There are some surgeons who perform the latest endoscopic or \"minimal\" scar brow lift, which is performed through four one-half inch incisions placed just behind the hairline. With the aid of a fiber optic camera and specialized instruments, mini-scar brow lift is performed while viewed on a TV monitor. Generally, small incisions are placed just behind the temporal hairline and frontal hairline in-line with each eye. Through these small incisions, the procedure is completed much as described for the open brow lift procedure. However, there is no continuous scar and scalp excision across the top of the head.

An endoscopic brow lift will generally improve horizontal forehead lines, but not as noticeably as an open approach. Advantages of endoscopic brow lift are smaller incisions and scars, and less potential for hair loss and numbness. Modified placement of incisions can be made for balding patients who require a brow lift procedure.

Regardless of which technique is used, a proper brow lift should produce a natural appearing result and not a \"surprised\" look or unnatural hairline.\"

Brow lift procedures are performed at an outpatient surgical facility. It can be performed using local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Procedure time for a brow lift ranges from one to two hours with an additional one to two hours if eyelid surgery is performed.

Generally, a padded cotton head dressing is applied for one to two days. Varying degrees of swelling and bruising will occur around the forehead and eyelids, and may extend down to the cheek area. It generally takes one to two weeks for most of the bruising and swelling to resolve. Itching, tingling, and numbness will diminish over time as the incisions heal. Sutures (stitches) are removed between one and two weeks (five to seven days for eyelids). Cold compresses and head elevation will reduce bruising and swelling. Patients do not generally complain of pain after brow lift surgery. Any discomfort is easily controlled with medication. Strenuous activity should be avoided for six to eight weeks.

As with most cosmetic surgical procedures, complications are infrequent when performed by a skilled and competent surgeon. Complications include, but are not limited to, anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, difficulty with eyelid function or closing the eyelids, weakness or paralysis of the forehead/brow muscles with asymmetry, numbness in the forehead and/or scalp, poor or delayed healing, widened scars, and hair loss. Complications may require additional or revisionary procedures. Potential for complications can be higher in those with certain medical conditions.