Quick Answer
Brow lift surgery in Sydney with Dr Scott J Turner FRACS repositions descended eyebrows using one of five techniques, selected based on individual anatomy. Surgery takes 1 to 2 hours under general anaesthesia at an accredited private hospital. Recovery to social settings is typically 2 weeks. Starting cost is $13,500 all-inclusive. Two consultations are required, at least one in person, with a GP referral.
Key Facts
| Procedure | Surgical repositioning of the eyebrows |
| Duration | 1 to 2 hours (longer with combined procedures) |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia with a specialist anaesthetist |
| Hospital stay | Day surgery or single overnight stay |
| Surgery location | Accredited private hospital, Sydney |
| Recovery to work | Typically 2 weeks |
| Final result visible | 1 to 3 months |
| Results last | Typically 5 to 10 years |
| Starting cost | From $13,500 all-inclusive |
| Consultations | Minimum 2, at least 1 in person |
| GP referral | Required |
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the eyebrows back to a higher position on the forehead. It corrects brow descent caused by natural ageing, where the forehead and brow tissues gradually move downward over time. The procedure may also address forehead furrows, and in significant cases of brow ptosis, visual field obstruction caused by skin and tissue weight over the upper eyelids.
The surgery is also called eyebrow lift, browplasty, forehead lift, or brow ptosis correction. All of these terms describe the same operation. The technique varies according to individual anatomy.
A brow lift is generally a cosmetic procedure. Where brow ptosis is severe enough to cause documented visual field restriction, a Medicare item number may apply. This is uncommon and requires formal visual field testing by an ophthalmologist.
Why Patients Consider a Brow Lift
The most common reasons patients seek a brow lift in Sydney are:
- Descended eyebrows that create a heavy or tired appearance in the upper face
- A persistent angry or sad facial expression when at rest
- Forehead heaviness or tension from chronic brow elevation
- Heaviness over the upper eyelids that does not improve with upper blepharoplasty alone
- Asymmetric brow position
- Brow ptosis severe enough to affect peripheral vision
Brow position is one part of facial harmony. Where descent is the primary concern, a brow lift addresses the cause rather than just the visible effect on the upper eyelids.
Brow Lift vs Blepharoplasty: Which Is Right?
A brow lift elevates descended eyebrows. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the eyelid itself. They address different anatomical concerns and are sometimes confused because both affect the appearance of the upper face.
| Brow Lift | Upper Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| What it treats | Descended brow position, forehead descent | Excess upper eyelid skin and fat |
| Anatomical target | Forehead and brow tissue above the eyelid | The upper eyelid itself |
| Best for | Patients where brow descent is the main cause of heaviness | Patients with eyelid skin excess but normal brow position |
| Incision location | Hairline (endoscopic, gliding, lateral, coronal, or pretrichial) | Within the natural upper eyelid crease |
| Recovery | 2 weeks social, longer for full result | 1 to 2 weeks social |
| Often combined with | Upper blepharoplasty, facelift, deep plane facelift | Brow lift, lower blepharoplasty |
When a Brow Lift Is the Right Choice
A brow lift is the appropriate procedure when the descended brow is the primary cause of upper face heaviness. Performing upper blepharoplasty alone in these patients often pulls the brow down further, worsening the original problem.
Assessment at consultation establishes whether brow position, eyelid skin, or both are the cause. Where both are contributing, the two procedures are commonly performed at the same operation. The order matters: the brow lift is performed first so that any planned upper blepharoplasty addresses the residual eyelid skin after the brow has been repositioned.
Types of Brow Lift Surgery
Dr Turner performs five brow lift techniques. Each is suited to different anatomy, brow descent severity, hairline pattern, and forehead height. The technique is selected at consultation after physical examination and a detailed discussion of goals.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
The endoscopic brow lift uses three to five small incisions of approximately 0.5 to 1 cm hidden within the hairline. A small camera is passed through the incisions to release the brow attachments and reposition the tissue upward. Fixation is achieved using small bone tunnels in the outer table of the skull, which heal completely over several months.
The endoscopic approach is well suited to patients with mild to moderate brow descent and a low to medium hairline. It is the most commonly requested technique and is frequently combined with upper blepharoplasty, facelift, or deep plane facelift in a single operation.
Gliding Brow Lift
The gliding brow lift uses small incisions in the hairline, similar to the endoscopic technique, but without the use of an endoscope. The brow tissue is released and elevated through tissue tunnels created in the forehead.
