Brow Lift in Bellevue
Refresh Your Brow, Reclaim a More Youthful Look
A brow lift at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery lifts drooping, heavy brows to restore a refreshed, alert, and naturally youthful appearance. Whether your brows have descended with age, inherited genetics have given you a permanently stern or tired expression, or deep forehead lines have become a daily frustration — Dr. Kristopher Day, double board-certified, Ivy League–trained plastic surgeon with craniofacial fellowship training, designs every brow lift around your unique facial structure for results that look completely your own.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Ivy League Trained
Highly Rated Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Proudly Serving Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton
What Is a Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)?
A brow lift — also called a forehead lift or browplasty — is a surgical procedure that raises the position of the brows, smooths forehead lines and furrows, and restores a more alert and refreshed expression to the upper face. It is one of the most transformative facial rejuvenation procedures available, because the position of the brows dramatically affects how tired, stern, or aged a face appears — often more so than the eyes themselves.
At Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, Dr. Day performs brow lifts with the same craniofacial precision he brings to facial feminization surgery and rhinoplasty — understanding bony landmarks, soft tissue anatomy, and how each component of the forehead interacts with the eyelids, temples, and hairline. The result is a lift that looks natural and balanced, never overdone.
What a Brow Lift Addresses
- Drooping or sagging brows that hood the upper eyelids
- Horizontal forehead creases and lines
- Vertical frown lines (“11 lines”) between the brows
- Brow asymmetry — one brow sitting lower than the other
- A chronically tired, angry, or frustrated facial expression caused by anatomy — not mood
What a Brow Lift Does NOT Address
A brow lift targets the forehead and brow — it does not address excess eyelid skin (blepharoplasty), cheek descent (mid-facelift), or jaw and neck laxity (facelift). Many patients combine a brow lift with eyelid surgery or a facelift for comprehensive upper-face and lower-face rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Day will assess your full facial anatomy and recommend the combination that best meets your goals.
Benefits Of a Brow Lift
A brow lift delivers a meaningful change to your overall facial expression — one that friends and colleagues often notice without being able to pinpoint exactly what changed. You simply look more rested, refreshed, and like yourself.
Appearance & Confidence Benefits
- A more open, alert, and youthful upper face
- Softer, more approachable resting expression
- Smoother forehead with reduced horizontal and vertical lines
- Improved brow symmetry and balance
Functional & Practical Benefits
- Can improve peripheral vision obstructed by severely heavy brows
- Long-lasting results — you will simply look more rested and youthful
- Often combined with blepharoplasty for more comprehensive upper face rejuvenation
- Complements facelift procedures for complete facial harmony
- Incisions placed to minimize visible scarring
"My results are beyond what I had hoped for—natural, balanced, and beautifully done. I’m so grateful to have been in such capable hands and would absolutely recommend him to anyone considering surgery."
— Natalie z., Brow Lift Patient • Google Review
Am I a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?
The best candidates for brow lift are men and women who are bothered by the position or expression of their brows — whether that is the result of natural aging, genetics, or previous weight changes. Good overall health and realistic expectations are also key.
Dr. Day evaluates your brow position, the quality of your skin, your forehead height, and the relationship between your brows and upper eyelids during your in-person consultation. Because the upper face is interconnected — brows affect eyelids which affect overall expression — this assessment is the foundation of your personalized surgical plan.
- You May Be a Good Candidate If:
- Your brows sit at or below the bony orbital rim
- You frequently look tired, angry, or stern despite feeling rested
- You have deep horizontal forehead creases or "11" lines between the brows
- One brow sits noticeably lower than the other
- You have heavy brows that partially hood your upper eyelids
- You are in good general health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
- You are a non-smoker (or willing to stop 4–6 weeks pre/post surgery)
- You have realistic expectations and understand natural (not "frozen") results
- When to Consider Waiting
- Excess upper eyelid skin is the primary concern (blepharoplasty is more appropriate)
- Your brows are already at a good position and forehead lines are the only concern
- You have significant skin laxity in the mid-face or neck (combined procedures may be needed)
- You have had prior hairline surgeries that affect incision placement
- You have unrealistic expectations about long-lasting results
- You are not medically cleared for elective surgery
- You smoke and are unwilling to stop for the required pre/post-op period
- You prefer to start with non-surgical options (Botox brow lift is an alternative discussed in FAQ)
Not Sure If You're a Candidate?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Day to discuss your goals and options.
