Brow, temporal and temporal-midface lift in Switzerland: opening up the eyes

Eyes that look tired, sad or stern even though you feel well, eyebrows that have slipped down, upper eyelids that seem heavy, a forehead marked with horizontal lines, hollow temples and descending cheekbones: these signs do not always come from the eyelids. Very often, they reflect laxity of the upper third of the face — the forehead, eyebrows and temples — sometimes combined with descent of the upper cheeks. The brow lift, the temporal lift and the temporal-midface lift address these situations. This page explains what distinguishes them, who they are for, how they are performed, what they achieve and how to organise such a procedure from each of the 26 Swiss cantons.

The brow lift raises the whole of the eyebrows and softens forehead lines; the temporal lift mainly raises the tail of the eyebrow and opens up the eyes at the sides; the temporal-midface lift extends this procedure towards the cheekbone to lift the upper cheek. These procedures are today usually performed endoscopically, through small incisions hidden in the scalp. Social life resumes within ten to fourteen days. They are often wrongly compared with blepharoplasty: the difference is explained in detail below. The budget, in percentages and by city, is on our page on brow and temporal-midface lift prices in Switzerland.

The upper third of the face extends from the hairline to the eyebrows and includes the temples. It largely determines the expression of the eyes. Over the years, several structures change, and it is their combination that gives the face a tired or stern look.

The eyebrows

In women, the eyebrow ideally sits at or slightly above the bony rim of the eye socket, with a tail slightly higher than the head. In men, it is lower and more horizontal. With age, the eyebrow descends, first in its outer part, the tail, then as a whole. This descent pushes the skin of the upper eyelid downwards, gives the impression of a heavy eyelid and closes off the eyes at the sides.

The forehead

The frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows, works harder when they descend: we unconsciously raise our eyebrows to clear our vision. This constant effort creates horizontal lines on the forehead. Between the eyebrows, other muscles, the corrugator and procerus, pull the eyebrows downwards and inwards; their repeated contraction creates the vertical frown lines and the horizontal line at the root of the nose.

The temples

The temporal region, at the sides of the forehead, becomes hollow with age through fat loss and tissue laxity. This hollow accentuates the drop of the eyebrow tail and gives the face a more gaunt appearance. The tissues of the temple are held by areas of adhesion and ligaments, such as the temporal ligament, which must be released in order to lift them.

The upper cheek

Under the eye, the cheekbone and its fat compartments also descend with age. The transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek lengthens, and the eyes look hollow. It is this region that the "midface" component of the temporal-midface lift targets, by lifting the upper cheek through a temporal approach.

A simple test in front of the mirror

Stand facing the mirror, with your face relaxed and your eyes open normally. With your fingertips, gently raise the tail of your eyebrows a few millimetres towards the temples. If your eyes open up clearly and the excess skin on the upper eyelid decreases, the descent of the eyebrow plays an important role, and a temporal or brow lift may be more useful than blepharoplasty alone. If the excess skin persists, the eyelid itself is the cause. Most often, the two phenomena are combined.

The term "brow lift" actually covers several procedures, which differ in the area treated and the incision line.

The endoscopic brow lift

This is the most commonly performed technique today. Through three to five small incisions, one to two centimetres long, placed in the scalp, the surgeon introduces a camera and fine instruments. They release the tissues of the forehead down to the rim of the eye socket, free the attachments that hold the eyebrows down, may weaken the muscles responsible for the frown lines, then lift everything and secure it in a higher position. The scars are short and hidden in the hair.

The temporal lift

It focuses on the outer part of the eyebrow and the temple. Through an incision about three to five centimetres long in the hair of each temple, the surgeon releases and lifts the temporal tissues, raising the tail of the eyebrow and opening up the eyes at the sides. It is a lighter procedure than a full brow lift, much appreciated when only the tail of the eyebrow has dropped.

The temporal-midface lift

It extends the temporal lift downwards, below the zygomatic arch, to lift the upper cheek and cheekbone. Through the same temporal incision, the surgeon releases the tissues down to the cheekbone and lifts them towards the temple. It improves the eyes, the junction between eyelid and cheek and the contour of the cheekbone, with no visible scar on the face.

The coronal brow lift

An older technique, it uses a long incision from one ear to the other across the top of the head. It allows significant correction but leaves an extensive scar in the scalp and wider numbness. Today it is reserved for particular cases.

The pretrichial brow lift

The incision follows the hairline. It is useful in people with a very high forehead, as it allows the eyebrows to be raised without moving the hairline further back, and can even lower it slightly. The scar, at the edge of the hair, must be made carefully to remain discreet.

The direct brow lift

An incision is made just above the eyebrow to raise it directly. Simple and effective, it leaves a visible scar at the edge of the eyebrow; it is mainly offered to older patients, often men with thick eyebrows, or in cases of facial paralysis.

Endoscopic and temporal techniques use various means of fixation to hold the lifted tissues, including absorbable devices. One of them has its own dedicated page: the Endotine endoscopic lift.

This is the most common confusion in consultation. Many patients come for blepharoplasty, convinced that their eyelids are the cause, when it is the descent of the eyebrow that makes the eyes look heavy. The reverse also exists. Distinguishing between the two is essential, because a misdiagnosis leads to a disappointing result, or even makes things worse.

When the eyelid is the cause

Excess skin on the upper eyelid, sometimes with fat bags, persists even when the eyebrow is raised with the fingers. The eyebrow itself is in a good position. In this case, upper blepharoplasty , which removes the excess skin, is the appropriate solution.

When the eyebrow is the cause

The eyebrow has descended, especially in its outer part, and pushes the skin onto the eyelid. When the eyebrow is raised with the fingers, the excess skin largely disappears. Removing eyelid skin in this situation would be a mistake: it would bring the eyebrow even closer to the eye, making the eyes look heavier. A temporal or brow lift is then more appropriate.

When both are the cause

In many cases, especially after fifty, both the eyebrow and the eyelid have changed. The surgeon can then combine the two procedures, starting by repositioning the eyebrow, then removing only the excess eyelid skin that remains. This order is important: it avoids removing too much skin.

Heavy-looking eyes can have three different causes, often combined: a descending eyebrow, excess skin on the upper eyelid, or an eyelid whose levator muscle has slackened, called ptosis. In ptosis, the edge of the eyelid itself covers part of the pupil, giving a sleepy look and possibly impairing upward vision.

These three situations are not treated in the same way: a brow lift raises the eyebrow, blepharoplasty removes excess skin, and ptosis correction tightens the eyelid muscle. Treating the wrong cause gives a disappointing result. The examination determines precisely what is at play, by measuring the position of the eyebrow and that of the eyelid margin relative to the pupil.

These procedures mainly concern people aged forty to seventy, but age counts for less than the examination. Some people have naturally low eyebrows from a young age; others see their eyes close up quickly after forty-five.

Typical profiles

• A dropped eyebrow tail that gives a sad or tired look.
• Eyebrows that are low overall, with eyelids that look heavy.
• Horizontal forehead lines linked to constantly raising the eyebrows.
• Pronounced frown lines that give a stern or annoyed look.
• Hollow temples and a descended cheekbone, with hollow-looking eyes.

Situations to discuss

A very high forehead requires an appropriate choice of technique, so as not to move the hairline back further. In a person with a short forehead, the endoscopic lift is often ideal. Eyebrows that are already high must not be raised further, or they will give a surprised look. In men, the eyebrow must remain low and horizontal. Significant dry eyes or a history of eyelid surgery require a specific assessment.

Realistic expectations

These procedures open up the eyes, soften the expression and rejuvenate the upper third of the face. They do not erase all forehead lines, do not treat excess eyelid skin when it originates in the eyelid itself, and do not replace a lower facelift. The aim is a rested look, not a surprised one.

The consultation

The surgeon observes the position of your eyebrows at rest, with your eyes open and closed, and when you raise or frown your eyebrows. They measure the height of the forehead, examine the eyelids, temples and cheekbones, and check symmetry. They ask how you perceive your eyes and what you would like to change. They take standardised photos and propose a technique, explaining why.

Anaesthesia

A temporal lift can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. An endoscopic brow lift or temporal-midface lift is often performed under general anaesthesia, especially when combined with other procedures. The choice is made with the anaesthetist.

The surgical steps

The hair is not shaved, or only along a very narrow line. The surgeon makes the incisions in the scalp, releases the tissues in the appropriate plane, under camera guidance for the endoscopic technique, then frees the attachments that hold the eyebrows and temples. They may weaken the muscles responsible for the frown lines. The tissues are then lifted and secured. The procedure takes one to three hours depending on the technique and combined procedures.

Fixation

The durability of the result depends on the fixation of the lifted tissues during the healing period, until they reattach to the bone or deep layers. Surgeons use sutures in the deep tissues of the temple, small tunnels drilled in the bone, temporary screws or absorbable devices that dissolve within a few months. Each method has its advantages; the surgeon will explain the one they use.

Discharge

For a temporal lift under local anaesthesia, discharge is often on the same day. After an endoscopic brow lift or temporal-midface lift under general anaesthesia, a night at the clinic may be proposed. A light bandage or compression band is sometimes applied for the first few hours.

Recovery is generally quicker than after a lower facelift, but it has a particular feature: swelling and bruising move down towards the eyes.

Sensations in the scalp

Numbness of the forehead and scalp behind the incisions is common. It is due to stretching or irritation of the sensory nerves that run above the eyebrows. Sensation gradually returns over a few weeks to a few months, often accompanied by itching or tingling, a sign of nerve regrowth.

Expression in the first few days

The eyebrows may look a little too high at first, giving a slightly surprised look. Many surgeons slightly overcorrect, because the tissues drop back a little during healing. The expression normalises within a few weeks.

Hair

Hair can generally be washed after forty-eight hours, according to the instructions. Slight hair loss along the incisions is possible, usually temporary. Colouring has to wait a few weeks.

