Brow Lift Surgery in Grand Rapids, MI

A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgery that reduces forehead wrinkles and “frown lines” and raises the brows to a more alert, youthful position. Many people in Grand Rapids, Michigan consider brow lift surgery to refresh a tired or stern appearance, especially around the eyes.

In West Michigan, brow lifts are commonly performed by board‑certified plastic surgeons at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and affiliated private cosmetic surgery clinics.

What a Brow Lift Can Do

A brow lift may help:

  • Smooth deep horizontal lines on the forehead
  • Soften vertical frown lines between the eyebrows
  • Raise sagging or heavy eyebrows
  • Create a more open, rested look around the eyes

Many Grand Rapids patients choose a brow lift to counteract the effects of aging, genetics, and sun exposure. Michigan’s bright summer sun reflecting off the Grand River and Lake Michigan can contribute to long‑term sun damage and wrinkles if skin is not protected.

A brow lift is often combined with:

  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate aging eyes
  • Facelift surgery to address the mid to lower face and neck
  • Skin resurfacing (laser, chemical peels, or microneedling) to improve skin texture and fine lines

Is a Brow Lift Right for You?

Before choosing brow lift surgery in Grand Rapids, consider:

  • Your main concern
    • If you are mostly worried about droopy upper eyelids or bags under the eyes, eyelid surgery (with or without a brow lift) may be more appropriate.
  • Your expectations
    • A brow lift can refresh your appearance but does not stop the aging process or change your basic facial features.
  • Lifestyle and self‑image
    • Some people find that lifestyle changes, skincare, non‑surgical treatments, or counseling help them feel more confident without surgery.

The results of a brow lift can be long‑lasting, but natural aging and major weight changes after surgery can affect how you look over time.

Cost and Insurance in Grand Rapids

Think About the Financial Cost

In Michigan, a brow lift is usually considered elective cosmetic surgery and:

  • Is not covered by Medicare
  • Is rarely covered by private health insurance, unless there is a clear medical need (for example, severely drooping brows blocking vision, documented by an eye exam and photos)

Before scheduling surgery, ask your Grand Rapids plastic surgeon’s office about:

  • Total cost (surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees, follow‑up visits)
  • Payment plans or financing options
  • Any additional costs if you combine procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery, facelift)

Choosing a Brow Lift Surgeon in Grand Rapids, MI

For safety and the best cosmetic result, it is important to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon.

Where Brow Lifts Are Commonly Performed

In the Grand Rapids area, brow lift procedures may be performed at:

  • Corewell Health – Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital & Blodgett Hospital (and associated surgery centers)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Accredited private plastic surgery centers and outpatient surgical facilities

Questions to Ask at Your First Consultation

At your first visit, consider asking:

  • Are you board‑certified in plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery?
  • How many brow lifts do you perform each year?
  • Which technique do you recommend for me (open, endoscopic, or suture/thread lift), and why?
  • What results can I realistically expect?
  • What are the risks and possible complications in my case?
  • Where will the surgery be performed (hospital vs. outpatient center)?
  • What is the recovery time, and when can I return to work or school in Grand Rapids?

You can verify a surgeon’s credentials through:

  • The Michigan Medical Licensing Board
  • Professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Your Grand Rapids primary care provider or the Kent County Health Department can also help you find reputable local resources.

Medical Evaluation Before Brow Lift Surgery

Before surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history and overall health. This may include:

  • Physical exam of your face, forehead, and eyelids
  • Review of past surgeries and anesthesia reactions
  • Discussion of current medications, vitamins, and supplements
  • Screening for chronic conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or lung disease), which are common in Michigan’s adult population
  • Review of allergies, including to medications or latex

You may be asked to:

  • Stop or adjust certain medications (such as blood thinners)
  • Avoid some supplements that can increase bleeding (e.g., high‑dose fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo)
  • Get lab tests or clearance from your primary care doctor or cardiologist if needed

Smoking and Surgery

Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery, including:

  • Poor wound healing
  • Higher infection risk
  • More noticeable scarring

If you are serious about having a brow lift, you should work on quitting smoking or vaping well before surgery. Your Grand Rapids physician or local programs (through Grand Rapids Public Health or Kent County Health Department) can help with smoking cessation.