Your Brow Lift Journey
Your Consultation
Your brow lift journey begins with an in-person consultation at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue. Dr. Day will evaluate your brow position and anatomy, assess the quality of your skin and forehead height, and discuss your aesthetic goals. He will also review your medical history, any medications you are taking, and perform pre-operative photos. Because the brow, eyelid, and upper face work together as a unit, Dr. Day will assess whether a standalone brow lift or a combined approach (with blepharoplasty or facelift) best meets your goals.
Brow Lift Techniques
Dr. Day selects the technique best suited to your anatomy and desired outcome. Common approaches include:
- Endoscopic Brow Lift — Small incisions behind the hairline with a camera-guided lift. Minimal scarring and faster recovery.
- Coronal (Open) Brow Lift — An incision across the top of the scalp for greater correction in patients with significant brow descent.
- Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift — Targets the outer portion of the brow; commonly combined with facelift surgery.
- Direct Brow Lift — Incision above the brow used in select cases (particularly for asymmetry correction).
Surgery Day
Brow lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The procedure is done at one of Dr. Day’s accredited surgical facilities — Swedish Medical Center, Carillon Point Surgery Center, or Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Most patients return home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
What to Expect
Low-grade activity including gentle walking is encouraged starting the day after surgery. Mild to moderate swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes is expected. Head elevation and cold compresses recommended. Most patients are comfortable with oral pain medication.
Week 1
What to Expect
Sutures or staples removed. Most bruising and swelling begin to subside.
Weeks 2-4
What to Expect
Most patients return to desk work and light sedentary activity. Continue gentle walking. Avoid strenuous exercise, grimacing, straining, or sweating.
Weeks 4–6
What to Expect
Residual swelling continues to resolve; makeup can typically be used to cover any lingering bruising. Begin gradual return to physical activity at approximately 50% of your pre-operative baseline, increasing by 5% per day.
Week 5-7
What to Expect
Full return to pre-operative activity levels, including unrestricted exercise, cleared at your follow-up visit.
Month 3
What to Expect
Final results emerging as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into final position.
"Fantastic experience. I trust Dr. Day with every cosmetic treatment/procedure I recieve, as he is not only brilliant but kind and gentle as well."
— Hannah H., Brow Lift Patient • Google Review
Why a Craniofacial Fellowship Makes a Difference in Brow Lift Surgery
A brow lift is not simply a matter of pulling skin upward. The anatomy of the upper face is extraordinarily complex — the forehead is traversed by the frontalis muscle (responsible for brow elevation), the corrugator and procerus muscles (responsible for frowning), the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves (responsible for forehead sensation), and the temporal branch of the facial nerve (responsible for brow movement). Precise knowledge of all of these structures is essential for both natural results and safe surgery.
Dr. Day completed a competitive craniofacial surgery fellowship — a program that trains surgeons in the detailed anatomy of the skull, face, and underlying structures. That same anatomical precision that makes him one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading facial feminization surgeons is directly applied in every brow lift he performs. Patients benefit from a surgeon who doesn’t just understand soft tissue — but the full architecture of the face beneath it.
This expertise also informs how Dr. Day approaches muscle modification during brow lift. When appropriate, selective weakening of the corrugator and procerus muscles (the muscles responsible for frown lines) during a brow lift can produce a smoother, more relaxed forehead — results that go beyond what skin repositioning alone can achieve.
Craniofacial Fellowship Training — What It Means for You:
- Deep anatomical knowledge of facial nerves — protection of sensation and movement
- Precise muscle modification for smoother forehead without frozen appearance
- Ability to combine brow lift with bony procedures (forehead contouring) when relevant
- Same expertise that produces natural-looking FFS results applied to cosmetic brow surgery
What Results Can I Expect from a Brow Lift?