Practical instructions

• Sleep with your head raised for one to two weeks.
• Avoid exertion, intense heat and direct sun on the forehead for several weeks.
• Do not wear a helmet, tight headband or compressive hat until the surgeon has allowed it.
• Avoid frowning or raising your eyebrows excessively in the first few days.
• Attend the scheduled check-ups.

Injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve

A branch of the facial nerve, which controls the frontalis muscle, runs through the temple area. Injury to it, which is rare, prevents you from raising the eyebrow on one side. It is usually temporary, due to stretching, and recovers within a few weeks to a few months. Dissection in the correct plane, mastered by experienced surgeons, protects this nerve.

Prolonged numbness

Numbness of the forehead and scalp may last several months. Lasting discomfort is rare.

Overcorrection and a surprised look

Eyebrows raised too high, or too much at their inner end, give a surprised or frozen look. Careful planning that respects the ideal eyebrow position for the person's sex and face prevents this risk.

Asymmetry

Slight asymmetry is common at first, due to uneven swelling. Lasting asymmetry may require a touch-up.

Recurrence

The eyebrows may partially drop again over time, especially if the fixation gave way during healing. The choice of fixation method and following the instructions limit this risk.

Hair loss

Hair loss along the incisions is possible, usually temporary. It is more common with long incisions or those under tension.

Haematoma and infection

These are rare and are treated quickly. Sudden or painful swelling, spreading redness or fever require you to contact the team without delay.

Brow and temple lifts, particularly endoscopic ones, require specific equipment and familiarity with the technique. In Switzerland, they are mainly performed in the major cities, which draw patients from their surrounding regions. Rather than an administrative breakdown, here is how patient flows are actually organised around eight major hubs, followed by the situation in more remote regions.

Geneva and its surrounding area

Geneva attracts patients from the canton, from the Vaud side of La Côte as far as Rolle, and a large international clientele. Several surgeons there perform endoscopic brow lifts and temporal lifts, often combined with blepharoplasty. Patients from Versoix, Meyrin, Carouge or Thônex can reach the practices in less than half an hour, which makes the check-ups of the first few days easier, when swelling moves down towards the eyes.

Lausanne, the Riviera and French-speaking Valais

Lausanne is the natural hub for residents of Vaud, French-speaking Fribourg and much of French-speaking Valais. The Riviera also has a few practitioners. From Sion or Martigny, allow about an hour to Lausanne, which remains compatible with what is usually day surgery, provided you are accompanied.

Bern, the Mittelland and the Jura Arc

Bern attracts patients from its vast canton, from Solothurn, from Upper Valais via the Lötschberg and from part of the Jura Arc. Biel/Bienne offers a bilingual alternative, appreciated by French speakers from Saint-Imier or Moutier. Neuchâtel has a few practitioners, but many Neuchâtel residents also consult in Bern or Lausanne.

Basel and the North-West

Basel draws patients from Basel-Landschaft, the Aargau Fricktal and much of Jura. Provision is dense and tram or train journeys are short, which simplifies day surgery.

Zurich and its wider surrounding area

Zurich is the country's leading hub, with the widest choice of surgeons performing endoscopic brow lifts. Winterthur, Zug, Schaffhausen, eastern Aargau and the north of the canton of Schwyz revolve around the metropolis. The S-Bahn network puts most of these municipalities less than forty minutes from the centre.

Lucerne and Central Switzerland

Lucerne draws patients from Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden and southern Schwyz. A few surgeons there perform these techniques; some patients widen their search to Zurich, about an hour away.

St. Gallen and Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen attracts both Appenzells, Thurgau and part of Glarus. Its fees are among the most moderate of Switzerland's major cities. Winterthur and Zurich remain accessible to widen the choice.

Lugano and Ticino

Lugano concentrates provision in Ticino, with consultations in Italian. Patients from Bellinzona, Locarno and Mendrisio can reach it in less than forty minutes.

Remote regions

In Graubünden, Upper Valais, the Ticino valleys or the Franches-Montagnes, journeys to the nearest hub can take more than two hours. For what is often day surgery, a night near the practice after the operation is then recommended, and the family doctor can provide part of the local follow-up.

This table positions 56 Swiss cities: the hub where residents consult for a brow or temple lift, the travel time by public transport, how easy it is to return home the same day after day surgery, and the usual price difference compared with Geneva. These are indicative trends, to be checked with the practices.

For a procedure such as a temporal lift, often performed as day surgery, a journey home of more than an hour requires someone to accompany you and, ideally, a comfortable means of transport. Beyond two hours, a night near the practice is more sensible.

There is no official fee schedule: each surgeon sets their fees freely. The cost depends mainly on the technique, the length of the procedure, the type of anaesthesia and any combined procedures. The following table positions the procedures relative to one another, taking as a base of 100 a temporal lift under local anaesthesia with sedation.

Between cities, the differences follow the general trend: Geneva and Zurich at the top of the scale, the other major cities 5 to 15% below, medium-sized towns 10 to 20% below. Details of the quote breakdown, VAT and ways to save are on our page on brow and temporal-midface lift prices in Switzerland.

These profiles are fictitious, inspired by requests received from all over Switzerland. They illustrate how the examination guides the choice between the different procedures.

Anne-Marie, 54, Geneva: a blepharoplasty that wasn't

Anne-Marie came in for a blepharoplasty. In the mirror test, the excess skin on her eyelids almost completely disappeared when the tail of her eyebrows was raised. The surgeon proposed a temporal lift under local anaesthesia, explaining that blepharoplasty alone would have brought her eyebrows closer to her eyes. Her eyes opened up without any skin being removed.

Martin, 49, Zurich: a stern look

Martin always looked "cross" in photos. His eyebrows were low overall, with pronounced frown lines. The surgeon proposed a measured endoscopic brow lift, with weakening of the muscles between the eyebrows, taking care to keep the eyebrows low and horizontal, suited to a masculine face.

Claudine, 62, Lausanne: tired, hollow-looking eyes

Claudine had dropped eyebrow tails, hollow temples and a descended cheekbone, with hollow-looking eyes. The surgeon proposed a temporal-midface lift combined with fat transfer to the temples. She had surgery under general anaesthesia and spent a night at the clinic.

Sandra, 46, Basel: a high forehead

Sandra had slightly low eyebrows and a very high forehead. A classic endoscopic lift would have moved her hairline back further. The surgeon proposed a pretrichial lift, with an incision at the hairline, which raised her eyebrows while slightly shortening her forehead.

Werner, 71, St. Gallen: very thick eyebrows

Werner, whose drooping eyebrows impaired his upward vision, first consulted his ophthalmologist, who documented a reduced field of vision. The surgeon proposed a direct brow lift, whose scar would be hidden by his thick eyebrows, and a coverage request was sent to his insurer.

Laura, 51, Lugano: both at once

Laura had both a descended eyebrow and genuine excess skin on her eyelids. The surgeon proposed a temporal lift followed, under the same anaesthesia, by a measured upper blepharoplasty. He explained that the order of the steps avoided removing too much skin.

"A brow lift inevitably gives a surprised look"

The surprised look comes from excessive or poorly directed lifting. Well planned, the lift respects the natural position of the eyebrow and simply gives a more rested look.

"Heavy eyelids are always treated with blepharoplasty"

Often, it is the eyebrow that has descended. Removing eyelid skin in this case makes the eyes look even heavier.

"A brow lift leaves a large scar"

The endoscopic technique uses a few small incisions hidden in the hair. The large scar of the coronal lift is now reserved for particular cases.

"Botulinum toxin replaces a lift"

It can slightly raise the tail of the eyebrow and soften lines for a few months. It does not reposition an eyebrow that has clearly dropped.

"Lifting threads are enough for the eyebrows"

Threads offer a slight, temporary effect. For a clearly drooping eyebrow, surgery gives a clearer and longer-lasting result.

"The procedure is very painful"

Pain is generally moderate. The dominant sensations are tightness of the scalp, numbness and swelling that moves down towards the eyes.

"The result only lasts a few years"

With solid fixation during healing, the result lasts many years, even though ageing continues.

Raising an eyebrow is not enough: it must also be given a natural position and shape suited to the face, sex and age. This is one of the most delicate aspects of these procedures.

In women

The eyebrow generally sits at or slightly above the bony rim of the eye socket. Its head, on the nose side, is slightly lower than its tail, with a highest point about a third of the way in from the outer end. Raising the head of the eyebrow too much gives a surprised look; raising mainly the tail opens up the eyes.

In men

The eyebrow is lower, at the level of the orbital rim, and more horizontal, with a slight arch. The surgeon avoids giving it too pronounced a curve, which would feminise the eyes. Often, a measured temporal lift is enough.

With age

A very high eyebrow looks artificial in a seventy-year-old. The surgeon adapts the height to the person's age and face, for a coherent result.

Symmetry

Eyebrows are never perfectly symmetrical. The surgeon can raise one side slightly more than the other to correct asymmetry due to laxity, but perfect symmetry is not a realistic goal.

It is very common for one eyebrow to be lower than the other, naturally or with age. Many people unknowingly compensate by contracting the frontalis muscle more on one side, which creates deeper lines above the lower eyebrow. Asymmetry can also result from previous facial paralysis or an unevenly distributed toxin injection.

A brow lift can correct asymmetry by raising the lower side more. The surgeon measures it carefully before the procedure and shows it to the patient, as many had never noticed it. Slight residual asymmetry remains possible; it can be refined with a targeted toxin injection or, rarely, a touch-up.

Blepharoplasty

This is the most common combination. The surgeon first repositions the eyebrow, then removes the remaining excess skin of the upper eyelid, and can treat bags in the lower eyelid. See our page on blepharoplasty in Switzerland.

Fat transfer to the temples and cheekbones

Hollow temples accentuate the drop of the eyebrow tail. Restoring their volume through fat transfer complements the lift and softens the face. See our page on facial fat transfer.

