Brow Lift Risks

Brow Lift Surgery Risks and Complications

Reviewed by Yael Halaas, MD

No surgery is free of risk or complications, including a brow lift. Serious complications, however, are rare. The best way to protect yourself is to choose a qualified board-certified facial plastic surgeon, and then follow his or her advice.

Brow lift risks and complications may include:

Courtesy of AAFPRS

  • Anesthesia risks and complications
  • Hematoma (blood clot)
  • Seroma (fluid-filled pocket)
  • Infection
  • Nerve damage (usually temporary)
  • Facial or brow asymmetry
  • Numbness or other skin sensation changes such as itching
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Poor wound healing
  • Hair loss (alopecia) at the incisions (usually reversible)
  • Hair loss at the eyelashes or eyebrows
  • Elevated, higher hairline
  • Skin loss
  • Eye irritation or dryness
  • Eyelid disorders
  • Pain
  • Skin contour anomalies
  • Skin discoloration
  • Swelling
  • Visible or irritated sutures
  • Dissatisfaction with surgical results
  • Need for revision surgery
  • Deep vein thrombosis (characterized by formation of a blood clot in a vein deep inside the body, blocking blood flow and causing swelling and pain. The clot may break free and move through the bloodstream.)
  • Heart and lung complications
  • Death

Protect yourself by making sure your surgeon and anesthesiologist know your complete medical history and are aware of all the medications you currently take. Ask about your personal brow lift risks. These are based on your medical history, overall health and other factors such as a history of blood clots and/or development of raised, thickened scars. Also inquire what, if any, symptoms may be warning signs of more serious complications. For example, a fever may be a sign of infection. Remember, forewarned is forearmed.

One last reminder: There are many specialists out there who offer cosmetic procedures. They may be board certified in their own medical specialty, but not in cosmetic surgery. Facial plastic surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons are the go-to specialists for brow lifts. Minimize your risk of complications and maximize your aesthetic results by choosing a qualified surgeon to perform your surgery.