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Face5 September 20257 min read

Brow lift in Dortmund: methods, procedure and healing

Digital filters only smooth wrinkles on the screen. A forehead lift – also called a brow lift – raises drooping eyebrows, opens up the eyes and reduces forehead lines and frown lines. The aim is an alert, friendly expression that suits the individual architecture of the face.

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The key points in brief

  • Effect & candidatesA forehead lift (brow lift) raises drooping eyebrows, smooths forehead and frown lines and opens up the eyes – advisable for brow ptosis, a heavy outer brow arch and when a muscle relaxant or fillers are no longer sufficient. Depending on the hairline and findings, an endoscopic lift (3–5 mini-incisions), pretrichial/coronal lift, temporal brow lift, direct brow lift or internal browpexy may be considered.

  • Procedure, duration & downtimeDuration of surgery approx. 60–120 min (up to 180 min with combinations), anaesthesia as twilight sedation plus local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia; scars lie in the hair, at the hairline or directly above the brow. Office work usually after 5–7 days, sport from week 4–6 depending on the technique; the visible final result matures over 3–6 months.

  • Result, risks & practical tipsResults usually last for years; possible risks are swelling, haematomas, temporary numbness, rarely infections/scar problems or nerve irritation (rare). The effect can be complemented by combinations (e.g. upper eyelid lift, wrinkle treatment); preparation (including reducing nicotine for two weeks) and aftercare with SPF 50 UV protection support safety and healing; costs are individual, depending on method and extent.

Middle-aged woman with her hand on her cheek

Digital filters only smooth wrinkles on the screen. A forehead lift – also known as a brow lift – raises drooping eyebrows, opens up the eyes and reduces forehead and frown lines. The aim is an alert, friendly expression that suits the individual architecture of the face. This guide explains who benefits from a forehead lift, which techniques exist, how the treatment proceeds in Dortmund, what realistic recovery times look like and which risks must be considered.

In short: A forehead lift corrects the position of the brows and smooths the forehead. It can be performed on its own or in combination – for example with an upper eyelid lift or wrinkle treatment.

What is a forehead lift?

In a forehead lift, the skin of the forehead and the underlying tissue are gently mobilised, specifically tightened and the eyebrow is fixed in an anatomically favourable position. The facial expression muscles in the glabellar region (corrugator, procerus) are often partially weakened in order to soften vertical lines between the eyebrows in the long term. The result should look natural – more openness in the eyes instead of a rigid “surprised look”.

Typical effects

  • Lifting of the outer and/or central part of the brow
  • Reduction of horizontal forehead lines and glabellar lines
  • Relief of a “tired” upper eyelid, often less excess skin
  • Harmonisation of forehead, brow and upper eyelid in profile and en face

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Who is a forehead lift suitable for?

A forehead lift may be considered if several of these points apply:

  • The brow sits clearly too low and visually weighs down on the upper eyelid.
  • The outer brow arch has dropped; the eyes look heavy at the sides.
  • Deep forehead or glabellar lines permanently shape the expression.
  • A muscle relaxant and fillers only bring short-lived or insufficient relief.
  • An upper eyelid lift alone would not remedy the cause – the low position of the brow.

Biological age is less decisive than skin elasticity, tissue stability, patterns of facial expression, hairline and the desired change. Men are suitable candidates too; the placement of scars and the target shape of the brow are adapted accordingly.

Westfalenklinik Dortmund, waiting area of the specialist clinic

Forehead lift at the Westfalenklinik Dortmund

  • Specialist clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery with experience in eyelid and forehead surgery
  • Modern surgical equipment and proven fixation systems
  • Structured information, individual planning, realistic definition of goals
  • Discreet surroundings and an easily accessible location near the B1/A40 and SIGNAL IDUNA Park

Address: Westfalenklinik – Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie GmbH, Rosemeyerstr. 2–4, 44139 Dortmund

Forehead lift methods: which technique is right?

The choice of method depends on the hairline, forehead height, brow shape, skin quality, desired effect and any combined procedures. Minimally invasive techniques are often the first choice; classic procedures remain advisable for pronounced findings.

1) Endoscopic forehead lift (minimally invasive)

  • Technique

    3–5 short incisions (usually 1–2 cm) in the hair-bearing scalp. Using a camera (endoscope), the forehead skin and soft tissues are released, muscles are weakened if necessary and the brow is fixed with absorbable anchors, sutures or microplates.