Lower facelift

When the jawline and neck have also become lax, a brow lift can be combined with a neck and face lift or a deep plane facelift, to rejuvenate all three levels of the face.

Skin treatments

Fine lines on the forehead and crow's feet, as well as skin texture, call for complementary treatments carried out later: laser, peel, botulinum toxin.

Each combination lengthens the procedure and may require general anaesthesia. The surgeon must explain to you the benefit of each procedure proposed.

For a slightly descended eyebrow, or for people who do not want surgery, several aesthetic medicine treatments can be offered. Their effect is real but limited and temporary.

To find out more, see our pages on botulinum toxin injections, hyaluronic acid injections and thread lifts.

Brow and temple lifts are performed by plastic surgeons and, in some cases, by surgeons specialising in oculoplastic or maxillofacial surgery. The result depends greatly on experience with the endoscopic technique and a sense of harmony around the eyes.

Check qualifications

In Switzerland, check the surgeon's specialist title in the federal MedReg register. Ask how long they have been practising the proposed technique and how many procedures of this type they perform.

Questions to ask

• Does my problem come from the eyebrow, the eyelid or both?
• Why do you propose this technique rather than another?
• Where will the incisions be placed, given my hair and my forehead?
• At what height and with what shape do you plan to position my eyebrows?
• Which fixation method do you use?
• What type of anaesthesia, and will I go home the same day?
• What are the risks, particularly for the frontal nerve and the hair?
• Can you show me results in patients with eyes comparable to mine?
• What happens if the eyebrows drop again?

Warning signs

Be wary of a surgeon who proposes blepharoplasty without examining the position of your eyebrows, a promise of a guaranteed result or pressure to decide quickly.

Arrival

You arrive at the clinic or practice at the time indicated, accompanied, without make-up and with clean hair. If sedation or general anaesthesia is planned, you will have fasted.

The markings

With you sitting up, the surgeon marks the current position of the eyebrows and the desired position, as well as the landmarks for the incisions and the nerves to be protected.

The procedure

The surgeon makes the incisions in the scalp, releases and lifts the tissues, then secures them. The incisions are closed with staples or stitches. A light bandage may be applied.

Waking up and discharge

After local anaesthesia, you go home the same day, accompanied. After general anaesthesia, a night at the clinic may be planned. You receive written instructions and a check-up appointment.

Skiing and cycling

Helmets are not advised for several weeks, as they press on the forehead and temples. Schedule the procedure outside the ski season if you are a keen skier, and plan a break from cycling for a few weeks.

Sun at altitude

The forehead and incisions must be protected from the sun for several months. In the mountains, altitude and reflection from snow intensify ultraviolet rays; a wide-brimmed hat, once allowed, and sunscreen are essential.

Working from home

Working from home allows you to resume work from the first week, with the camera off if the bruising around your eyes bothers you.

Cantonal holidays

Scheduling the procedure at the start of a holiday period allows you to spend the most visible days at home. School holidays vary from canton to canton: for parents, they make family arrangements easier.

The temples play an important role in the harmony of the upper third. With age, they become hollow, which gives a more angular face and accentuates the drop of the eyebrow tail. This hollow is particularly marked in slim, sporty people.

A temporal lift lifts the tissues, but it does not restore lost volume. That is why the surgeon often suggests combining it with filling of the temples, through fat transfer or, later, hyaluronic acid injections. The result is a softer face, better-supported eyes and a more harmonious transition between the forehead and the cheekbones.

Geneva

Several Geneva surgeons perform endoscopic brow lifts and temporal lifts, often combined with blepharoplasty. The proximity of the practices allows you to be home within minutes after day surgery and makes check-ups very simple to organise.

Vaud

Lausanne concentrates provision in Vaud. From the Riviera or La Côte, the journey is short; from Yverdon, Payerne or the Pays-d'Enhaut, it remains reasonable by train, provided you are accompanied on the day of the procedure.

Neuchâtel

Local provision is limited. Many Neuchâtel residents consult in Lausanne or Bern. From the Mountains, plan your journey home, especially in winter.

Jura

With no local provision, Jura residents consult in Basel or Biel/Bienne. The journey of about an hour requires someone to accompany you after day surgery.

Fribourg

Lausanne and Bern are half an hour away by train; patients often choose according to their language. A few practitioners also work in the city.

Valais

French-speaking Valais looks to Lausanne, Upper Valais to Bern. From the resorts, a night in the valley after the procedure is often more comfortable than returning to the mountains.

Bern

Bern offers a solid choice, and Biel/Bienne a bilingual alternative. From the Oberland, Interlaken is less than an hour from the capital.

Zurich

The widest choice of surgeons performing endoscopic brow lifts. Residents of the canton can reach the centre in less than forty minutes thanks to the S-Bahn network.

Lucerne

Lucerne groups the provision of Central Switzerland, with a few surgeons performing these techniques.

Uri

Uri residents consult in Lucerne or Zurich. From Andermatt, plan a night in Lucerne after the procedure.

Schwyz

The north of the canton looks to Zurich, the south to Lucerne, each less than an hour away.

Obwalden

Lucerne is about twenty minutes from Sarnen; from Engelberg, the journey is a little longer.

Nidwalden

Lucerne, a quarter of an hour from Stans, makes organisation very simple.

Glarus

Glarus residents consult in Zurich or St. Gallen, about an hour away.

Zug

Zurich and Lucerne, half an hour away, offer Zug patients a wide choice.

Solothurn

The Olten hub puts Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Zurich less than an hour away, ideal for comparing several opinions.

Basel-Stadt

Basel offers several surgeons who perform these techniques, a few minutes away by tram.

Basel-Landschaft

Residents consult in Basel, less than half an hour from most municipalities.

Schaffhausen

Winterthur, slightly closer than Zurich, is often chosen by Schaffhausen residents.

Appenzell Ausserrhoden

St. Gallen, close by, is the reference centre.

Appenzell Innerrhoden

Residents of Appenzell consult in St. Gallen, about three-quarters of an hour away.

St. Gallen

St. Gallen has several surgeons, with fees that are often moderate; Zurich remains accessible to widen the choice.

Graubünden

Chur has basic provision; many patients consult in Zurich. From the Engadine, a night near the practice is recommended.

Aargau

Aarau and Baden have local provision, Zurich is twenty minutes from Baden, and Basel is close for the west of the canton.

Thurgau

Thurgau residents consult in Winterthur, St. Gallen or Zurich; Winterthur is a quarter of an hour from Frauenfeld.

Ticino

Lugano concentrates provision, with consultations in Italian. Bellinzona, Locarno and Mendrisio are less than forty minutes away.

Two months before

Consult, compare diagnoses, reflect. If you smoke, stop. If you receive botulinum toxin injections in the forehead, mention it: an interval may be requested before the procedure.

One month before

Carry out the pre-operative check-up if necessary, review your treatments with your doctor, and organise your time off and someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure.

Two weeks before

On medical advice, stop aspirin, anti-inflammatories and blood-thinning supplements. Avoid alcohol and the sun. Prepare your home: pillows, cold compresses, sunglasses, mild shampoo.

The day before and the day itself

Wash your hair, remove make-up and jewellery, follow the fasting instructions if necessary, and come accompanied.

Corrugator. A muscle located between the eyebrows, responsible for frown lines.

Endoscopy. A technique using a fine camera introduced through small incisions.

Coronal lift. A brow lift through a long incision across the top of the head.

Pretrichial lift. A brow lift through an incision at the hairline.

Temporal lift. Lifting of the eyebrow tail through an incision in the hair of the temple.

Temporal-midface lift. A temporal lift extended towards the cheekbone.

Frontalis muscle. The muscle that raises the eyebrows and creates horizontal forehead lines.

Supraorbital nerve. A sensory nerve of the forehead, responsible for post-operative numbness.

Frontal branch of the facial nerve. The nerve branch that controls the frontalis muscle.

Procerus. A muscle at the root of the nose, responsible for the horizontal line between the eyebrows.

Brow ptosis. Descent of the eyebrow below its normal position.

Orbital rim. The bony edge of the eye socket, a reference point for eyebrow position.

Around 40

The tail of the eyebrow often begins to descend by a few millimetres. The eyes look a little more tired at the end of the day. Botulinum toxin can slightly raise the eyebrow and soften lines; surgery is rarely necessary at this stage, except for naturally very low eyebrows.

Between 45 and 55

The descent of the eyebrow tail becomes visible, the upper eyelid looks heavier and forehead lines deepen. This is often the age for a temporal lift, alone or combined with a measured blepharoplasty.

Between 55 and 65

The whole eyebrow may have descended, the temples become hollow and the cheekbone slips. The endoscopic brow lift or temporal-midface lift often finds its best indication here, sometimes combined with a lower facelift.

After 65

The skin is thinner and the eyebrows lower, sometimes to the point of impairing vision. The surgeon adapts the technique and eyebrow height to the person's age for a coherent result. A direct brow lift may be a simple option for some patients.

After lifting the forehead and eyebrows, the surgeon must hold them in their new position for a few weeks, until the tissues reattach to the bone. It is fixation that ensures the result holds. Several methods exist.

Deep sutures

In the temporal region, the lifted tissues are sutured to a strong membrane covering the temporalis muscle. It is a simple and reliable method, widely used for the temporal lift.

Bone tunnels

The surgeon drills small tunnels in the skull bone, beneath the incisions, and passes sutures through them to hold the tissues. The method is solid and leaves no device in place once the sutures have been absorbed.

Temporary screws

Small screws are placed in the bone to serve as anchors, then removed after a few weeks.

Absorbable devices

Small devices with tines, fixed in the bone, hook into the tissues of the forehead and then dissolve within a few months. They can be felt under the scalp for a while. Our page on the Endotine endoscopic lift presents one of these devices.