The gliding approach preserves the hairline in most cases and may be a suitable option for patients with mild brow descent.
Lateral or Temporal Brow Lift
A lateral brow lift addresses the outer portion of the eyebrow. Incisions are placed within the temporal hairline above the ear. The technique elevates the lateral brow tail without affecting the central brow position.
This procedure is suited to patients whose descent is concentrated in the outer brow rather than the medial or central brow. It is often performed at the same time as a facelift, where the lateral brow descent is part of a broader pattern of upper face change.
Coronal Brow Lift
The coronal brow lift uses a longer incision placed several centimetres behind the hairline, running across the top of the scalp from one temple to the other. This approach allows the most powerful elevation of the brow and forehead and can address deep forehead furrows simultaneously.
A coronal brow lift does elevate the hairline because the entire forehead tissue is repositioned upward. For this reason, it is generally reserved for patients with significant brow descent, deep forehead lines, and a lower-set hairline that can accept some hairline elevation.
Pretrichial Brow Lift
A pretrichial brow lift places the incision just in front of the hairline rather than behind it. This approach lowers or maintains a high hairline, making it suitable for patients with significant forehead height who do not want their hairline raised further.
The pretrichial technique addresses both brow descent and forehead height in one procedure. The incision is placed within the front edge of the hairline and is typically well concealed once healed.
Am I a Candidate for a Brow Lift?
Suitability for a brow lift is established at consultation after physical examination, review of medical history, and detailed discussion of expectations.
Patients commonly considered suitable for a brow lift have:
- Descended brow position contributing to a heavy or tired upper face appearance
- Realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve
- General good health and no uncontrolled medical conditions
- A non-smoking status, or willingness to stop smoking before and after surgery
- Stable weight
- No active skin infection or wound healing concerns in the operative area
Patients who may not be suitable include:
- Those expecting changes that surgery cannot provide
- Patients with significant medical conditions that increase surgical risk
- Active smokers who are not willing to stop for the required period
- Patients with unrealistic expectations about ageing or facial appearance
- Patients under 18 years of age (brow lift is not generally indicated in this group)
Where surgery is not the right option, alternatives or non-surgical approaches may be discussed at consultation. Dr Turner does not proceed with surgery where it is not clinically appropriate.
The Brow Lift Procedure Step by Step
A brow lift in Sydney with Dr Turner follows a structured process from consultation through to the operation and recovery.
Pre-Operative Preparation
The pre-operative pathway includes a GP referral, a minimum of two consultations with Dr Turner with at least one held in person, psychological screening using a validated assessment tool with referral for formal evaluation where clinically indicated, and a cooling-off period before surgery is scheduled. These steps follow Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA requirements for cosmetic surgical procedures.
Pre-operative planning includes detailed examination of brow position, forehead height, hairline pattern, hair density, skin quality, and any concurrent upper-eyelid concerns. Standardised photographs are taken for surgical planning and post-operative comparison.
Patients are asked to stop smoking for at least 6 weeks before surgery and to avoid certain medications that affect bleeding for 2 weeks before. A pre-operative medical assessment is arranged where indicated.
Day of Surgery
Surgery is performed at an accredited private hospital under general anaesthesia administered by a specialist anaesthetist. The patient is admitted on the day of surgery. The operation typically takes 1 to 2 hours for an isolated brow lift, longer where combined with other procedures.
Incisions are placed according to the selected technique. Tissue is released, elevated, and fixated using techniques specific to the chosen approach. Incisions are closed with absorbable sutures in deeper layers and either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures in the skin.
A light dressing is applied. Most patients are discharged the same day or after a single overnight stay.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
The first 48 hours involve rest with the head elevated, ice packs over the upper face, and prescribed pain relief and antibiotics. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and well-controlled.
The first follow-up appointment is typically 7 days after surgery, when sutures are removed and progress reviewed.
Brow Lift Recovery in Sydney
Recovery from a brow lift follows a predictable timeline, with individual variation based on technique, combined procedures, and personal healing factors.
| Week | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising at peak; head elevated; ice packs; rest |
| Week 1 | Swelling reducing; sutures removed at approximately day 7 |
| Week 2 | Most patients return to work and social settings |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | Light exercise resumed; bruising resolved |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Strenuous exercise resumed; final settling continues |
| Months 1 to 3 | Final result becomes apparent; scalp numbness resolves; incision lines mature |
Scalp numbness and forehead tightness are expected and resolve progressively over one to three months. Sun protection of incision lines is important during the first 6 months.
