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A brow lift is one of the most effective ways to achieve a more youthful and refreshed look around the eyes. But if you’ve started researching this procedure, you may notice there’s more than one way to lift the brows. The most common question is, “Where will my brow lift scar be?”
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between a temporal brow lift and a traditional (coronal) brow lift, how each approach is performed, and what you can expect in terms of scarring and recovery.
What Is a Temporal Brow Lift?
A temporal brow lift (also known as a lateral brow lift) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to elevate the outer third of the eyebrows. This technique involves making small, discreet incisions within the hairline near your temples. Through these tiny openings, the surgeon gently lifts the outer brow and smooths the skin of the forehead, creating a subtle and natural lift.
Benefits of a Temporal Brow Lift
A temporal brow lift offers a targeted, minimally invasive way to rejuvenate the outer portion of the eyebrows. One of its main benefits is its ability to lift just the outer third of the brow, effectively addressing sagging skin and drooping that tends to occur with age in this area. This creates a refreshed, more open-eyed appearance without altering the entire forehead. Because incisions are small and discreetly placed within the hairline near the temples, scarring is minimal and well concealed, and a “surprised” look is avoided.
Incision Location
The incisions are typically made a couple of inches behind the hairline at the temples and are less than 1 inch wide. This makes the scars well-hidden and very appealing if you’re concerned about visible scarring. The strategically placed incision point is one of the distinct advantages when comparing temporal vs. traditional brow lifts.
Recovery Time
Because it is less invasive, patients often experience a quicker recovery time compared to a traditional brow lift. Most people can return to their day-to-day activities within a couple of days and expect near-complete healing within 2-3 weeks, though strenuous activities may need to be avoided for a little longer. Keeping initial redness, mild swelling, and bruising in mind is crucial.
What Is a Traditional (Coronal) Brow Lift?
A traditional brow lift, also called a coronal brow lift, is the classic approach for brow elevation. This technique requires a longer incision that runs ear to ear across the top of the scalp, hidden behind your hairline. By lifting the entire forehead skin, this method effectively elevates the entire brow and smooths deeper lines. The incision may also be placed along the hairline for patients who desire hairline lowering, also known as hairline or scalp advancement. This is called a “pretricheal” approach.
Benefits of a Traditional Brow Lift
The traditional (coronal) brow lift provides a comprehensive solution by elevating the entire brow and forehead skin. This method is particularly beneficial for patients with significant brow drooping or deep forehead wrinkles, where a more dramatic and lasting rejuvenation is desired. By lifting a larger area, it smooths out moderate to severe forehead lines and brow sagging, giving a more youthful and rested facial expression.
The larger incision also allows additional procedures to be combined in a single surgery, including hairline lowering and forehead contouring, which smooths out a prominent forehead ridge.
Incision Location
The traditional technique involves an incision along the hairline or across the top of the scalp. Although more extensive, this method allows comprehensive access for lifting the entire forehead and brows, and for most patients, it heals extremely well. You should discuss the traditional brow lift scar location with Dr. Hassanzadeh to understand how it may impact your hairstyle choices.
Recovery Time
Due to the nature of the incisions, the recovery for a traditional brow lift is typically longer. Patients should plan for approximately two to three weeks of recovery, where swelling and bruising are more pronounced.
Choosing the Right Brow Lift for You
Your choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and how much correction you’re seeking. If you want subtle, natural outer brow elevation with invisible scars and quick downtime, a temporal brow lift may be ideal. For those who require more significant lifting or want to address deep forehead wrinkles, hairline lowering, or forehead contouring, a traditional brow lift may be recommended.
Because the best choice depends on factors like the degree of brow sagging, hairline position, and your goals, it is essential to consult with an expert such as Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh before deciding.
Dr. Hassanzadeh can examine your facial structure closely, discuss your aesthetic desires, and recommend the procedure—whether temporal, traditional, or another variation—that will most effectively and safely achieve your optimal results.
Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation in Beverly Hills
Ready to discover which brow lift can help you achieve your best, most confident look? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh today to discuss your brow lift options!
Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh
Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, is a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed rigorous training in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Hassanzadeh then completed dual fellowships in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, gaining expertise in rhinoplasty and facial reconstruction. Known for her warm and empathetic approach, she is dedicated to helping patients restore confidence and natural beauty through both surgical and non-surgical treatments, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, lip lifts, and injectables.