Each method has its advantages; none is universally superior. What counts is that the surgeon has mastered it and adapts it to your anatomy. Ask them which one they use and why.

The incisions for brow and temple lifts are placed in the scalp. How discreet they are depends on their placement, their length, how they are closed and your hair.

Hair density

Thick hair easily hides the incisions. Fine or thinning hair requires more careful placement, sometimes a different technique.

The hairline

A classic endoscopic lift moves the hairline back slightly. In a person with a high forehead, the surgeon will favour a technique that does not accentuate it.

Hairstyle

If you wear your hair pulled back or very short, say so: the surgeon will adapt the incision line so that it remains invisible with your usual hairstyle.

Hair loss

Hair loss along the incisions is possible, usually temporary. Regrowth occurs within a few months. Smoking and tension on the scar increase this risk.

Care

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo after forty-eight hours, without rubbing the incisions. Avoid very hot hairdryers, straighteners and colouring for a few weeks.

The height of the forehead influences the choice of technique. In a person with a short forehead, raising the eyebrow through an incision in the scalp may lengthen the forehead further, which is generally well accepted. In a person with a high forehead or a receding hairline, the surgeon often prefers an incision at the hairline, which raises the eyebrow without lengthening the forehead, and may even lower it slightly.

This consideration of forehead proportion is essential for a harmonious result. During the consultation, the surgeon measures the distance between the eyebrow and the hairline and explains how the chosen technique will change it. In men with a receding hairline, the discussion also covers the future progression of baldness and the position of the scars.

When the incision is placed at the hairline, the surgeon draws it in a zigzag or bevel so that hair grows back through it and hides it. It remains pink for a few months, then fades. Combing the hair forward, with a light fringe, hides it during healing.

The temporal-midface lift deserves particular attention, as it links the upper third and the middle third of the face. It is intended for people whose eyes look tired not only because of the eyebrow, but also because the cheekbone has slipped down.

The principle

Through an incision hidden in the hair of the temple, the surgeon releases the tissues of the temporal region, then continues the dissection downwards, above and below the zygomatic arch, to the cheekbone. They free the attachments that hold the upper cheek, then lift everything towards the temple, where it is secured.

What it improves

The tail of the eyebrow rises, the eyes open up at the sides, the cheekbone regains a higher position and the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek shortens. The eyes look less hollow.

What it does not do

It does not treat the jawline or neck, does not remove lower eyelid bags and does not restore lost volume. It is often combined with lower blepharoplasty or fat transfer.

Recovery

It is slightly more noticeable than after a temporal lift, with swelling of the cheekbone and sometimes temporary difficulty smiling broadly. Bruising moves down to the lower eyelids.

Specific risks

The dissection runs close to the frontal branch and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve. Injury, which is rare, is usually temporary. The surgeon's experience is decisive here.

Men often seek advice because they look tired, sad or stern even though they feel well. In men, descent of the eyebrow, forehead lines and frown lines are common.

The surgeon respects a masculine eyebrow position: low, at the level of the orbital rim, and horizontal. Excessive lifting quickly feminises the eyes. They take present or future baldness into account when choosing the incisions; a temporal lift, whose incisions remain in the hair of the temples, is often preferred. In older men with thick eyebrows, a direct brow lift can also be a simple solution. Finally, a return to work in about two weeks suits many professional schedules.

"Fox eyes" refers to an almond-shaped look stretched towards the temples, very present on social media. It can be achieved with thread lifts, injections or surgical techniques close to the temporal lift.

The temporal lift primarily aims to correct a drooping eyebrow tail and open up tired eyes, by restoring a natural position. Fox eyes aims for a particular, more stretched shape of the eyes, which is an aesthetic choice. The two can overlap, but excessive stretching can look artificial, especially with age. Our page on fox eyes details these approaches and their limitations.

If you live far from the practice, ask whether some check-ups can be done using photos or with your family doctor. Between appointments, do not hesitate to call if you have the slightest doubt.

With video calls now widespread, many people see themselves on screen every day, often in unflattering lighting. A drooping eyebrow, eyelids that look heavy or pronounced frown lines then become more visible, giving an impression of tiredness or bad mood that does not match how the person really feels.

This realisation leads many patients to seek advice. Before considering a procedure, a few simple adjustments help: a camera at eye level, front lighting rather than from the ceiling. If the concern persists, an examination will show whether the eyebrow, the eyelid or both are involved, and which solution would be most appropriate.

• The exact technique: temporal, endoscopic brow, temporal-midface, pretrichial or direct lift.
• The fixation method used.
• Combined procedures costed separately: blepharoplasty, fat transfer, botulinum toxin.
• The type of anaesthesia and the anaesthetist's fees.
• Clinic costs, any overnight stay.
• Post-operative check-ups included.
• VAT, included or not.
• The conditions in the event of a touch-up or complication.
• The validity period and cancellation conditions.

Always compare two quotes like for like. The budget details, city by city, are on our page on brow and temporal-midface lift prices in Switzerland.

Targeting before travelling

A pre-assessment based on photos tells you whether a brow lift is relevant and helps you target a surgeon who performs the appropriate technique.

The day of the procedure

For a temporal lift performed as day surgery, arrange for someone to accompany you home. If the journey takes more than one or two hours, a night near the practice is more comfortable, with a swollen forehead and eyelids beginning to swell.

Follow-up

Staples or stitches can sometimes be removed by your family doctor, according to the surgeon's instructions. Later check-ups can often be done using photos.

If there is a problem

Contact the practice first. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 144, then inform the surgeon.

A brow or temple lift brings a lasting benefit, which a few simple steps help preserve: sun protection for the forehead and temples all year round, a healthy lifestyle, not smoking and, if you wish, occasional botulinum toxin injections to limit the return of forehead and frown lines. Skincare and, later on, treatments such as laser or a peel improve the texture and fine lines that surgery does not treat.

"Why not just the eyelids?"

Because in many patients, it is the eyebrow that has descended. Raising the eyebrow opens up the eyes without removing eyelid skin, or by removing much less.

"Will it show?"

In the first few days, yes: the swelling and bruising around the eyes are visible. After that, the eyes simply look more rested, with no visible scar on the face.

"How can I help you?"

By accompanying you on the day of the procedure, preparing your home, helping you in the first few days and checking that no unusual signs appear.

"Will you look surprised?"

A good surgeon plans a natural eyebrow position. A slightly surprised look may exist in the first few weeks, then fades.

• Is coverage possible if the drooping eyebrow reduces my field of vision, and which documents are required?
• How would care related to a complication be covered?
• Are the pre-operative tests covered in this context?
• Does my loss-of-earnings insurance cover incapacity for work related to a complication?

Always ask for a written answer before the procedure.

Your family doctor can prescribe the pre-operative check-up, review your treatments, particularly blood-thinning ones, and refer you to an ophthalmologist if visual impairment needs to be documented. After the procedure, they can remove some stitches or staples according to the surgeon's instructions and see you quickly if you have any doubts. Give them a copy of the operative report.

The interview

The surgeon asks what bothers you: a tired, sad or stern look, heavy eyelids, forehead lines. They note your medical history, treatments, any recent injections, previous eyelid surgery, dry eyes or visual impairment.

Examination of the eyebrow

They measure the position of the eyebrow relative to the bony rim of the eye socket, on each side, at rest and with the eyebrows raised. They observe whether the frontalis muscle is constantly working to compensate, which reveals a descended eyebrow.

Examination of the eyelids

They assess the excess skin on the upper eyelid while raising the eyebrow to its ideal position, to distinguish the role of the eyebrow from that of the eyelid. They also examine the lower eyelids and the junction with the cheek.

Forehead and hair

They measure the height of the forehead, observe the hairline and hair density, and ask about your usual hairstyle, in order to choose the technique and the placement of the incisions.

The proposal

They explain the diagnosis, the proposed technique, what it will achieve and what it will not correct, the recovery, the risks and the budget. They give you time to reflect.

Forehead lines are often the first reason for seeking advice, even before eyebrow position. Understanding them helps you choose the right treatment.

Horizontal lines

They are etched by the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows. When the eyebrows descend, this muscle works harder, often without you realising, and the lines deepen. A brow lift relieves this muscle and softens them; botulinum toxin reduces them by relaxing it.

Frown lines

They form between the eyebrows, through the action of the corrugator and procerus muscles that knit the brows. They give a stern or annoyed look. The endoscopic brow lift allows these muscles to be weakened lastingly; botulinum toxin does so for a few months.

Very deep lines

When lines are long-standing and etched into the skin itself, no procedure erases them completely. Skin treatments such as laser, a peel or injections can complement the result.

Combining approaches

Many patients combine a brow lift, which corrects the position and relieves the muscles, with occasional botulinum toxin injections to maintain the result on the lines.

Having blepharoplasty without examining the eyebrow

This is the most common mistake. If the eyebrow has descended, removing eyelid skin makes the eyes look even heavier.

Raising the eyebrows too high

A surprised or frozen look betrays the procedure. A measured lift, adapted to your face, is better.

Forgetting the temples

Hollow temples accentuate the drop of the eyebrow tail. Combined filling often improves the result.

Wearing a helmet again too soon

A helmet that presses on the forehead and temples during healing can compromise the fixation.

Judging too soon

The slightly surprised look of the first few weeks fades. The result is judged at three or six months.

The eyes are often the first area to betray the years, well before the jawline or neck. Eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body, the eyebrows begin to descend from the forties, and the temples become hollow early in slim people. As the eyes are also where the people we talk to look first, these changes greatly alter the perceived expression: tired, sad or stern.

That is why many patients first seek advice about their eyes. Carefully analysing what has changed, from the eyebrow to the cheekbone, makes it possible to choose the right procedure, often lighter than you might think: a temporal lift under local anaesthesia may be enough to open up eyes that were closing.

Do the mirror test

Gently raising the tail of your eyebrows with your fingers gives you a first idea of the eyebrow's role.

