Direct Brow Lift
A direct brow lift raises a drooping eyebrow, especially the outer tail, which can push skin onto the upper eyelid and make the eyes look hooded or tired. Dr Filis Ayan, a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon in Chiswick, West London, removes a small strip of skin along the upper edge of the eyebrow, usually across the outer third, so the fine scar blends with the brow hairs. Performed under local anaesthetic, it can be combined with upper blepharoplasty for a more open, refreshed eye area.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Individuals with heavy or sagging eyebrow tails contributing to upper eyelid skin folds and a tired facial appearance.
Recovery & Aftercare
Swelling and bruising around the brow usually settle within 7 to 10 days, and the fine brow scar fades over the following months.
Brow Lift Benefits
- ◆ Refreshes Brow Contour: Lifts sagging outer eyebrows for a rested expression.
- ◆ Discreet Incisions: Incisions are hidden along the upper edge of the eyebrow, usually across the outer third
- ◆ Complements Blepharoplasty: Enhances upper lid surgical results.
Illustrative Results (AI Visualisation)
AI-generated visualisation provided for illustrative and educational purposes. Not an actual patient photo.

Case 1: Direct Brow Lift
Targeted lateral brow elevation to lift sagging eyebrow tails and refresh the upper facial frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the scar after a direct brow lift? expand_more
The incision runs along the upper edge of the eyebrow, usually across the outer third, where the brow hairs meet the forehead skin. The scar is pink at first and fades to a fine line over 6 to 12 months, and brow make-up can cover it once healed.
Is a direct brow lift done under general anaesthetic? expand_more
No. It is performed under local anaesthetic, takes about 60 minutes, and you go home the same day.
When can I go back to work? expand_more
Most people return to work within 4 to 5 days. Swelling and bruising usually settle within 7 to 10 days, and stitches are removed at day 12.
Can a direct brow lift be combined with eyelid surgery? expand_more
Yes. A low outer brow often adds to upper eyelid hooding, and combining a direct brow lift with upper blepharoplasty can give a better and longer-lasting result than eyelid surgery alone.
What should I do after surgery? expand_more
Sleep on your back with your head raised for about a week, and avoid exercise for 4 to 5 days. Bruising can drift into the upper eyelids for a few days, which is normal.
How much does a direct brow lift cost? expand_more
A direct brow lift (both sides) is £2,500. The surgical consultation is £150, redeemable against surgery booked within 30 days.
Procedure Pricing & Options
Consultation Fee & Terms
Initial Surgical Consultation (30 mins): £150 (Fully redeemable against any surgical procedure booked within 30 days)
| Treatment / Option Name | Fee / Rate |
|---|---|
| Direct Brow Lift* | £2,500 Launch Price (Bilateral) |
| Twilight Sedation (Conscious Sedation) | £400 per hour Final cost determined during consultation |
| Initial Surgical Consultation (30 mins) | £150 Redeemable against a surgical procedure booked within 30 days |
Procedure Overview & Approach
A direct brow lift raises a low or drooping eyebrow, especially the outer tail, which can make the eyes look heavy, tired or sad and add to upper eyelid hooding. The incision is made along the upper edge of the eyebrow, usually across the outer third, where brow hairs meet the forehead skin. This gives a precise, predictable lift of the outer brow with a short recovery. Dr Filis Ayan, a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in oculoplastic surgery, performs the direct brow lift at her Chiswick clinic.
Who is it for? A direct brow lift suits adults with a low outer brow, often noticed as hooding that eyelid surgery alone would not fix. It can be combined with upper blepharoplasty for a longer-lasting result. It suits people who are comfortable with a fine scar at the brow line, which brow make-up can cover once healed.
The procedure. Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. A carefully measured strip of skin above the brow is removed and the brow is lifted and secured, then closed with fine stitches. A direct brow lift takes about 60 minutes, and you go home the same day.
Recovery. Swelling and bruising usually settle within 7 to 10 days, and bruising can drift into the upper eyelids for a few days. Sleep on your back with your head raised for about a week. Avoid exercise for 4 to 5 days. Most people return to work within 4 to 5 days, and stitches are removed at day 12. The scar is pink at first and fades to a fine line over 6 to 12 months.
Cost. A direct brow lift (both sides) is £2,500. The surgical consultation is £150, redeemable against surgery booked within 30 days.
To see where the scar sits, how a direct brow lift compares with other brow lifts and the full recovery timeline, read our direct brow lift recovery guide.