Brow Lift Versus Face Lift: Which is Right for You?

There’s never been a better time to invest in your appearance. Whether you want to manage the signs of aging or make aesthetic improvements to your features, there are more cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments to choose from than ever before. Thanks to technology, surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are less invasive and produce more subtle and natural-looking results than in the past. 

The team at Rick J. Smith, MD offers a range of plastic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic treatments at our office in East Lansing, Michigan. 

The differences between a brow lift and facelift

The first step before getting any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure is to schedule a consultation with our team to ensure the procedure is safe for you, and that you’ll get the results you want. At your consultation, our team will discuss your options and help you choose the best procedure.

How a brow lift works

Think of a brow lift as a partial facelift that targets the upper half of the face to tighten and smooth loose and sagging skin around the eyes and forehead. The eyes and forehead are usually where the first signs of aging develop, such as crow’s feet, creases between the eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, sagging brow and eyelids. 

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.  You may experience some bruising and swelling for a week or two following  the procedure. The incisions are made in the hairline to make them more discreet.

How a facelift works 

A facelift also involves making discreet incisions at the hairline to tighten loose skin and contour the supporting muscle tissue, but it targets your whole face from the neck up. In addition to tightening and contouring loose, sagging skin and muscle, excess fat may also be removed during a facelift. 

Both procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The recovery period for a full facelift usually takes a little longer than a brow lift so you should plan two to three weeks.

Choosing between a brow lift or a facelift depends on the areas of the face you’d like to target, and the extent of sagging and skin damage. Our team will explain both procedures in detail and help you find the best option for your needs.


Contact our office in East Lansing, Michigan, today for more information about the cosmetic surgery procedures we offer and how to choose the right option for you. You can also request an appointment online.

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