  • Advantages

    Short scars, precise dissection, often faster recovery.

  • Suitable for

    Normal to slightly high hairline; moderate to pronounced brow descent; prominent glabellar lines.

2) Classic forehead lift: pretrichial or coronal

  • Pretrichial

    Incision directly along the hairline. Advantage: a very high forehead can be visually shortened.

  • Coronal

    Long incision within the hair-bearing scalp. Advantage: the scar lies completely in the hair.

  • Use

    For considerable excess tissue, when stronger tightening or a shortening of the forehead is desired.

3) Temporal brow lift (temple lift)

  • Technique

    Short incision in the hair-bearing temple; exposure and lifting mainly of the lateral brow segment.

  • Advantages

    Targeted lifting of the brow tail, scars in the hair-bearing temple.

  • Suitable for

    Predominantly drooping outer brows; frequently combined with an upper eyelid lift.

4) Direct eyebrow lift

  • Technique

    Spindle of skin directly above the brow; fine correction of brow shape and height possible.

  • Advantages

    Very precise shaping, helpful for asymmetries or revisions.

  • Note

    The scar lies directly above the brow and is less concealed by hair; with strong brows – for example in men – it is often inconspicuous.

5) Internal browpexy via the upper eyelid lift

  • Technique

    Fixation of the brow from the inside during an upper eyelid lift – without additional incisions on the forehead or scalp.

  • Advantages

    Additional stability with minimal extra effort.

  • Suitable for

    Mild brow descent when an upper eyelid correction is planned.

Young woman with light hair against a light background

The forehead lift procedure in Dortmund

Individual consultation and planning

Analysis of brow position, forehead length, skin quality, facial expression and hairline. Definition of realistic goals. On this basis, selection of the suitable technique and drawing up of the treatment plan – including possible combinations (e.g. upper eyelid lift, wrinkle treatment, laser/peel). Photo documentation and detailed information are part of this.

The procedure

  • Anaesthesia

    Usually twilight sedation plus local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia – depending on the method and combined procedures.

  • Duration

    Usually 60–120 minutes (on its own), up to 180 minutes for complex combinations.

  • Fixation

    Absorbable anchors, sutures or microplates stabilise the new brow position.

  • Outpatient/inpatient

    Depending on the extent, outpatient or with a short overnight stay.

Straight afterwards

A light forehead dressing or tape, consistent cooling and keeping the head elevated support the first phase. Painkillers as needed; antibiotic prophylaxis depending on the situation. Stitches – if not absorbable – are removed after 7–10 days.

Are you considering a forehead lift? In a personal consultation appointment at our clinic in Dortmund, we will discuss the findings, technique and procedure with you.

Healing & downtime: realistic timelines

Day 1–3

Swelling and a feeling of tightness and pressure are usual. Consistent cooling (without direct skin contact) and sleeping on your back with your upper body raised are recommended.

Day 4–7

Haematomas in the forehead and temple area can migrate downwards (upper eyelids, cheekbone). Light physical activity is possible; office work in many cases already after 5–7 days.

Week 2–3

Visible swelling subsides; removal of stitches if non-absorbable suture material was used. Make-up can conceal any remaining redness.

Week 4–6

Sports involving jarring movements, sauna and intensive sunbathing should be avoided. Walks and light workouts are usually possible before this.

Month 3–6

The soft tissues have largely settled; the final result becomes visible.

Scar care

Gentle silicone gels or patches, consistent UV protection (SPF 50) and patience are crucial. Scars mature over several months and fade continuously during this time.

Preparation & contraindications

Preparation

  • Pre-operative consultation including a medication check (pause or switch blood thinners only after consulting your doctor).
  • Reduce nicotine use as far as possible two weeks before the procedure; avoid alcohol and intense sun.
  • Have cooling pads, soft headbands/tapes and an adjustable pillow ready for the first week.
  • Plan your time off work and sport realistically; arrange to be collected on the day of surgery.

