho Erb, M.D. on