Types of Brow Lift Procedures

Brow lifts in Grand Rapids are usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Surgery typically takes up to two hours, depending on the technique and whether other procedures are done at the same time.

1. Open (Traditional) Brow Lift

Also called classic, coronal, or trichophytic brow lift.

  • The surgeon makes a long incision across the forehead, either:
    • Within the hairline, or
    • In a natural forehead crease
  • The skin is gently lifted away from the underlying tissue.
  • Muscles may be loosened or adjusted, and fat can be removed or repositioned.
  • Excess skin is removed.
  • The remaining skin is pulled into a higher, smoother position, and the brow is stitched into its new position.

This technique may be recommended for patients needing more dramatic lifting or with significant forehead wrinkles.

2. Endoscopic Brow Lift

A more modern, less invasive option:

  • The surgeon makes several small incisions within the hairline.
  • An endoscope (a thin tube with a tiny camera) is inserted through one of the incisions.
  • The surgeon views the tissues on a screen rather than through a large open incision.
  • Muscles and tissues are adjusted, and the brow is lifted and secured.

Endoscopic brow lifts may:

  • Result in smaller scars
  • Have less swelling and bruising
  • Allow faster initial recovery

3. Suture Brow Lift (Thread Lift)

Sometimes called a thread lift, this is a less invasive option often done under local anesthesia:

  • Very fine threads with tiny “teeth” or barbs are inserted through thin tubes (cannulas) under the skin.
  • The threads are made of non‑absorbable prolene, a material safely used in surgery for many years.
  • Once positioned, the threads are gently pulled upward to lift the brow and then secured to the facial tissue.
  • The tiny insertion points are stitched or taped closed.

A thread lift can offer a subtle, shorter‑term lift with less downtime, but results are usually less dramatic and less long‑lasting than a traditional or endoscopic brow lift.

Immediately After Brow Lift Surgery

After your procedure in a Grand Rapids hospital or surgery center, you can expect:

  • Dressings or bandages around your forehead and scalp
  • Possible drainage tube to prevent fluid buildup (more common with open techniques)
  • Bruising and swelling around the forehead and eyes
  • Numbness, tightness, or tingling in the forehead or scalp
  • Pain or discomfort, usually managed with prescribed pain relievers

Most patients go home the same day with a responsible adult to drive them. If you live outside central Grand Rapids, plan your transportation and possible overnight stay ahead of time, especially in winter weather when roads can be icy.

Risks and Possible Complications

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Complications of a brow lift can include:

  • Risks of anesthesia
    • Allergic reaction (rarely severe or life‑threatening)
  • Surgical risks
    • Bleeding or hematoma (blood collection under the skin)
    • Infection
    • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) that can lead to serious heart or lung problems, such as heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism
  • Wound‑related issues
    • Poor wound healing
    • Tissue death (skin loss) along the incision
    • Hair loss along the incision line
    • Thick, raised, or itchy scarring
    • Surfacing of stitches through the skin
  • Nerve‑related problems
    • Temporary or permanent numbness of the forehead or scalp
    • Changes in facial movement or expression due to nerve damage
    • Long‑term facial pain (rare)
  • Cosmetic concerns
    • Uneven or asymmetric eyebrows
    • Uneven skin contours or rippling
    • Unsatisfactory appearance requiring revision surgery

Additional Risks with Suture (Thread) Brow Lift

  • Thread movement – threads can shift, break, or lose their hold
  • Thread extrusion – a thread may become visible or poke through the skin
  • Puckered or irregular skin
  • Loss of eyebrow symmetry
  • Discomfort if threads can be felt under the skin
  • Infection (uncommon but possible)

Your personal risk can be higher if you smoke, have uncontrolled medical conditions, or have a history of poor wound healing. Discuss your individual risk factors with your Grand Rapids surgeon.