Get a first opinion

A pre-assessment based on photos specifies whether a brow lift, blepharoplasty or both would be appropriate.

Consult and compare

Two consultations allow you to compare diagnoses, proposed techniques and quotes.

Organise your recovery

Allow ten to fourteen days, someone to accompany you, and a break from helmets and intense sport.

Be patient

The result stabilises within a few months; compare your photos at three and six months.

Many people use permanent make-up or microblading to redefine their eyebrows. If this applies to you, tell the surgeon: a lift moves the natural eyebrow and, with it, the pigment.

If the design was created to compensate for a drooping eyebrow, for example by tattooing it higher than the hairs, the lift may raise everything beyond the desired position. The surgeon takes this into account in planning, sometimes basing it on the position of the hairs rather than that of the pigment. You may be advised to wait until after the procedure before redoing permanent make-up, then to adapt the new design to the final position of the eyebrows after a few months. Poorly placed pigment can also be faded with laser tattoo removal.

Hypertension

Well-controlled blood pressure reduces the risk of haematoma. Have it checked by your family doctor before the procedure.

Blood-thinning treatments

Anticoagulants, antiplatelets and certain supplements must be managed with the prescribing doctor and the anaesthetist. Never stop them on your own.

Eye problems

Dry eyes, glaucoma or previous eye surgery must be reported, especially if blepharoplasty is combined.

Diabetes

Well-controlled diabetes allows the procedure; poorly controlled diabetes slows healing.

Migraines

Some migraine sufferers report an improvement after weakening of the muscles between the eyebrows, others do not. It is not an indication for the procedure, but it is useful information to share with the surgeon.

People who wear glasses often have practical questions. The arms must not press on the temporal incisions during the first few weeks; a temporary adjustment by the optician can help. Contact lenses can generally be worn again after a few days, when swelling of the eyelids allows, according to the surgeon's instructions. Sunglasses are useful for protecting the eyes from light and hiding bruising on your first outings. Finally, a raised eyebrow may slightly change how a frame sits on the face: some patients take the opportunity to choose a new one.

Before booking an appointment, you can get a first opinion from photos. This is particularly useful for finding out whether the eyebrow, the eyelid or both are involved.

• A front photo, face relaxed, looking straight ahead.
• A front photo with your eyebrows raised as high as possible.
• A front photo with your eyes closed, without squeezing them.
• Two profiles and two three-quarter views.
• If possible, a photo of yourself ten or fifteen years earlier.

Take them in natural light, without make-up, with your hair tied back to clear the forehead. Include your medical history, treatments and any recent injections. A surgeon tells you which procedure seems appropriate and what budget to plan for. This opinion does not replace the examination, but it is a useful step in preparing the consultation.

Brow lifts remain entirely possible in older people in good health. The skin is thinner, the eyebrows are often lower, and the drooping may impair upward vision. The surgeon adapts the eyebrow height to the person's age for a coherent result, and may propose a temporal lift or a direct brow lift, which are simpler, rather than a full endoscopic brow lift. If visual impairment is documented by an ophthalmologist, a coverage request can be sent to the insurer.

A brow lift changes the perceived expression of the eyes, which can have a significant effect on how you feel and how others perceive you. The most satisfied patients are those who want eyes that match how they feel: rested rather than tired, open rather than sad, serene rather than stern. A decision made under pressure from others or from idealised images carries a greater risk of disappointment. Take time to reflect, talk to your family doctor or someone close to you, and allow an interval between the consultation and the decision.

After the procedure, ask for the operative report. It specifies the technique, the fixation method, combined procedures and instructions. Keep it with your prescriptions and invoice. It will be useful to your family doctor, to any practitioner who follows you later and to you yourself if you ever consider another facial procedure, such as blepharoplasty or a lower facelift.

Day 1

The forehead and temples are swollen and tight, and the scalp numb. You rest quietly, with your head raised and cold compresses as instructed. Simple painkillers are generally enough.

Days 2 and 3

The swelling starts to move down towards the eyelids, which may swell and change colour. This is the most striking stage, but it is not serious. Hair can often be washed gently.

Days 4 and 5

Bruising around the eyes peaks, then starts to turn yellow. You generally feel well and can take short walks, wearing sunglasses.

Days 6 and 7

Swelling decreases markedly. Many patients resume light activity or work from home. The first staples or stitches may be removed, depending on the surgeon.

After a brow lift, a feeling of wearing a tight cap, squeezing or moderate headaches are common in the first few days, linked to swelling and fixation of the tissues. They respond to usual painkillers and decrease quickly. In some migraine sufferers, relaxation of forehead muscles has even sometimes been associated with fewer attacks, but this is not an indication for the procedure. An intense, unusual headache with fever or visual disturbance requires you to contact the team.

The face is divided into three levels: the upper third, from the forehead to the eyebrows; the middle third, from the lower eyelids to the upper lip; and the lower third, from the mouth to the neck. They do not age at the same pace, and harmonious rejuvenation takes all three into account.

Rejuvenating the lower face with a neck and face lift while leaving tired eyes creates a mismatch, as does the reverse. During the consultation, a good surgeon examines the whole and explains which levels would benefit most from a procedure, and in what order. Some patients prefer to treat everything at once, others spread procedures over several years. Both approaches are legitimate, provided the overall plan is coherent. See our guide to facelifts in Switzerland for an overview.

Patients with tired eyes and a descended cheekbone often wonder whether they need a temporal-midface lift or a facelift. The answer depends on which level is most affected.

The temporal-midface lift is a lighter procedure, with a shorter recovery; a facelift treats areas it does not reach. The surgeon helps you choose according to your face.

The endoscope is a thin tube fitted with a camera and a light source, connected to a screen. Introduced through a small incision in the scalp, it allows the surgeon to see, in a magnified image, the deep structures of the forehead: bone, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. They work with long, fine instruments introduced through the other incisions.

This direct view makes it possible to release the tissues in the correct plane, identify and protect the sensory nerves that emerge above the eyes, precisely free the attachments of the eyebrow and judge how much to weaken the muscles between the eyebrows. This is what has made it possible to replace the long incision of the coronal lift with a few short incisions, with less numbness and a lower risk of hair loss.

Eyebrows play a major role in non-verbal communication. Their position and shape influence how others perceive our state of mind. Low eyebrows drawn together suggest anger or concentration; a drooping tail suggests sadness or tiredness; high eyebrows suggest surprise.

When ageing lowers the eyebrows, our face may thus constantly express an emotion we do not feel. That is why many patients explain that people often ask them whether they are tired or upset. A well-judged brow lift corrects this mismatch between what we feel and what we express, without changing the identity of the face.

A brow or temple lift brings a lasting benefit, but ageing continues. Years later, some patients want another correction. It is entirely possible: the surgeon takes into account the previous incisions and fixation, the current position of the eyebrows and how the forehead and temples have changed.

A second lift is often more measured than the first, and may be limited to a temporal lift or filling of the temples. Give the surgeon the report from the first procedure: it will show the technique and fixation method used. An eyebrow that dropped again quickly after the first procedure, however, is usually dealt with by a touch-up in the following months.

Some people have naturally low eyebrows, sometimes from the age of twenty or thirty. Their eyes look tired or stern well before the first signs of ageing. For them, a temporal lift or endoscopic brow lift can open up the eyes lastingly.

In these young patients, the surgeon is particularly careful not to create a surprised look and to respect the proportions of the face. They also check that it is not a habit of frowning that could be improved with botulinum toxin injections. A cautious approach, possibly starting with the least invasive solution, is often recommended.

Athletes

Sports involving a helmet, those that expose you to facial impacts and intense endurance sports require a break of several weeks. Plan the procedure around your sporting season.

Musicians

Wind instrumentalists and singers use the facial muscles and build up pressure in the head. A gradual return, discussed with the surgeon, is advisable.

Public-facing professions

Actors, presenters and people who frequently speak in public: allow a margin of at least a month before an important event, while your expression returns to normal.

In summer, the heat encourages swelling, and sun protection of the forehead and incisions is more demanding. In winter, the ski season means several weeks without a helmet. Autumn and late winter, outside the ski holidays, are therefore often the most comfortable periods. School holidays and public holidays, which vary from canton to canton, can help limit the number of days off you need to take.

Under the eyebrow lies a small fat pad, located behind the muscle that surrounds the eye. It supports the tail of the eyebrow and gives the eyes their fullness. With age, it shrinks or descends, which accentuates the heaviness of the upper eyelid and the drooping of the eyebrow.

During a brow lift or blepharoplasty, the surgeon can reposition this pad, preserve it or, conversely, remove an excess in some people. In patients with hollow eyes, they avoid removing it and may even propose adding volume. This anatomical detail illustrates why rejuvenating the eyes requires careful analysis rather than simple skin removal.

If you live alone, a few precautions make recovery more relaxed. Arrange for a relative or friend to be with you at least for the journey home and the first night. Prepare simple meals in advance and keep what you will need within reach. Keep your phone and the practice's number close by. If no one is available, your doctor can prescribe visits from a home nurse; home help and home care services exist in every canton. After a temporal lift performed as day surgery, most patients are independent from the next day.

A successful result starts with good communication with the surgeon. Say in your own words what bothers you: a tired look, a feeling of heavy eyelids, a stern look, forehead lines. Bring photos of yourself when younger that show the natural position of your eyebrows. If you have photos of results you like in mind, show them, bearing in mind that they serve to express a direction, not to copy a face.

Ask the surgeon to show you, in the mirror, the eyebrow height and shape they envisage. This simple simulation avoids many misunderstandings. Finally, also say what you do not want: a surprised look, a visible scar, too long a recovery. The surgeon will adapt the proposal accordingly.

In some people, often older, drooping of the eyebrow and upper eyelid skin is such that it reduces the upward field of vision. They have to lift their chin or raise their eyebrows constantly to see properly, which causes fatigue and sometimes headaches.

