4 Point Brow Lift & Temple Lift
Dr. Balikian’s brow lift techniques restore a natural, refreshed appearance by gently lifting the outer brow to reduce heaviness without creating a surprised or overdone look.
Regain a More Alert and Youthful Countenance
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgery that addresses unwanted wrinkles and drooping in the upper face. These common signs of aging are a result of the natural aging process, which causes the skin to produce less collagen. As collagen production decreases, the skin gradually loses strength, elasticity, and fullness, resulting in significant changes to your facial appearance.
Dr. Balikian often performs brow lift surgery for patients who want to raise their eyebrows and release creases and furrows in the forehead.
Types of Brow Lift Surgery
Dr. Balikian specializes in two advanced, minimally invasive brow lift techniques that are designed to create natural, expressive, and rejuvenated results. Both techniques are customized to your anatomy and are performed with precision to avoid an overdone or “surprised” look.
“A brow should be about brightness. It should be about friendliness. It should be about no tension. It should not be about how high we can make the brows.”
– Dr. Balikian
4 Point Brow Lift
This minimal-access technique is a central part of Dr. Balikian’s Artiste Lift™ and reflects his artistic, individualized approach to facial rejuvenation. The 4-point brow lift is not about lifting the brows as high as possible or creating an artificial arch, it’s about restoring them to their natural, youthful position with balance and intention.
Using four small incisions hidden within the hairline, Dr. Balikian targets the tail and outer two-thirds of the brow, where sagging often begins. This allows him to “unravel” the brow and reposition it in a way that enhances brightness and openness without adding tension or stiffness.
Unlike techniques that cut brow muscles or attempt to replace Botox, this lift works with your anatomy to create a soft, refreshed, and friendly expression that still feels like you.
Temporal Brow Lift
The temporal brow lift is ideal for addressing sagging at the outer brow and heaviness in the upper eyelids. Often combined with upper eyelid surgery, this procedure provides a more complete upper facial rejuvenation.
Using small, hidden incisions within the hairline at the temples, the technique gently lifts the outer brow to create a brighter, more refreshed look while maintaining the natural position of the central brow.
During your consultation, Dr. Balikian will assess your facial structure, review previous photos, and create a customized plan to achieve a naturally lifted appearance that still looks like you.
Brow Lift vs. Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid heaviness isn’t always caused by excess skin, often, it’s due to brow descent. In some cases, an upper blepharoplasty alone is enough. Other times, a small amount of Botox beneath the brow can enhance the result.
However, in about 50% of cases, a brow lift is needed alongside blepharoplasty to fully correct the heaviness. Rarely, a brow lift alone is sufficient.
With his experience and expertise, Dr. Balikian will determine the true cause and create a personalized plan to achieve your best result.
The Art of a Lifted Brow
Candidacy for a Brow Lift
Dr. Balikian considers many factors when determining if you are a good candidate for a brow lift. To start, you will want to schedule a consultation, so he can examine your upper face and speak with you about your goals for treatment.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments, such as Botox, may be sufficient to address creases and furrows in the upper face. In other cases, a brow lift may be combined with a blepharoplasty or facelift to achieve your desired look.
As an experienced facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Balikian knows the range and limitations of numerous facial procedures, including brow lifts. The more candid you are about your expectations and the look you want to achieve, the more precise he can be with your treatment plan and results.
Brow Lift Recovery
The length of your recovery period following your brow lift will depend on several factors, like the type of brow lift procedure performed.
Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort are to be expected. These issues will subside over the next few days. Patients can resume most of their normal activities after a week or so of recovery.
Supporting a Smoother Recovery
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery is among the few practices to offer ELIXIR MD™, an FDA-cleared light therapy that accelerates healing after surgery. This advanced treatment uses targeted wavelengths to reduce swelling and bruising, helping you recover faster, with less discomfort and more confidence.
Dr. Balikian may recommend incorporating ELIXIR MD™ into your post-surgical care to enhance your recovery and improve your overall results. As with every part of your treatment plan, this will be customized based on your procedure and individual needs.
Brow Lift Cost
Our team can provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of your brow lift during your personal consultation at Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery. Because every patient’s goals and anatomy are unique, the total cost can vary depending on the surgical approach, whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time, and the overall complexity of your case.
During your visit, we’ll walk you through all aspects of the procedure, including pricing, so you can feel informed and confident as you move forward with your treatment plan.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.
With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.
He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.
Refreshed Looks, Real Stories
“Both my husband and I met with Dr Balikian. He was very friendly and personable and took his time listening to our concerns. He was honest about what he thought was best for both of us. Getting plastic surgery is not an easy decision so we knew how important it was to choose the right doctor. We both felt safe and confident in his experience and look forward to a positive outcome.”
“The minute you walk in their office you are greeted and made feel comfortable. The consultation was very through and informative. Questions were answered in very concise manner. The consult started with an intake nurse , then the Doctor who ask me what I was looking for and he explained the procedures clearly. And then the overview of financial matters. I have done a lot of research on my behalf and I am very pleased with my experience at the this office. Looking forward to working with them.”
“From the moment I met Dr. Balikian and his staff they had fantastic bed side manner. And I felt comfortable and trusted them with my care. Everything they had explained to me about my procedures went totally as planned with no surprises and I have been so pleased with the outcome. Thank You All for making me feel years younger and not look tired all the time.”
“I was a little apprehensive about the procedures primarily because I had seen some of the same procedures on male celebrities and did not like their results. I liked how Dr. Balakian explained everything to me at the consultation. I decided to move forward with the surgery and I am very happy with the results. I didn’t know what to expect but people are telling me that I look a little younger and refreshed. I was told the change is very subtle and not a drastic change.”
“From reception to surgery to post procedure, the staff and Dr. Balikian were helpful, organized, and able to answer my questions and concerns. I personally have worked in surgical settings for over 20 years, and I can confidently state, Dr. Balikian, his staff, and nurses are both professional and personable, and would recommend them to others seeking to enhance themselves.”
“Dr. Balikian was very professional yet personal and caring at the same time. It didn’t take me long to have full confidence I would be in good hands for my surgery. Erin was most friendly, thorough and patient which made reviewing my treatment plan and scheduling much more straightforward. I am looking forward to my surgery and ultimately restoring the confidence that left me years ago.”
Brow Lift FAQs
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgery that raises the eyebrows to reduce forehead wrinkles, smooth frown lines, and restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the upper face.
Who is a good candidate for a brow lift?
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals experiencing sagging eyebrows, deep forehead creases, or a tired, angry appearance due to drooping in the upper third of the face. Candidates should have realistic expectations and a desire for long-lasting rejuvenation.
What’s the difference between a brow lift and eyelid surgery?
While a brow lift addresses sagging brows and forehead lines, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. They are often combined for a more comprehensive eye rejuvenation.
How long does brow lift surgery take?
Brow lift surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the technique used and whether it’s combined with other procedures.
What is recovery like after a brow lift?
Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising for the first week. Most can return to work within 7–10 days. Full healing may take a few weeks, during which time you’ll notice gradual improvement in brow position and overall facial appearance.
Are there scars from a brow lift?
Dr. Balikian uses advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are typically hidden within the hairline or natural creases of the forehead, depending on the approach.
How long do brow lift results last?
Results from a brow lift are long-lasting, typically 10 years or more. While the procedure cannot stop the aging process, it sets the clock back significantly and ages naturally with the patient.
Can a brow lift be done without surgery?
There are non-surgical options like Botox or thread lifts that offer temporary improvement. However, only a surgical brow lift provides long-lasting, significant lifting and contouring of the brow and forehead area.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