The final result is typically apparent at 1 to 3 months. Some refinement continues to 6 months as residual swelling resolves and the elevated tissue fully settles.
Brow Lift Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risk. Risks specific to brow lift surgery are discussed in detail at consultation. The categories below provide an overview but do not replace the consultation discussion.
Common temporary effects, which most patients experience and which resolve in the early weeks:
- Bruising and swelling
- Forehead and scalp numbness
- Temporary tightness across the forehead
- Mild headache in the first days
Less common complications, which may require additional management:
- Asymmetry between the two sides
- Hairline change (technique-dependent)
- Visible scarring at the hairline
- Hair thinning or hair loss around the incision sites
- Persistent numbness beyond 3 to 6 months
- Wound healing problems
Rare but serious complications:
- Injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve, causing weakness of brow elevation
- Bleeding requiring return to theatre
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to general anaesthesia
Specific individual risk depends on patient factors and the chosen technique. Detailed risk discussion forms part of the informed consent process at the second consultation.
How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost in Sydney?
Brow lift surgery in Sydney with Dr Turner starts from $13,500 all-inclusive. The cost varies based on the technique selected, combined procedures, and hospital choice. A formal itemised quote is provided at the second consultation.
What the All-Inclusive Cost Covers
The all-inclusive starting price covers all components of surgery:
| Component | Included |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s professional fee | ✓ |
| Hospital and theatre fees | ✓ |
| Specialist anaesthetist’s fee | ✓ |
| All routine post-operative follow-up appointments | ✓ |
| Garments and supplies provided at surgery | ✓ |
Additional Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation fee | $450 |
| Surgical deposit (after second consultation only) | $1,000 |
| Pre-operative pathology or imaging (if required) | Varies, billed separately |
| Medications and pharmacy | Varies |
Medicare and Private Health
Brow lift is generally a cosmetic procedure with no Medicare or private health insurance rebate. The exception is significant brow ptosis with documented visual field obstruction confirmed by formal ophthalmology testing. Where a Medicare item number applies, this is discussed at consultation and a separate quote provided that reflects any applicable rebate.
Combined procedures (such as adding upper blepharoplasty) add to the overall cost. A combined-procedure quote is itemised so each component is clear.
Why Choose Dr Scott J Turner for Your Brow Lift?
Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with over a decade of experience in private practice. His credentials and approach are relevant to choosing a surgeon for brow lift surgery in Sydney.
Credentials and Registration
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2013
- AHPRA Medical Registration: MED0001654827
- Master of Surgery (Plastic Surgery), University of Sydney
- MBBS (Honours), University of Sydney
- Member of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
- Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Member of The Aesthetic Society
- Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Clinics and Hospital Affiliations
Dr Turner consults at two Sydney clinics:
- Bondi Junction: 39 Grosvenor Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022
- Manly: Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Surgery is performed at:
- Bondi Junction Private Hospital
- Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why
Approach to Consultation
Brow lift consultations with Dr Turner are 60 minutes for the first visit. The consultation includes detailed history, examination of the upper face, discussion of the suitable technique, review of expected results and limitations, and a clear discussion of risks. Standardised photographs are taken for surgical planning.
A minimum of two consultations are required before surgery can be scheduled. Where Dr Turner does not believe surgery is the right option, this is discussed openly and alternatives are reviewed.
The AHPRA Consultation Process for Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift surgery is classified as a cosmetic surgical procedure under the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA framework. The consultation and surgical pathway includes the following required steps:
- GP referral. A referral from the patient’s general practitioner is required before booking an initial consultation. This supports continuity of care and confirms the GP is aware of the planned procedure.
- First consultation in person. The first consultation includes detailed history, physical examination, discussion of suitable techniques, expected results, and risks. Standardised photographs are taken for planning purposes.
- Psychological screening. Screening using a validated assessment tool is conducted. Referral for formal psychological evaluation is arranged where clinically indicated.
- Cooling-off period. A minimum cooling-off period applies between the decision to proceed and the surgery date, in line with AHPRA requirements.
