TEMPORAL BROW LIFT IN NYC

Subtle, Sophisticated Rejuvenation with Natural-Looking Results

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference. If your outer eyebrows have begun to descend—creating heaviness in your upper eyelids or a tired look around your eyes—a temporal brow lift in NYC may be the ideal solution. This minimally invasive procedure lifts only the outer portion of the brow, creating a more youthful and relaxed expression while preserving your natural anatomy.

Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon based on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, performs all temporal brow lifts in his private, JCAHO-accredited surgical suite. Known for his subtle and highly individualized work, Dr. Schwarcz uses precise techniques and your own facial history to restore youthful contours without leaving you looking overdone.

If you’re not quite ready for a full brow lift—or don’t need one—a temporal brow lift may be the perfect in-between option.

What Is a Temporal Brow Lift?

A temporal brow lift, sometimes called a lateral brow lift, is a targeted procedure designed to elevate only the outer third of the eyebrow. This area is often the first to descend with age, contributing to drooping eyelids, hooded corners, and a heavy upper face. Unlike a full brow lift, which lifts across the entire forehead, a temporal lift addresses only the lateral brow region, allowing for a more refined and natural-looking result.

During the procedure, Dr. Schwarcz makes a small incision hidden within the hairline above the temples. Through this incision, he lifts and repositions the underlying tissue and skin to gently raise the tail of the brow. The lift is subtle—but the impact can be dramatic, especially when it comes to softening the expression and opening the eyes.

Because the incisions are short and well-concealed, this technique involves minimal scarring, faster recovery, and less risk of an overly elevated appearance.

Who Should Consider a Temporal Brow Lift?

This procedure is ideal for individuals who are starting to notice that the outer part of their brows is drifting downward. It’s particularly effective if you feel like your eyes appear narrower or heavier at the sides, or if your eyelids are beginning to look hooded toward the outer corners. A temporal brow lift may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines at the outer eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet, by subtly lifting the surrounding tissue.

Many patients in their 30s to 50s choose this procedure as a preventative or early-stage intervention. It is often a first surgical step for those who have been using neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport to create a “chemical brow lift” but want something longer-lasting. Because the central and inner brow are left untouched, you maintain your full range of natural expression while still enjoying a more open, youthful gaze.

The Effects of Aging on the Outer Brow

With time, the structural support around the eyes begins to weaken. Skin loses elasticity, and the connective tissue that holds the brow in place begins to descend. While this happens across the brow, the temporal region—located just above the outer third of the brow—is particularly vulnerable to early sagging. This descent can make the upper eyelid look heavier and crowd the corner of the eye, leading to a more tired, aged, or stern appearance.

Volume loss in the temples and upper face can further emphasize this effect. And while Botox can provide a temporary lift by relaxing depressor muscles, it doesn’t address the underlying structural changes. That’s where a temporal brow lift comes in. It repositions the tissues at their foundation, offering more durable, natural elevation while preserving the brow’s natural arch and orientation.

Why Patients Love the Temporal Approach

A key reason many patients choose a lateral brow lift is because it delivers maximum impact with minimal intervention. The lift is subtle but powerful—especially when it comes to reducing upper eyelid heaviness and enhancing symmetry. Most importantly, the results don’t scream “surgery.” People will notice you look refreshed, more awake, and perhaps more balanced—but they won’t be able to pinpoint why.

This procedure is also an excellent option for patients who have had a previous upper blepharoplasty and still notice residual heaviness or asymmetry in the outer brow. In these cases, a temporal lift can restore balance and fine-tune the overall look without requiring additional eyelid surgery.

What to Expect During Consultation and Planning

Every procedure with Dr. Schwarcz begins with a one-on-one consultation where you’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and full facial anatomy. Dr. Schwarcz will assess your brow shape, symmetry, skin elasticity, and hairline placement. He may also refer to older photographs of you to see how your brow position has changed over time. This allows him to create a surgical plan that restores your natural proportions—not impose someone else’s standard of beauty.

If other areas of your upper face or eyes would benefit from treatment, Dr. Schwarcz may recommend combining the procedure with an upper blepharoplasty, fat transfer, or CO2 laser resurfacing to refine skin quality and achieve an even more complete result. The final goal is always balance and harmony—never excess or exaggeration.

The Procedure: What Happens on Surgery Day

Your temporal brow lift will be performed in our Upper East Side surgical suite under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia if you prefer. After marking the surgical site and confirming your lift plan, Dr. Schwarcz will make a small incision—usually about 2 cm long—hidden in the hair-bearing scalp above the temple.

Through this incision, the underlying tissues are gently elevated and repositioned, lifting the tail of the brow to a more youthful height. The area is then secured using sutures or bioabsorbable fixation methods to ensure stable healing. Once closed, the incision is virtually undetectable within the hairline.

The entire procedure typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll rest briefly in our recovery area before being discharged to go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.

Recovery and Downtime

Recovery from a temporal brow lift is usually quite straightforward. In the first few days, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness near the temples or hairline. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within one to two weeks. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses will help reduce inflammation.

Sutures are typically removed within 5 to 7 days. Most patients feel ready to return to work or light social activity within 7 to 10 days, although complete resolution of swelling may take a few weeks. You’ll begin to see early results within the first week and final results after several months, once all tissue has settled naturally.

Because the incision is placed well within the hairline, scarring is minimal and rarely visible—even to you.

How Long Do Results Last?

The effects of a temporal brow lift are long-lasting. While aging will continue, the tissues repositioned during surgery remain in a higher, more youthful position for many years. Most patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer, especially when maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consistent skincare routine.

The procedure offers a great balance between natural-looking correction and durability, which is why so many patients choose it as a standalone treatment—or as a complementary touch-up to earlier procedures.

Complementary Procedures

To enhance the results of your temporal brow lift and achieve complete facial harmony, Dr. Schwarcz may recommend pairing it with one or more of the following treatments:

• Upper Blepharoplasty

• Lower Blepharoplasty

• Fat Transfer

• CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Alternative Procedures

If you’re not quite ready for surgery, non-invasive treatments may provide temporary improvement:

• Botox or Dysport for subtle brow elevation

• Morpheus8 RF Microneedling for skin tightening

• Dermal Fillers for volume in the temples or upper eyelid

These treatments can provide mild to moderate enhancement but won’t match the longevity or structure of a surgical lift.

Why Choose Dr. Robert Schwarcz?

Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a leading oculofacial plastic surgeon in NYC known for delivering refined, natural results. With over 20 years of experience and a practice rooted in subtlety and precision, he specializes in procedures that enhance—not alter—your appearance.

Every procedure is performed by Dr. Schwarcz himself in our private Upper East Side surgical suite, which is fully JCAHO-certified for the highest standards in safety and patient care. Consultations and follow-ups are available in both our Manhattan and Rye, NY locations.

Ready to Brighten Your Eyes and Soften Your Expression?

Click the Request an Appointment button below to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Schwarcz and explore how a temporal brow lift can help restore your natural, confident look.