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THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BROW LIFTS—AND HOW TO KNOW WHICH ONE YOU NEED

  • David LeFave
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read
Black and white portrait of a smiling man with a beard. Wearing a sweater, his expression is warm. Plain background enhances focus on face.

So, you’ve been thinking about a brow lift—but then you find out there’s more than one kind. Endoscopic? Temporal? Direct? Suddenly, it’s confusing. Each technique has its purpose, and the best one for you depends on your anatomy, goals, and how subtle or dramatic you want the results to be.


Dr. Robert Schwarcz, MD, is an oculofacial plastic surgeon based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Rye, NY. With over 20 years of experience in facial surgery and a specialty in achieving natural-looking outcomes, he’ll never recommend a one-size-fits-all approach—because your face deserves better.


This is the modern go-to for many patients. It’s minimally invasive, uses small incisions hidden within the hairline, and lifts the entire brow area using a camera-assisted technique.

Best for:

  • Mild to moderate brow descent

  • Patients who want minimal scarring

  • Those looking for a subtle yet noticeable refresh

Pros:

  • Shorter recovery

  • Smaller incisions

  • Natural-looking lift

Things to consider:

  • Not ideal for those with very high hairlines or significant skin laxity


Also called a lateral brow lift, this technique focuses only on lifting the outer portion (tail) of the brow. It’s less invasive than a full brow lift and great for correcting hooding or sagging at the outer corners of the eyes.

Best for:

  • Younger patients with early signs of aging

  • People with “tired eyes” due to lateral brow droop

  • Patients combining it with upper blepharoplasty

Pros:

  • Quick procedure with fast recovery

  • Can be done under local anesthesia

  • Subtle, natural lift

Things to consider:

  • Doesn’t address central brow sagging


This technique involves removing a small strip of skin just above the brows, then gently lifting the brow into a more youthful position. While it does leave a scar, it’s a highly effective option—especially for patients with medical concerns like obstructed vision or advanced brow descent.

Best for:

  • Patients with significant brow droop affecting vision

  • Older patients or those not candidates for endoscopic or temporal lifts

Pros:

  • Very direct and effective lift

  • Can be done under local anesthesia

  • No change to hairline position

Things to consider:

  • Visible scar above the brow (though often well-camouflaged)

  • Less commonly chosen for purely cosmetic reasons


SO...WHICH ONE DO YOU NEED?

That depends on:

  • Your brow shape and position

  • The amount of skin laxity

  • Whether you need just a lift or reshaping

  • Your hairline position

  • Your goals—subtle refresh vs. noticeable lift

Dr. Schwarcz always tailors the surgical plan based on facial harmony and your natural anatomy. During your consultation, he’ll assess your face in motion and at rest to determine the best path forward.



COMPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES

Brow lifts are often performed alongside:

These combinations can help create a balanced, refreshed appearance without overcorrecting any single area.


CHOOSE ROBERT SCHWARCZ, MD

When it comes to brow lifts, it’s not just about lifting—it’s about understanding the subtleties of the face. Dr. Schwarcz combines expert surgical technique with an artist’s eye for facial balance. Every procedure is performed by him personally, in a JCAHO-certified surgical suite in his Manhattan office, with follow-up care available in both NYC and Rye, NY.

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