- Second consultation. A second consultation is required before surgery can be scheduled. At least one of the two consultations must be held in person. The second consultation reviews the plan, addresses any new questions, confirms informed consent, and provides a written itemised quote.
- Written quote and consent. A formal itemised quote covering all surgical and ancillary costs is provided. Written informed consent is obtained.
- Surgery scheduling. Once all the above steps are completed and the cooling-off period has passed, surgery can be scheduled.
This pathway is consistent across all cosmetic surgical procedures Dr Turner performs and reflects current Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift Surgery
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift is surgery to elevate the position of the eyebrows and address forehead and brow descent. It aims to correct the heavy or tired appearance that may develop as the brows descend with age, and may also address forehead lines and, in more significant cases of brow ptosis, visual field restriction. Several techniques are available including endoscopic, gliding, lateral or temporal, coronal, and pretrichial approaches. Each technique is suited to a different degree of descent and to different patient anatomy.
Is an eyebrow lift the same as a brow lift?
Yes. Eyebrow lift and brow lift refer to the same procedure. Both describe surgery to reposition a descended brow. Patients often use the term eyebrow lift when describing heaviness over the eyes, while surgeons may use brow lift, browplasty, forehead lift, or brow ptosis correction depending on the anatomy involved. The terminology varies, but the surgical procedure being described is the same.
What is the difference between a brow lift and blepharoplasty?
A brow lift elevates the position of descended eyebrows. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. They address different anatomical concerns. Brow descent can cause apparent upper eyelid hooding because the descended brow tissue pushes skin over the eyelid crease, so where brow descent is the primary cause, a brow lift may be more appropriate than blepharoplasty. Many patients benefit from combining both procedures where both brow descent and eyelid skin excess are present.
What is an endoscopic brow lift?
An endoscopic brow lift uses three to five small incisions of 0.5 to 1 cm placed within the hairline. A small camera and specialised instruments are passed through the incisions to release the brow attachments and reposition the brow and forehead tissue upward. The elevated tissue is secured using small bone tunnels in the outer table of the skull, which heal completely over several months. The endoscopic technique is commonly considered for mild to moderate brow descent in patients with a low to medium hairline, and may be combined with upper blepharoplasty, facelift, or deep plane facelift in one operation.
How much does brow lift surgery cost in Sydney?
Brow lift surgery in Sydney with Dr Turner starts from $13,500 all-inclusive. This covers the surgeon’s fee, hospital and theatre fees, specialist anaesthetist fee, and all postoperative follow-up appointments. The consultation fee is $450. A surgical deposit of $1,000 is payable only after the second consultation. A formal itemised quote is provided based on the specific technique selected and any combined procedures planned. Brow lift is generally a cosmetic procedure with no Medicare or private health rebate, except in rare cases of significant brow ptosis with documented visual field obstruction.
What is the recovery from a brow lift?
Sutures are removed at approximately one week. Visible bruising and swelling typically resolve over two to three weeks. Most patients return to work and social settings at two weeks, though strenuous exercise is restricted longer. Scalp numbness and some tightness across the forehead are expected and resolve progressively over one to three months. Final results are typically apparent at one to three months. Individual recovery timelines vary based on technique, combined procedures, and personal factors.
How long does a brow lift last?
Brow lift results typically last 5 to 10 years, though this varies with technique, individual anatomy, and lifestyle factors including sun exposure and skin quality. The natural ageing process continues after surgery. Some patients choose to maintain their result with complementary non-surgical treatments over time, and revision surgery is possible for patients who develop significant recurrence in later years.
Will a brow lift change my hairline?
This depends on the technique. An endoscopic brow lift is specifically designed to preserve the hairline. A gliding brow lift also preserves the hairline in most cases. A traditional coronal brow lift, by contrast, does elevate the hairline because the scalp tissue is repositioned upward. A pretrichial brow lift places the incision just in front of the hairline rather than behind it, which can lower or hold the hairline in patients with a high forehead. Hairline impact is one of the factors that determines technique selection at consultation.
Book a Brow Lift Consultation in Sydney
To discuss whether a brow lift is the right procedure for you, book a consultation with Dr Scott J Turner. Consultations are available at the Bondi Junction and Manly clinics in Sydney.
Phone: 1300 437 758 Email: [email protected] Bondi Junction: 39 Grosvenor Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Manly: Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
A GP referral is required for the initial consultation. The consultation fee is $450. Contact the practice to arrange a referral and book an appointment.