In this situation, the procedure is no longer purely cosmetic. An ophthalmologist can measure the reduction in the field of vision with a specific test, with and without manually lifting the eyebrow and eyelid. These results, accompanied by photos and a medical report, allow a prior cost approval request to be sent to the insurer before the procedure. The decision lies with the insurer and is never automatic. Only the functional part of the procedure is concerned; any associated cosmetic procedure remains at the patient's expense.

• Have I understood whether my problem comes from the eyebrow, the eyelid or both?
• Is the proposed technique suited to my forehead, my hair and my hairstyle?
• Have I seen the planned eyebrow height in the mirror?
• Does my quote specify the technique, fixation, anaesthesia, check-ups and VAT?
• Have I arranged for someone to accompany me home and, if necessary, a night near the clinic?
• Have I organised ten to fourteen days of recovery, and a break from helmets and intense sport?
• Have I reported my treatments, recent injections and any permanent make-up?
• Have I taken the time to compare and reflect?

If you can answer yes to these questions, your project is well prepared.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Brow and temporal-midface lift: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Neck and face lift in Switzerland
• Deep plane facelift in Switzerland
• Double chin: FaceTite and J-Plasma in Switzerland
• Endotine endoscopic lift in Switzerland
• Rhinoplasty in Switzerland

Our guides

• Facelift in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the questions most often asked by patients living in Switzerland about brow and temple lifts. Budget questions are detailed on our page on brow and temporal-midface lift prices in Switzerland.

Understanding these procedures

What is a brow lift? It is a procedure that raises the whole of the eyebrows and softens forehead lines. Today it is usually performed endoscopically, through three to five small incisions hidden in the scalp. The surgeon releases the tissues of the forehead, frees the attachments that hold the eyebrows down, may weaken the muscles responsible for the frown lines, then secures everything in a higher position. The eyes open up and the expression looks more rested. It is mainly suitable for people whose eyebrows are low overall, with forehead lines deepened by constantly raising the eyebrows.

What is a temporal lift? It is a more targeted procedure that mainly lifts the tail of the eyebrow and the temple area. Through an incision a few centimetres long in the hair of each temple, the surgeon releases and lifts the temporal tissues. The eyes open up at the sides and lose their sad look. It is a lighter procedure than a full brow lift, often performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. It is particularly appreciated when only the outer part of the eyebrow has dropped, which is often the first sign of ageing around the eyes.

What is a temporal-midface lift? It is an extension of the temporal lift towards the cheekbone. Through the same temporal incision, the surgeon releases the tissues down to the upper cheek and lifts them towards the temple. It improves the tail of the eyebrow, the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek, and the contour of the cheekbone, with no visible scar on the face. It is a worthwhile procedure for people who want to rejuvenate the eye area and upper cheek without a lower facelift.

What is the difference between a brow lift and a temporal lift? A brow lift treats the whole forehead and eyebrows, including their inner part and the frown lines. A temporal lift only treats the outer part of the eyebrow and the temple. If only the tail of the eyebrow has dropped, a temporal lift is often enough; if the eyebrows are low overall or the forehead is very lined, a brow lift is more appropriate. The surgeon chooses after an examination; they may also propose a stronger temporal lift on one side in the case of asymmetry.

Does an endoscopic lift leave scars? It leaves three to five small scars, one to two centimetres long, placed in the scalp behind the hairline. They are hidden by the hair and become very discreet. In people with very thin or no hair at the front, the surgeon adapts their placement. Their placement is adapted to your hairstyle and hair density; tell the surgeon if you wear your hair pulled back.

Does a brow lift erase forehead lines? It often softens them considerably, because by raising the eyebrows it relieves the frontalis muscle, which no longer needs to contract constantly. It does not always erase them completely, particularly when they are long-standing and deep. Botulinum toxin injections or skin treatments can complement the result later on. This relief of the frontalis muscle continues over time, which slows the return of horizontal lines.

Does a brow lift treat frown lines? It can soften them, as the surgeon can weaken the corrugator and procerus muscles responsible for this vertical line between the eyebrows. The effect is often lasting. A very deep line may require additional treatment. Weakening these muscles too much could, however, push the eyebrows apart; the surgeon judges the procedure carefully.

What is the endoscopic approach? It is a technique that uses a fine camera introduced through small incisions. The surgeon sees on a screen the deep structures being operated on, allowing precise work without a large incision. It has largely replaced the coronal lift, which required a long scar across the top of the head. It limits scar length, scalp numbness and the risk of hair loss compared with open techniques.

What is a coronal lift? It is an older technique, with an incision running from one ear to the other across the top of the head. It allows significant correction, but leaves a long scar in the hair and more extensive numbness. Today it is reserved for particular situations. It remains useful in some patients with a short forehead and dense hair, when a very significant correction is needed.

What is a pretrichial lift? It is a technique in which the incision follows the hairline. It is useful in people with a very high forehead, as it allows the eyebrows to be raised without moving the hairline further back, and can even slightly shorten the forehead. The scar, at the edge of the hair, must be made with great care. The scar generally fades well over time, especially as hair can grow back through it if it is bevelled.

What is a direct brow lift? It is a simple procedure that involves removing a strip of skin just above the eyebrow to raise it. It leaves a scar along the upper edge of the eyebrow, more visible than incisions in the hair. It is mainly offered to older patients with thick eyebrows, or in cases of facial paralysis. Its main advantage is precision: it allows exactly the portion of the eyebrow that has dropped to be corrected.

How does the eyebrow stay in place after the procedure? During healing, the lifted tissues must be held in place until they reattach to the deep layers. Surgeons use sutures in the deep tissues of the temple, small tunnels in the bone, temporary screws or absorbable devices that dissolve within a few months. Our page on the Endotine endoscopic lift presents one of these devices. The choice of method depends on the surgeon's habits, the thickness of the tissues and the extent of the lift.

How long does the procedure take? A temporal lift generally takes one to one and a half hours. An endoscopic brow lift or temporal-midface lift takes more like two to three hours. The duration increases if other procedures are combined, such as blepharoplasty or fat transfer. You are told the exact duration at the consultation, along with the type of anaesthesia and the length of monitoring.

What anaesthesia is used for the procedure? A temporal lift can be performed under local anaesthesia combined with sedation. An endoscopic brow lift or temporal-midface lift is often performed under general anaesthesia, especially when combined with other procedures. The choice is made with the anaesthetist according to your health. Local anaesthesia often allows you to go home the same day; general anaesthesia may justify a night at the clinic.

Does the hair need to be shaved? Generally, no. The hair is simply parted along the incisions, sometimes shaved along a very narrow strip. Once the hair is combed back, nothing is visible. Hair can generally be washed after forty-eight hours, and a normal hairstyle hides the incisions from the first few days.

Does a brow lift change your expression? It should soften it, not transform it. A well-repositioned eyebrow opens up the eyes and removes a sad or stern look. An eyebrow raised too high, however, gives a surprised look. Planning the height and shape of the eyebrow is therefore an essential step. A mirror simulation, gently raising your eyebrows with your fingers, helps you visualise the expected effect with your surgeon.

Do these procedures treat the eyelids? No, not directly. They lift the eyebrow, which reduces the apparent excess skin on the upper eyelid. If the eyelid itself has excess skin or bags, blepharoplasty can be combined. That is why many surgeons always examine the eyebrow before proposing blepharoplasty.

Does the temporal-midface lift treat under-eye circles? It can improve the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek by lifting the upper cheek, which softens a hollow-eyed look. It does not treat fat bags in the lower eyelid or pigmented dark circles. Lower blepharoplasty or fat transfer can complement the result. Pigmented dark circles, linked to skin colour, call for dermatological treatment.

Are these procedures recent? The brow lift has existed for a long time, but the endoscopic approach spread from the 1990s onwards. Temporal and temporal-midface techniques developed alongside it. They now have a substantial clinical track record. They have benefited from many improvements, notably in fixation methods and endoscopic instruments.

Can a brow lift and a facelift be done at the same time? Yes, it is a common combination that rejuvenates all three levels of the face. The procedure is longer and the recovery a little more demanding, but a single anaesthetic and a single recovery period are enough. The surgeon checks that the total length of the procedure remains reasonable given your health.

Who are they for?

At what age can a brow or temporal lift be performed? There is no fixed age. These procedures mainly concern people aged forty to seventy, but some people have naturally low eyebrows from a young age. Age counts for less than the position of the eyebrow, tissue quality and general health. A thirty-five-year-old with naturally very low eyebrows may benefit, as may a seventy-year-old in good health.

How can I tell whether my eyebrow has dropped? Do the mirror test: with your face relaxed, gently raise the tail of your eyebrows with your fingertips. If your eyes open up clearly and the excess skin on the upper eyelid decreases, the descent of the eyebrow plays an important role. Comparing with photos of yourself when younger can also be revealing. Taking a relaxed front photo and comparing it with one from ten or fifteen years ago is often very telling.

Blepharoplasty or brow lift: how do I choose? If the excess eyelid skin persists when the eyebrow is raised, the eyelid is the cause and blepharoplasty is appropriate. If the excess disappears, the eyebrow has descended, and a temporal or brow lift is more appropriate. Often, both are combined; the surgeon then repositions the eyebrow first, then removes the remaining excess skin. The order of the steps is essential: reposition the eyebrow first, then remove the remaining excess skin.

Why not just have blepharoplasty? Because if the eyebrow has descended, removing eyelid skin would bring the eyebrow even closer to the eye and make the eyes look heavier. The result would be disappointing, and the eyebrow could even look lower than before. That is why examining the position of the eyebrow is essential before any blepharoplasty. Overly generous blepharoplasty, performed without taking the eyebrow into account, is also difficult to correct afterwards.

