A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, may help address drooping brows, deep horizontal forehead lines, and the heaviness that can develop above the eyes over time. This page is designed to help you understand who tends to benefit most from the procedure, what the evaluation process involves, and what realistic outcomes may look like.
Understanding What a Brow Lift Can and Cannot Do
A brow lift is a surgical procedure designed to reposition the soft tissue and skin of the forehead to create a more rested, refreshed appearance. It may help reduce the appearance of horizontal forehead creases, soften furrowing between the brows, and elevate brows that have descended into a position that makes a person look tired, stern, or older than they feel.
However, it’s important to understand that a brow lift addresses the forehead and brow region specifically. It does not address loose skin on the lower face, excess eyelid tissue, or midface changes. Some patients who are evaluating a brow lift may also benefit from complementary procedures. For example, patients exploring upper facial rejuvenation sometimes combine a brow lift with a facelift or with non-surgical treatments in Portland, OR, to address adjacent areas of concern.
Equally important is having realistic expectations. As with any cosmetic procedure, a brow lift can create a more youthful, harmonious appearance, but it cannot stop the natural aging process entirely. At Bohley Plastic Surgery Center and Medspa, Dr. Bohley’s philosophy is grounded in transparency: patients are fully informed of both the potential benefits and the realistic limits of any procedure before moving forward.
Am I a Good Candidate for Brow Lift?
Determining whether you are a good candidate for brow lift involves a careful, individualized assessment. No two patients are alike, and we evaluate the factors that make someone a strong candidate in the context of their overall health, anatomy, and personal goals.
Physical Signs That May Indicate Candidacy
Patients who tend to benefit most often present with one or more of the following: brow position that has descended below the bony orbital rim, persistent horizontal lines across the forehead that are not adequately addressed by non-surgical options, deep vertical creases between the brows (sometimes called glabellar lines or “11 lines”), or upper eyelid heaviness that originates from brow descent rather than excess eyelid skin alone. Not all upper eyelid concerns require blepharoplasty. In some cases, a brow lift may be the more appropriate solution.
Health and Lifestyle Considerations
Strong candidates are generally in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about outcomes. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect candidacy, so a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential before making any decision. At Bohley Plastic Surgery Center and Medspa, all surgical procedures are performed at a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery facility, with a board-certified anesthesiologist overseeing all general anesthetics. That standard of care applies to every patient, every time.
What to Expect During the Consultation and Recovery Process
During your consultation, Dr. Bohley takes time to understand your concerns, review your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and outline a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
The Surgical Approach
Several brow lift techniques exist, including the endoscopic brow lift, the coronal brow lift, and the temporal or lateral brow lift. The most appropriate technique depends on your anatomy, the degree of brow descent, and your specific goals. During your consultation, Dr. Bohley will explain which approach best fits your situation. You can also review Dr. Bohley’s background and training to better understand the depth of experience informing these recommendations.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from a brow lift typically involves some swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness in the forehead area. Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks, though full recovery timelines vary. Strenuous activity is generally restricted for several weeks. Results continue to refine over the weeks and months following surgery as swelling resolves. Individual results may vary, and Dr. Bohley will provide personalized guidance on what to expect based on your specific procedure and health profile. You are also welcome to explore the patient gallery to review outcomes from procedures performed at the practice.
Why Choose Bohley Plastic Surgery Center and Medspa in Portland, OR?
Patients throughout Portland, Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, and the greater Pacific Northwest choose Bohley Plastic Surgery Center and Medspa because they want care from a surgeon with verifiable, exceptional credentials. Dr. Michael Bohley is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, a distinction that reflects a significantly higher bar of training than many practitioners offering cosmetic procedures.
Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation in Portland, OR
If you are still asking, “Am I a good candidate for brow lift?” the most meaningful answer comes from a one-on-one evaluation with a qualified surgeon. At Bohley Plastic Surgery Center and Medspa in Portland, OR, Dr. Bohley offers personalized consultations built around your anatomy, your health, and your goals. Contact the practice online to get started.
Dr. Michael Bohley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon recognized as one of Portland’s leading experts in body, breast, and facial cosmetic procedures. With years of advanced training and a distinguished surgical career, he combines refined aesthetic judgment with meticulous technique to deliver consistently exceptional results. Renowned for his skill in tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, and mommy makeovers, Dr. Bohley develops highly individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique goals. He is also recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026, reflecting his high level of experience and commitment to providing advanced aesthetic treatments. His dedication to patient education, safety, and precision has earned him membership in numerous prestigious professional organizations and the trust of patients throughout the greater Portland area.