Recovery and Self‑Care at Home

Follow All Instructions Carefully

Your surgeon will give you detailed written instructions. General self‑care tips after a brow lift include:

  • Wound care
    • Keep dressings and incisions clean and dry as instructed.
    • Do not remove bandages early unless your surgeon tells you to.
  • Activity restrictions
    • Avoid bending over or lowering your head below your heart for at least three weeks, to reduce swelling and bleeding risk.
    • Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or contact sports until cleared by your surgeon.
    • Do not wear tight tops or sweaters that must be pulled over your head in the first weeks.
  • If you had a suture (thread) brow lift
    • Avoid exaggerated facial expressions, frowning, or rubbing the forehead for the first few weeks.
    • This helps the fine threads stay in place while your body forms supporting tissue around them.

When to Call Your Surgeon

Contact your surgeon or seek urgent care at a Grand Rapids emergency department (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health) if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening bleeding
  • Severe pain that is not relieved by medication
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Spreading redness, warmth, or pus at the incision sites
  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain

Use pain‑relieving medication only as directed. Do not take additional over‑the‑counter medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen) without checking with your surgeon, as they may increase bleeding risk.

Healing Timeline and Long‑Term Outlook

Healing varies based on the type of brow lift and your individual health.

Traditional or Limited Incision (Non‑Endoscopic) Brow Lift

  • Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable in the first 1–2 weeks, but:
    • Some swelling can take several months to fully resolve.
  • Scars are permanent, but typically fade and soften over 6–12 months.
  • Numbness or tightness can gradually improve over several months.

Suture Brow Lift (Thread Lift)

  • Some pain or discomfort is common but usually improves within 24–48 hours.
  • Mild swelling and bruising may last 4–10 days.
  • Results may be more subtle and may not last as long as surgical brow lifts.

Long‑Term Results

A brow lift can make your forehead and brow:

  • Appear firmer and less lined
  • Look more open and refreshed

However:

  • It does not stop aging – your skin will continue to age naturally.
  • Maintaining results depends on:
    • Sun protection (especially important in Michigan summers and during winter reflections off snow and ice)
    • Healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking)
    • Good skincare and possibly non‑surgical maintenance treatments

Non‑Surgical Alternatives to Brow Lift in Grand Rapids

If you are unsure about surgery, there are alternatives that many Grand Rapids residents consider:

  • Dermal fillers – can soften some wrinkles and restore volume in nearby areas
  • Botulinum toxin injections (e.g., Botox) – can relax frown muscles and slightly elevate the brows
  • Laser resurfacing or chemical peels – can improve skin texture and fine lines
  • Medical‑grade skincare – retinoids, antioxidants, and sun protection
  • Accepting your appearance – talking with a counselor, psychologist, or therapist can help address self‑image concerns and may reduce the desire for cosmetic procedures

These options are widely available in Grand Rapids medical spas, dermatology clinics, and plastic surgery offices.

Local Resources and Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are considering a brow lift or alternatives, you can start with:

  • Your Grand Rapids primary care physician (GP)
    • To discuss your concerns, overall health, and get referrals
  • Board‑certified plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons
    • Affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or reputable private practices
  • Kent County Health Department / Grand Rapids Public Health
    • For information on smoking cessation, general wellness, and mental health resources

If you are exploring cosmetic surgery, you may also find it helpful to:

  • Check Michigan licensing and board certification
  • Ask for before‑and‑after photos of actual Grand Rapids patients
  • Read independent reviews and seek multiple opinions before deciding

Key Points for Brow Lift Surgery in Grand Rapids

  • Smokers have higher risks of complications and poor healing; quitting before surgery is strongly recommended.
  • A brow lift involves removing or repositioning tissue and skin to lift the brows and smooth the forehead.
  • All surgery carries risk; your medical history and lifestyle can increase or decrease your personal risk.
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely and promptly report any bleeding, severe pain, or unusual symptoms.
  • A brow lift can provide long‑lasting improvement, but healthy habits and sun protection are essential to maintain your results in Michigan’s changing seasons.