Is a brow lift suitable for a high forehead? A classic endoscopic lift tends to move the hairline back slightly. In someone whose forehead is already high, a pretrichial lift, with an incision at the hairline, or a limited temporal lift may be preferable. The surgeon measures the height of the forehead during the consultation. A temporal lift, which only acts on the tail of the eyebrow, may also suit high foreheads, as it changes the hairline very little.

Is a brow lift suitable for men? Yes, but with precautions. In men, the eyebrow is naturally lower and more horizontal; it must not be raised too much, or the eyes will look feminised. Present or future baldness must also be taken into account when choosing the incisions. Excessive lifting in men quickly gives a surprised or feminised look; caution is therefore essential.

What about baldness? Frontal baldness or a significantly receding hairline makes the incisions harder to hide. The surgeon may then propose a temporal lift, whose incisions remain in the hair of the temples, or a direct brow lift in some men. They also take the probable progression of baldness into account. A hair transplant can sometimes be considered separately to redefine the hairline; see our page on hair transplants.

My eyebrows are asymmetrical: can they be corrected? Asymmetry due to laxity can be improved by adapting the lift on each side. Significant bony or muscular asymmetry does not disappear completely. The surgeon will explain what is realistic. The surgeon will show you, in the mirror, the realistic correction for each side.

Can the procedure be performed after botulinum toxin injections? Yes. Give the date of your last injections; the surgeon may request an interval before the procedure, as the toxin temporarily changes the position of the eyebrows and the activity of the muscles, which skews the assessment. An interval of three to four months after the last injection is often advised for the eyebrows to return to a natural position.

Can a brow lift replace botulinum toxin? It can lastingly reduce the activity of the frown muscles and relieve the frontalis muscle, which often reduces the need for injections. It does not always replace them completely. Many patients continue with less frequent injections to maintain the result. Some patients appreciate being able to space out, or even stop, injections they used to repeat every few months.

Can the procedure be performed if I have dry eyes? Dry eyes must be reported and assessed, particularly if blepharoplasty is combined. A brow lift alone has little effect on eyelid closure, but excessive lifting could temporarily interfere with closing the eyes. A prior eye examination may be requested in case of doubt.

Is smoking an obstacle? Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications, particularly hair loss along the incisions. Stopping for several weeks before and after the procedure is strongly recommended. Stopping smoking also improves skin quality and the long-term result.

Are these procedures suitable after facial paralysis? Facial paralysis can cause the eyebrow to drop on one side, affecting vision and symmetry. A direct brow lift or other techniques may be offered as part of reconstructive surgery, possibly covered by insurance depending on the situation. These situations fall under reconstructive surgery and are managed in specialised departments.

Can a drooping eyebrow affect vision? In some advanced cases, drooping of the eyebrow and eyelid skin reduces the upper field of vision. This functional impairment can be documented by an ophthalmologist. In these situations, insurance coverage can sometimes be discussed, on prior request. Documentation by a visual field test carried out by the ophthalmologist is generally requested by the insurer.

Is the temporal-midface lift suitable for everyone? It is mainly suitable for people whose eyebrow tail has dropped and whose cheekbone has begun to descend, with a hollow-eyed look. If laxity mainly affects the lower face and neck, a neck and face lift will be more appropriate. After examination, the surgeon will tell you whether the cheekbone should be lifted or whether filling with fat transfer would be more appropriate.

What expectations are realistic? More open eyes, a more rested expression, a smoother forehead and, for the temporal-midface lift, a better-positioned cheekbone. These procedures do not treat the lower face or skin quality, nor always all lines. The aim is a rested look, not a surprised one. The most satisfied patients are those looking for a rested look in keeping with their age.

Do I need to be in perfect health? You need to be in good general health, with chronic conditions well controlled. Hypertension, coagulation disorders, diabetes and anticoagulant treatment must be reported and assessed. Your family doctor can help you prepare your medical file and stabilise your treatments before the procedure.

Can I get a first opinion without travelling? Yes. A pre-assessment based on photos — front, profile and three-quarter views, plus one photo with your eyebrows raised and another with your eyes closed — allows a surgeon to give a first opinion. The clinical examination remains essential to confirm the indication. This preliminary opinion lets you know whether it is worth consulting and which technique would be considered.

How does it differ from "fox eyes"? Fox eyes refers to an almond-shaped look stretched towards the temples. It can be achieved with surgical techniques close to the temporal lift, or with threads. Our page on fox eyes presents these approaches and their limitations. It is important to check that the desired result remains harmonious with your face and your age.

My eyelids have always been heavy: can a lift help? If your eyebrows are naturally low, a temporal or brow lift can open up your eyes. If it is the eyelid itself that is heavy, blepharoplasty is more appropriate. Only an examination can tell the difference. The position of your eyebrows in photos from your youth helps the surgeon distinguish between constitution and ageing.

Recovery and results

How long is the recovery? Generally allow ten to fourteen days before normal social life. In the first few days, the forehead and temples are swollen, then the swelling and bruising move down towards the eyelids. The result then gradually stabilises over a few months. Working from home often allows you to resume work from the first week.

Why do the eyes swell after a brow lift? Under the effect of gravity, swelling and small bleeds from the forehead move down towards the softer eyelids two to three days after the procedure. The eyes may then look puffy and bruised. This is normal and temporary; sleeping with your head raised helps limit it. Cold compresses, as instructed, and keeping the head raised reduce this effect.

Is bruising common? Bruising around the eyes is common after a brow or temporal-midface lift. It changes from purple to yellow and generally disappears within two weeks. Sunglasses help for your first outings. Concealing make-up, once the incisions are closed, helps hide it.

Is it painful? Pain is generally moderate: tightness of the scalp, a squeezing sensation at the temples and sometimes headaches in the first few days. Simple painkillers are usually enough. Severe pain that increases must be reported. Taking painkillers at regular intervals in the first few days improves comfort.

Does the forehead stay numb? Numbness of the forehead and scalp behind the incisions is common for several weeks to several months. Sensation gradually returns, often accompanied by itching or tingling. Lasting discomfort is rare. During this period, protect your scalp from the sun and sources of heat.

My eyebrows look too high: is this normal? At first, yes, often. Many surgeons slightly overcorrect, because the tissues drop back a little during healing. The slightly surprised look of the first few weeks generally fades within one to two months. You need to wait a few weeks before judging the final height of the eyebrows.

When can I wash my hair? Generally after forty-eight hours, according to the surgeon's instructions, with a mild shampoo and without rubbing the incisions. Use the hairdryer on a warm setting, as the numb scalp does not sense heat well. Avoid harsh shampoos, sprays and styling products on the incisions for the first few weeks.

When are the staples or stitches removed? Staples or stitches in the scalp are generally removed between the seventh and fourteenth day. Absorbable fixation devices, if used, dissolve by themselves within a few months. If you live far away, your family doctor can sometimes remove them according to the surgeon's written instructions.

When can I go back to work? For office work, many patients return after about ten days, sometimes sooner when working from home. For a job involving contact with the public, wait until the bruising around the eyes has gone, about two weeks. A job involving exposure to sun or heat requires a few more precautions.

When can I resume sport? Walking resumes from the first few days. Gentle exercise resumes around the third week, intense sport after four to six weeks. Avoid sports with a risk of head impact and wearing a tight helmet for several weeks. Contact sports and activities with a risk of facial impact have to wait longer.

Can I wear a helmet or hat? Until the fixation has consolidated, avoid anything that presses on the forehead and temples: cycling or ski helmets, tight headbands, compressive hats. Your surgeon will tell you when you can wear them again, generally after a few weeks. A loose, light, wide-brimmed hat is often allowed sooner for sun protection.

Can I wear make-up? Eye and face make-up can resume after about a week, away from the incisions. A concealer helps hide residual bruising around the eyes. Remove make-up gently, without pulling on the eyelid skin.

When can I colour my hair? Colouring and highlights generally have to wait four to six weeks, until the scalp incisions have healed well. Tell your hairdresser about the procedure. A hairdresser who has been told will avoid pulling on the hair near the incisions.

When is the result final? The result stabilises within three to six months, and is considered final at around six to twelve months, when the swelling has completely disappeared and the tissues have adhered in their new position. Compare photos taken under the same conditions, before and after, to judge objectively.

How long does the result last? The result of a brow or temple lift generally lasts many years. Ageing continues, but from a more favourable position. The quality of fixation during healing plays an important role in how long it lasts. Sun protection for the forehead and a healthy lifestyle help the result last.

Can the eyebrows drop again? A partial drop is possible over time, especially if the fixation gave way during healing or if the laxity was very significant. Following the post-operative instructions, in particular avoiding frowning and raising the eyebrows strongly in the first few weeks, helps preserve the result. Solid fixation during the first few weeks is one of the key factors in how well the result holds.

Do I need to sleep in a particular way? Sleep on your back, with your head raised, for one to two weeks. This position limits swelling and avoids pressure on the temples. A U-shaped pillow can help you avoid turning your head during the night.

Can I wear glasses? Yes, making sure the arms do not press on the temporal incisions. Sunglasses are useful for hiding bruising and protecting your eyes from light in the first few days. If your glasses press on your temples, ask your optician for a temporary adjustment.

When can I drive? Generally after a few days, when swelling of the eyelids no longer impairs your vision and you are no longer taking medication that reduces alertness. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Do not drive again while swelling of the eyelids reduces your field of vision.

Will those close to me notice the procedure? In the first few days, yes, because of the swelling and bruising. After that, most people around you notice more rested and open eyes without identifying exactly what has changed. Scheduling the procedure at the start of a holiday period preserves your discretion.

Risks and safety

What are the main risks? Numbness of the forehead and scalp, asymmetry, overcorrection giving a surprised look, partial dropping of the eyebrows, hair loss along the incisions and, more rarely, injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve, haematoma or infection. The surgeon will explain the risks relevant to your situation. Most of these effects are temporary and resolve within a few weeks to a few months.