Immediate Post-Op
In the days following surgery, expect forehead and brow swelling along with some bruising around the eyes. This is completely normal and begins to resolve within the first 7–10 days. Dr. Day’s team will provide detailed instructions for head positioning and cold compress use to minimize swelling.
Short-Term Evolution
By the end of the second week, most of the bruising has faded and the brows begin to settle into their lifted position. There may be some temporary numbness or tingling in the forehead area — this is a normal part of the healing process as the sensory nerves recover.
Final Results
At three months, you will see the full result of your brow lift. Your brow will sit in a more youthful, elevated position. Forehead lines and frown furrows will be softened. Most patients simply look refreshed and more rested — the kind of transformation where people ask if you’ve been on vacation, not if you’ve had surgery.
"Dr. Day performed two surgeries for me. Surgery can be scary, but both times he made sure to explain the procedure, the expected recovery, answer all questions, and put my mind at ease."
— Garrett S., Brow Lift Patient • Google Review
Example Caption: “Result shown is from a combination procedure including a brow lift to elevate the brow position and a rhinoplasty.”
How Long Results Last
Brow lift results are long-lasting. You will simply look more rested and youthful — and that impression stays with you. Gravity and the natural aging process continue over time, but patients consistently find that their face looks significantly more refreshed than it would have without the procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting from sun exposure supports the longevity of your results.
Brow Lift Cost in Bellevue
The cost of a brow lift depends on several factors specific to your procedure — including the technique chosen (endoscopic, coronal, or temporal), whether the surgery is combined with blepharoplasty or other facial procedures, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs. A precise estimate is determined during your consultation after Dr. Day has assessed your anatomy and designed your personalized surgical plan.
Insurance Coverage in Washington
Brow lift surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if significant brow ptosis is causing functional visual obstruction, a portion of the procedure may be covered. Dr. Day’s team can assist you in understanding your specific coverage during the consultation.
What’s Included in Your Investment:
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility / operating room fee
- Anesthesia (administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist)
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery medication (Exparel)
- Cosmetic surgery insurance coverage (Cosmetasure)
- High-end scar ointment (Biocorneum)
- Swelling and bruising ointment (Arnica)
- Post-operative recovery and follow-up care
Financing Options
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery works with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, both of which offer a 6-month financing option that allows patients to make manageable monthly payments. Our patient care coordinator can walk you through the application process and available plans during your consultation.
Brow Lift Cost at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery
Starting from $[Price]
Final cost determined at consultation. Financing available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
Call (425) 818-8991 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Kristopher Day for Your Brow Lift Surgery?
Dr. Kristopher M. Day brings a level of facial anatomical expertise to brow lift surgery that few surgeons in the Pacific Northwest can match. His craniofacial surgery fellowship training means he understands not just the skin and soft tissue of the forehead, but the deep muscular and bony architecture beneath it. This knowledge is directly applied in every brow lift procedure to protect facial nerves, achieve natural muscle balance, and deliver results that enhance rather than alter your appearance.
Dr. Day's Credentials at a Glance
- Double Board-Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) + American Board of Surgery (ABS)
- Craniofacial Fellowship — Fellowship-trained in complex craniofacial anatomy and facial surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Author of 30+ peer-reviewed publications on advanced surgical techniques
- Surgical Facilities: Swedish Medical Center, Carillon Point Surgery Center, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
- Highly rated by patients — one of the highest patient satisfaction scores in Bellevue
Conveniently Located for Eastside Families
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is centrally located in downtown Bellevue, making Dr. Day’s fellowship-trained expertise accessible to families throughout Bellevue and the greater Eastside — without the stress of navigating Seattle traffic. Our patients enjoy a private, boutique surgical experience with on-site validated parking, just minutes from the communities they call home.
Seattle
~15 minutes
World-class plastic surgery results without the downtown Seattle parking hassle. A quick drive across SR-520 or I-90 to our private Bellevue office.
Kirkland
~10 minutes
Just minutes from downtown Kirkland and the Juanita waterfront via I-405 or surface streets.
Redmond
~10 minutes
Convenient for the Redmond tech community via SR-520 or surface streets.