Contraindications (relative/absolute)

  • Acute infections or inflammatory skin conditions in the surgical area
  • Inadequately controlled clotting disorders
  • Pronounced wound healing disorders
  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding (postpone elective procedures)
  • Unrealistic expectations

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Aftercare: a compact checklist

  • Keep your head raised and cool consistently (no ice directly on the skin).
  • Reduce pressure, heat and strong facial expressions in the first few days.
  • Keep suture removal and follow-up appointments; care for the sutures as instructed.
  • Until you are given the all-clear: no sauna or solarium visits, no full baths.
  • UV protection (SPF 50) on the scar area for several months.
  • If anything seems unusual (severe pain, one-sided swelling, fever): contact us immediately.

Risks and possible side effects

Every surgical procedure carries general risks. With a forehead lift, the following must be considered, among others:

  • Swelling, bruises, temporary numbness
  • Headaches, a feeling of tightness (temporary)
  • Secondary bleeding, infection, wound healing disorder (rare)
  • Visible or widened scars, temporary hair loss along the incision line
  • Asymmetries or over-/undercorrection
  • Very rare: injury to sensory nerve branches (sensory disturbances), persistent forehead movement disorders

Careful assessment of the indication, precise surgical technique and consistent aftercare reduce the risk. Individual pre-existing conditions, blood thinners and nicotine use are taken into account in the pre-operative consultation.

Results & durability

A forehead lift aims for long-lasting results. How long the effect lasts is influenced by skin quality, facial expression habits, UV exposure and lifestyle. The aim is a more open, alert look that can be maintained for many years. Naturally, the tissue continues to age; however, the brows usually drop less than without a procedure.

Smiling woman against a pink background

Combinations for a coherent overall appearance

  • Upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)

    Relieves excess eyelid skin and emphasises the repositioned brow.

  • Wrinkle treatment (e.g. with a muscle relaxant) & fillers

    To relax remaining frown lines and for fine correction.

  • Laser, needling or peeling

    For a finer skin texture and lines.

  • Skin tightening/facelift

    If there is additional excess tissue in the mid or lower face.

The combination is put together individually so that proportions, look and forehead line are in harmony.

Costs of a forehead lift in Dortmund

The costs depend on the method, duration of surgery, type of anaesthesia, fixation material and possible combinations. After the examination, you will receive a transparent cost estimate. Financing is possible through our financing partner. Procedures that are not medically indicated are usually self-pay services; exceptions are assessed individually.

Checklist: am I a suitable candidate?

  • The brows are permanently lower than they used to be; the outer arch looks drooping.
  • The upper eyelids look heavy even though enough skin has been removed – or eyelid surgery is still to come.
  • Frown lines are very pronounced and bother you in everyday life or in photos.
  • Minimally invasive treatments no longer deliver the desired result.
  • What is expected is a fresh, alert look – not a drastic change of type.

If several points apply, a consultation appointment at the Westfalenklinik is worthwhile.

Conclusion on the forehead lift in Dortmund

A forehead lift offers a lasting way to open up the look and harmonise the brow position. The range of techniques allows precise adaptation to the hairline, forehead height and desired change – from minimally invasive endoscopic to classic pretrichial/coronal. Anyone who has realistic goals and values well-founded planning will find a structured process at the Westfalenklinik, from consultation through surgery to aftercare.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a forehead lift last?

Many results remain stable for several years. The range is individual and depends on skin quality, facial expression and lifestyle.

Does facial expression stay natural?

That is the aim. What is sought is a harmonious lifting of the brow, not a mask-like appearance.

Which technique gives the “best” scar?

That depends on the hairline and the length of the forehead. With the endoscopic lift, the incisions are very short and hidden in the hair. Pretrichial is suitable for shortening the forehead; coronal lies completely in the hair. Consistent scar care and UV protection are crucial.

When can I go back to work?

Office work is often possible after 5–7 days; physical work requires more recovery time. Individual courses differ.

When is sport allowed again?

Light activities, after consultation, often from week 2; intensive sport after 4–6 weeks.

Are sensory disturbances normal?

Temporary numbness or tingling in the forehead/temples does occur and in most cases subsides within weeks to months.

Can a forehead lift replace an upper eyelid lift?

If the brow position is primarily low, the eyelid skin can already be relieved by the lift. The examination clarifies whether an upper eyelid lift also makes sense.

What if the forehead is very high?

The pretrichial lift can visually shorten the length of the forehead, as skin is removed at the hairline.

Are there alternatives without surgery?

A muscle relaxant can slightly raise the outer brow and relax frown lines. Fillers, laser or needling improve texture and fine lines. However, the effects are limited if the brow has dropped noticeably.

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