Can I lose the ability to raise my eyebrows? A branch of the facial nerve, which controls the frontalis muscle, runs through the temple area. Injury to it, which is rare, temporarily prevents you from raising the eyebrow on one side. It is usually due to stretching and recovers within a few weeks to a few months. The surgeon identifies the path of this nerve during planning and dissects in the plane that protects it.

Can the result look artificial? Yes, if the eyebrows are raised too high or in the wrong direction, giving a surprised or frozen look. Careful planning, taking into account the ideal eyebrow position for your face and sex, avoids this risk. Ask to see results at more than six months, from the front and in profile, to judge the surgeon's style.

Can I lose hair? Localised hair loss along the incisions is possible, usually temporary, with regrowth within a few months. It is encouraged by tension on the incisions and by smoking. Smoking and tension on the incisions increase this risk.

Can numbness be permanent? Lasting loss of sensation is rare. In the vast majority of cases, sensation gradually returns within a few months. Itching during nerve regrowth is common. The itching that accompanies the return of sensation is a good sign of nerve regrowth.

Can there be asymmetry? Slight asymmetry is common at first, due to uneven swelling. It generally corrects itself over time. Lasting asymmetry can be corrected with a small touch-up. Both sides of the face do not always progress at the same pace during healing.

What happens if the eyebrows drop again? A partial drop can be corrected with a touch-up, generally after several months. Ask before the procedure about the conditions for any touch-up. A touch-up is generally performed after six months, once the tissues have stabilised.

Is a haematoma possible? Yes, as after any surgery, but it is rarer than after a lower facelift. Sudden, painful and asymmetrical swelling must be reported without delay. It is treated quickly by drainage, generally with no consequence for the result.

Can the fixation devices be felt? Some absorbable devices can be felt under the scalp to the touch for a few weeks or months before dissolving. Temporary screws, if used, are removed. The surgeon will explain what you might feel. These sensations disappear as the absorbable devices dissolve.

Which signs should alert me? Sudden, painful swelling, spreading redness, fever above 38.5 °C, abnormal discharge from the incisions, a sudden drop in vision or intense eye pain. Contact the team immediately; in an emergency, call 144. Keep the practice's number to hand during the first few days.

Can a brow lift interfere with closing the eyes? Excessive lifting of the eyebrow could temporarily interfere with complete closure of the eyelids, especially if upper blepharoplasty is combined. Careful planning and a prior assessment of dry eyes limit this risk. Artificial tears may be prescribed if temporary dryness occurs.

Does smoking increase the risks? Yes. It slows healing and increases the risk of hair loss along the incisions and of complications. Stopping before and after the procedure is strongly recommended. Nicotine replacement products and e-cigarettes should also be discussed with the surgeon.

Do I need to stop certain medicines? Aspirin, anti-inflammatories and certain supplements, such as high-dose vitamin E, ginkgo or omega-3, increase the risk of bleeding. They are generally stopped one to two weeks beforehand, on medical advice. Anticoagulants are managed with the prescribing doctor. Never change a prescribed treatment without medical advice.

Is the procedure safe for older people? In a person in good health, yes, after an appropriate pre-operative check-up. Thinner skin and possible baldness may point towards a particular technique. The surgeon may propose a less extensive technique to limit the length of the procedure.

What if the result is insufficient? Talk to your surgeon, bearing in mind that the result stabilises over several months. If a defect persists, a touch-up or an additional procedure can be discussed. Having clearly defined your expectations before the procedure limits misunderstandings.

Who should perform the procedure? A plastic surgeon, or a surgeon specialising in oculoplastic or maxillofacial surgery trained in these techniques. Check the specialist title in the MedReg register and ask about their experience with endoscopic or temporal lifts. The surgeon's experience with the endoscopic technique is an essential criterion.

How can I reduce my risks? Choose an experienced surgeon, stop smoking, report all your medical history and treatments, follow the instructions on stopping blood-thinning products, rest, and avoid exertion and helmets in the first few weeks. Attending the post-operative check-ups allows any abnormality to be detected quickly.

Is an infection possible? It is rare thanks to the good blood supply of the scalp. Warm redness, discharge or fever require prompt medical attention. The incision care recommended by the surgeon limits this risk.

Can the scar widen? The incisions in the scalp can sometimes widen slightly, especially if they were closed under tension. A widened scar can be revised or camouflaged if necessary. A widened scar in the hair can also be camouflaged with a small hair transplant if necessary.

Are complications covered by insurance? For a cosmetic procedure, health insurance may not cover the after-effects. Emergencies are always treated. Check with your insurer and ask the surgeon what their price covers in the event of a complication. Ask your insurer for a written answer before the procedure.

Organising your procedure in Switzerland

Where should I have surgery in Switzerland? Endoscopic brow lifts and temporal lifts are mainly performed in the major cities: Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Lugano. Check the surgeon's specialist title in the MedReg register and ask about their experience with the proposed technique. Waiting times for a consultation may be shorter in medium-sized towns, with a narrower choice.

How much does a brow or temporal lift cost in Switzerland? There is no official fee. A temporal lift generally costs considerably less than a full endoscopic brow lift, and the temporal-midface lift falls between the two or above, depending on its extent. Differences between cities reach 10 to 20%. Our price page details these differences in percentage terms. Always compare complete quotes, including anaesthesia, fixation, check-ups and VAT.

Does LAMal reimburse these procedures? No, when they are performed for cosmetic reasons. Coverage may be discussed if the drooping eyebrow reduces the field of vision, which must be documented by an ophthalmologist, or in cases of facial paralysis, always on prior request to the insurer. This functional framework must be clearly distinguished from a cosmetic request.

I live in a canton without a plastic surgeon: what should I do? Consult in the nearest hub: Lucerne for Central Switzerland, St. Gallen for Eastern Switzerland, Basel or Biel/Bienne for Jura, Lausanne for French-speaking Valais. Arrange for someone to accompany you home and, if the journey is long, a night near the practice. A photo-based pre-assessment allows you to target a surgeon before travelling.

Is the procedure performed as day surgery? The temporal lift is often performed as day surgery. The endoscopic brow lift and the temporal-midface lift may require a night at the clinic, especially under general anaesthesia or with combined procedures. Ask at the consultation whether a night is planned, so that you can organise your return home.

How many days off should I plan for? Generally ten to fourteen days, until the bruising around the eyes has gone. As a cosmetic procedure is not treated as an illness, time off is generally taken as holiday. Working from home often allows an earlier return to work.

What is the best time of year? Autumn and winter are popular, as the light is less strong and loose hats, once allowed, help you feel at ease. Avoid scheduling the procedure just before the ski season, as helmets are not advised for several weeks. Also avoid scheduling the procedure just before an important event.

Should I consult several surgeons? It is advisable, particularly to compare the diagnosis: eyebrow, eyelid or both. If two surgeons propose different approaches, ask each to explain their reasoning. Write down the answers after each consultation so you can compare with a clear head.

What should the quote contain? The surgeon's name and title, the exact technique (temporal, endoscopic brow, temporal-midface), the fixation method, combined procedures costed separately, anaesthesia, clinic costs, check-ups included, VAT and the conditions for touch-ups. A vague quote, with no details of the technique or fixation, should prompt you to ask for written clarification.

Can I combine it with blepharoplasty? Yes, it is a common combination. The surgeon first repositions the eyebrow, then removes only the excess eyelid skin that remains. A single anaesthetic and a single recovery period are enough. The surgeon assesses whether the combination is reasonable given your health and the total duration.

Can my family doctor help me? Yes. They can prescribe a pre-operative check-up, review your treatments, check healing and remove some stitches or staples according to the surgeon's instructions. Give them a copy of the operative report after the procedure.

Should I see an ophthalmologist beforehand? It is not systematic, but it is useful in cases of dry eyes, visual impairment linked to the drooping eyebrow or previous eye surgery. The surgeon will tell you. An ophthalmologist can also document any visual impairment linked to the drooping eyebrow.

Can I be followed up in my own language? In the major centres, consultations take place in the language of the region, and many surgeons also see patients in English or another national language. State your preferred language when booking.

How many check-ups should I plan for? Generally one check-up in the first few days, one around the tenth day to remove staples or stitches, then at one, three and six months. If you live far away, some check-ups can be done using photos or with your family doctor.

What should I prepare at home? Pillows to sleep with your head raised, cold compresses as instructed, sunglasses, a mild shampoo, your medication and clothes that open at the front. Keep what you will need within reach, to avoid bending down in the first few days.

Do I need someone with me? Yes, at least for the journey home after the procedure, and ideally for the first night. If you live alone, arrange for a relative or friend to be with you for the first night.

Can I get an estimate before consulting? Yes. A photo-based pre-assessment gives you a first opinion on the appropriate technique and the budget to plan for, before you travel. Attach your medical history and a list of your treatments to your photos for a more precise opinion.

Which documents should I keep? The operative report, which specifies the technique and fixation method, prescriptions, written instructions and the detailed invoice. These documents will be useful if you ever consider another facial procedure.

Are waiting times long? With the most sought-after surgeons in the major cities, you often have to allow several weeks for a consultation and longer for a surgery date. Plan two to three months ahead. As autumn is very popular, it is wise to start earlier for that period.

How can I get a personalised opinion? Fill in the form on this page, attaching front, profile and three-quarter photos, one with your eyebrows raised and one with your eyes closed, together with your medical history. A surgeon tells you whether a temporal, brow or temporal-midface lift, or blepharoplasty, would be most suitable, and what budget to plan for. Free and without obligation. You generally receive a reply within twenty-four hours of receipt of a complete file.

Send us photographs — front, profile and three-quarter views, with your eyebrows raised and your eyes closed, in natural light — together with your medical history. A surgeon reviews your file and tells you whether a temporal, brow or temporal-midface lift, or blepharoplasty, is most appropriate, and what budget to plan for. Free, no obligation, no administration fees.