Open Brow Lift

What Is an Open Brow Lift?

An open brow lift, also called a coronal brow lift or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that elevates the eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles by making an incision along the scalp. This traditional approach allows Dr. K. Charles Kim to precisely lift the skin and reposition underlying muscles for dramatic, long-lasting rejuvenation.

While newer endoscopic techniques are minimally invasive, the open brow lift remains the gold standard for patients needing significant correction of deep forehead creases, sagging brows, or asymmetry.

Why Choose an Open Brow Lift at CK Plastic Surgery

At CK Plastic Surgery in Koreatown, Los Angeles, Dr. K. Charles Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., performs open brow lift procedures with exceptional artistry and precision. With advanced training at Brown University, Beverly Hills Physicians Medical Institute, and top clinics in Seoul, Dr. Kim’s approach blends Eastern and Western aesthetic principles for balanced, natural outcomes.

Patients choose Dr. Kim for his:

• Decades of expertise in facial and reconstructive surgery.
• Refined understanding of facial harmony and individualized care.
• Use of safe, modern techniques to minimize visible scarring.
• Honest, compassionate care with an emphasis on patient satisfaction.

Every brow lift plan is fully customized — whether you seek a subtle elevation or a more comprehensive upper-face rejuvenation.

Benefits of an Open Brow Lift

An open brow lift offers significant rejuvenation, especially for patients with moderate to severe forehead sagging or asymmetry. Benefits include:

• Lifts heavy or drooping brows for a refreshed, alert appearance.
• Smooths deep horizontal forehead lines and “11” frown creases.
• Improves symmetry between both brows and upper eyelids.
• Restores youthful proportions between the brow, eyes, and forehead.
• Produces long-lasting results (often 10+ years) with proper care.
• Allows maximum control of skin and muscle repositioning for precision.

Dr. Kim’s expertise ensures that your result looks natural and elegant — never “over-pulled” or artificial.

Who Should Avoid It?

An open brow lift may not be suitable for individuals who:

• Have high hairlines or a history of poor wound healing.
• Are prone to thick or keloid scarring.
• Have uncontrolled medical conditions or recent hair transplant surgery.
• Prefer minimal downtime and smaller incisions (better candidates for endoscopic brow lift).

Dr. Kim will evaluate your hairline, skin type, and facial proportions to determine whether an open or endoscopic brow lift is most appropriate for your goals.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for an open brow lift include:

• Adults aged 40–70 with visible forehead sagging or brow asymmetry.
• Individuals with deep forehead wrinkles that persist at rest.
• Patients with heavy brows contributing to eyelid hooding.
• Those seeking dramatic, long-lasting improvement in upper facial balance.

Patients often combine this procedure with blepharoplasty or facelift for comprehensive rejuvenation. During consultation, Dr. Kim designs a surgical plan that enhances your natural structure, not alters it.

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The Procedure: What to Expect

Direct answer: An open brow lift is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Dr. Kim makes a discreet incision across the scalp behind the hairline, lifts the forehead skin, adjusts underlying muscles, and repositions the brows for a smoother, elevated appearance.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Anesthesia: Administered for comfort and safety.
2. Incision Placement: A continuous incision is made just behind the natural hairline (or within it for specific cases).
3. Skin & Muscle Adjustment: Dr. Kim lifts the forehead tissue, releases the muscles responsible for frown lines, and repositions the brow to its ideal height.
4. Excess Skin Removal: Redundant forehead skin is carefully trimmed for a smoother contour.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with fine sutures hidden by hair.

The procedure typically lasts 2–3 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Kim’s careful technique ensures minimal visible scarring and natural-looking elevation.

Recovery and Aftercare

Direct answer: Recovery from an open brow lift generally takes 10–14 days, with most patients returning to light activities within two weeks and achieving full recovery in about one month.

Aftercare Guidelines:

• Keep your head elevated for 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling.
• Expect mild tightness or numbness at the incision site, which fades over several weeks.
• Use cold compresses and prescribed medications for comfort.
• Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks.
• Follow all of Dr. Kim’s post-operative care instructions carefully.

Sutures are typically removed after 7–10 days. Final results — smoother forehead, elevated brows, and youthful contours — become more visible over 6–8 weeks as tissues settle.

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Surgery Results

An open brow lift offers dramatic and long-lasting rejuvenation of the upper face. Most patients report a more youthful, awake, and relaxed expression. Results include:

• Elevated, symmetrical brows.
• Softened forehead and frown lines.
• Restored natural brow shape and eye openness.
• Results that typically last 10 years or longer.

Paired with good skincare and sun protection, these results can last even longer. Many patients also maintain outcomes with non-surgical treatments such as neuromodulators (Botox®) or RF skin tightening.

FAQs – Open Brow Lift

How long do open brow lift results last?
Results typically last 10 years or longer, depending on age, genetics, and lifestyle. Longevity can be extended with good skin care and sun protection.

Is an open brow lift painful?
Mild discomfort and tightness are common, but pain is minimal and managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe it as pressure or mild tenderness.

Will there be visible scars?
No. The incision is hidden within or just behind the hairline, making scars virtually invisible once healed.

When can I return to work?
Most patients resume light activities after 10–14 days, depending on swelling and comfort.

What’s the difference between an open and an endoscopic brow lift?
The open brow lift involves a longer incision and allows greater tissue adjustment — ideal for patients needing significant correction. The endoscopic lift uses small incisions for mild to moderate rejuvenation.

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