Choosing between a facelift and a brow lift isn’t simple. Both options work toward the same goal: facial rejuvenation. But they focus on different areas of the face.
In this guide, you’ll learn how each procedure works and what makes them different. Find out how to choose the one that fits your vision for your true appearance.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is one of the most trusted plastic surgery procedures for restoring the lower face and neck. It’s designed to lift and reposition loose skin, smooth deep creases, and redefine the jawline and jowls. The goal is to help you look rested and confident again.
During a facelift procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon makes small incisions around the hairline and ears to lift the underlying tissues and remove excess skin.
Depending on your aesthetic goals, the surgeon may recommend a mini facelift or an endoscopic technique, which uses tiny instruments and allows for a shorter recovery time. Each approach targets specific areas of the face while keeping a natural balance between lift and movement.
A facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery period varies based on the technique. Most patients experience minimal downtime and can return to daily routines within a few weeks.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift refreshes the upper third of your face: your forehead, brows, and eyes. It softens frown lines, smooths forehead wrinkles, and lifts sagging brows, making you look tired or tense. The goal is to bring back a calm, open facial expression that feels like you.
In a brow lift procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon lifts and repositions the underlying tissues, removing a bit of excess skin to reduce deep creases. The change is subtle but real. Your upper eyelids look lighter and your eyes brighter.
Different types of brow lifts offer different results.
The endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions along the hairline and gives precise improvement with less downtime. The temporal lift gently raises the outer brow for a soft, natural curve. The mini brow lift is ideal for early signs of aging, with a faster recovery time.
Face Lift vs Brow Lift: Key Differences Explained
Both surgeries aim for facial rejuvenation, but they work in different ways. The right choice depends on which areas of the face you want to improve, your aesthetic goals, and how much downtime you can allow.
| Facelift | Brow Lift | |
| Focus Area | Targets the lower face and neck. Lifts jowls, smooths creases, and defines the jawline. | Focuses on the upper third of the face. Smooths forehead wrinkles, raises sagging brows, and opens the upper eyelids. |
| Procedure Type | A plastic surgery procedure is done under general anesthesia. Adjusts underlying tissues and removes excess skin. | A brow lift surgery is performed under sedation or light anesthesia. Small incisions along the hairline are used to lift and reposition tissues. |
| Techniques | Full facelift, mini facelift, or endoscopic facelift, depending on signs of aging and desired results. | Endoscopic, temporal, or mini brow lift options for subtle or advanced facial rejuvenation. |
| Downtime/Recovery | About 2-3 weeks of recovery time. Mild swelling, tightness, or numbness during healing. | Shorter recovery period, usually 1-2 weeks. Less swelling and minimal downtime. |
| Results Duration | Results last 8-12 years with proper skin care and healthy habits. | Results last 5-7 years, depending on skin quality and lifestyle. |
| Ideal Candidates | Best for sagging skin, loose jowls, and loss of jawline. | Ideal for sagging brows, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles that make the face look tired. |
| Cost Range | A facelift typically ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 for a full facelift, depending on complexity, anesthesia, and facility fees. A mini facelift may start around $8,000 to $10,000. | Lower cost with shorter recovery time, suited for earlier signs of aging. A brow lift usually costs between $6,000 and $9,000. |
How do the Two Procedures Differ in Price?
Brow lifts and facelifts are both tailored solutions. When you visit for your consultation, you can decide what issues to target and how far to go for the look you want.
Brow lifts are typically more affordable than face lifts because they target issues within just one region of the face. Facelifts, however, can target issues all over the face. A more comprehensive or custom facelift might target special areas like the face’s lower, mid, or brow region (or all at once). It might also involve additional services like fat grafting.
See the table below for some estimates of cost differences:
| Facelift Procedure | Cost |
| Brow Lift | $35-60k |
| Lower Facelift | $60k |
| Comprehensive/Custom Facelifts | $150k |
Can You Combine a Face Lift and a Brow Lift?
Yes, you can. In fact, combining a facelift and a brow lift is one of the most effective ways to achieve complete facial rejuvenation.
A facelift restores structure to the lower face and jawline, while a brow lift opens and refreshes the upper third of the face. Together, they create balance, top to bottom, expression to contour.
Benefits of combining both procedures:
- Balanced, natural results that restore harmony across all areas of the face.
- Shared recovery time, since both can be done during one plastic surgery procedure.
- Improved skin tightening and smoother transition between the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
- A longer-lasting result with a single recovery period and reduced overall downtime.
A board-certified facial plastic surgeon can design a plan that matches your aesthetic goals and ensures your results stay natural. The best outcomes come from precision, balance, and an eye for proportion.
FAQs
How long do results from a facelift and brow lift last?
A facelift can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, depending on your skin health and lifestyle. A brow lift typically lasts 5 to 7 years. Healthy habits, daily skincare, and sun protection help both results age gracefully. Over time, your skin continues its natural aging process, but you’ll still look younger than if you hadn’t had surgery.
Can a facelift or brow lift be combined with non-surgical treatments?
Yes. Many patients maintain or enhance results with non-surgical treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing. These help smooth fine lines, refine skin tone, and extend the benefits of surgery.
What’s the difference between a brow lift and eyelid surgery?
A brow lift raises the eyebrows and smooths the forehead. Eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids.
The two procedures are often combined for a more complete, natural-looking refresh around the eyes.
Ready for a Face Lift Consultation with Dr Jay Calvert?
Choosing the correct procedure is personal. You want to look refreshed, not different.
Dr. Jay Calvert is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for precision, balance, and care. With years of experience in facial rejuvenation, he guides every patient towards results that match their goals and lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jay Calvert and discover what’s possible!