Mercer Island
~10 minutes
A quick drive across I-90. Our discreet, private environment is ideal for discerning Mercer Island residents.
Issaquah
~10 minutes
Convenient for Issaquah Highlands and Gilman Village area families via I-90.
Renton
~5 minutes
Easy access from Renton and the Landing via I-405 North. Boutique care and personalized attention just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a brow lift and Botox for brow elevation?
Botox can provide a subtle brow lift by relaxing the muscles that pull the brow downward, but its effect is modest (typically 1–3 mm of elevation) and temporary (lasting 3–4 months). A surgical brow lift repositions the brow tissue itself for a more significant, lasting elevation — typically 5–10 mm or more — and addresses skin laxity, deep lines, and muscle function that injectables cannot change.
Will a brow lift make me look "surprised" or unnatural?
This is the most common concern patients express, and it is completely understandable given older brow lift techniques that over-elevated the brow. Modern brow lift approaches — particularly endoscopic techniques — aim for natural, balanced brow position, not the arched look of decades past. Dr. Day’s goal is for you to look like yourself, simply more rested and refreshed. He does not over-correct.
What is the recovery time for a brow lift?
Most patients return to desk work within the first week. Bruising and swelling are typically manageable with head elevation and cold compresses in the first week. Light exercise resumes at weeks 2–4 with a gradual return to full activity by weeks 4–6. Full results are typically visible at 3 months once all swelling has resolved.
Can a brow lift be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes — and this is a very common combination. When both brow ptosis (drooping brows) and upper eyelid skin excess are present, treating only one while ignoring the other often produces incomplete results. Dr. Day will evaluate whether brow lift alone, blepharoplasty alone, or a combined approach is right for your anatomy and goals.
Will a brow lift address the lines between my brows ("11 lines")?
Yes — during a brow lift, the corrugator and procerus muscles (the muscles responsible for frown lines) can be selectively modified to reduce vertical frown lines. This is one of the advantages of surgical brow lifting over non-surgical alternatives. Botox treats these muscles via injection; a brow lift can address them directly through the same surgical access.
How long will my brow lift results last?
Brow lift results are long-lasting. You will simply look more rested and youthful — and that impression stays with you. While the aging process continues, patients consistently report that their face looks significantly more refreshed than it would have without surgery. A healthy lifestyle and sun protection support your long-term outcome.
Will there be visible scars after a brow lift?
Incision placement depends on the technique. For endoscopic brow lifts, three to five small incisions (approximately 1 cm each) are placed within the hairline where they are naturally concealed. Coronal or temporal approaches use incisions along or within the hairline as well. Dr. Day places incisions with careful attention to hair follicle preservation and scar concealment.
Is a brow lift done under general anesthesia?
Most brow lift procedures at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery are performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Dr. Day will review the appropriate anesthesia choice for your specific procedure during your consultation. All surgeries are performed at accredited facilities — Swedish Medical Center, Carillon Point Surgery Center, or Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
Can a brow lift help with asymmetrical brows?
Yes — brow asymmetry is a common concern and can be caused by natural anatomy, prior trauma, or facial nerve differences. Dr. Day can address asymmetry through targeted brow lifting, adjusting the elevation on each side independently to achieve improved balance. This is an area where craniofacial expertise and precise anatomical knowledge make a meaningful difference.
How much does a brow lift cost at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery?
Brow lift pricing at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery starts from $6,500. Your final cost is determined at consultation based on the technique recommended, whether the procedure is combined with others (such as blepharoplasty), anesthesia, and surgical facility fees. Financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. Call (425) 818-8991 to schedule a consultation.
Do I need to stop taking any medications before brow lift surgery?
Yes — you will receive specific pre-operative instructions including any medications or supplements to stop before surgery. Certain medications affect bleeding, wound healing, anesthesia response, and recovery. These commonly include aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, herbal supplements, and certain hormonal medications. Dr. Day’s team provides detailed pre-operative instructions at the time of scheduling. Smoking must also be stopped at least 4–6 weeks before surgery.
Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation
You deserve to feel confident in your body again. Dr. Day and the Pacific Sound team create personalized transformation plans tailored to your unique goals.