A direct brow lift removes skin just above the eyebrow, giving the most precise lift but a scar at the brow. A lateral (temporal) lift raises only the outer brow through a hidden temple incision. Endoscopic, coronal and trichophytic forehead lifts raise the whole brow through scalp or hairline incisions. Hairline, brow shape and scar tolerance guide the choice.
This comparison belongs to our brow lift overview. It helps you understand which technique your surgeon might suggest and why.
Comparison table
Each brow lift technique trades scar position against how much and which part of the brow it lifts, and each has its own risks.
| Technique | Scar | Lifts | Suits | Notable risk (2018 review) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Above the brow hairs | Precise, any part of the brow | Thick brows, older men, facial palsy | Highest numbness rate, 5.5% |
| Temporal (lateral) | Temple hairline | Outer brow | Outer brow droop | Highest asymmetry rate, 1.5% |
| Endoscopic | 3 to 5 short scalp cuts | Whole brow | Normal or low hairline | Highest hair-loss rate, 2.8% |
| Hairline (trichophytic) | Along the front hairline | Whole brow; can shorten forehead | High forehead | Highest revision rate, 7.4% |
| Coronal | Across the top of the head | Whole brow and forehead | Larger lifts, normal hairline | Raises hairline; long scar in hair |
The rates come from a 2018 systematic review of 76 studies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. The authors noted a lack of randomized trials and standard outcome measures, so the figures are a rough guide.
Direct brow lift
A direct brow lift cuts away skin just above the brow and stitches the brow higher, giving precise control at the cost of a visible line.
The surgeon removes a measured ellipse of skin along the upper edge of the brow hairs and closes it carefully so the scar sits at the brow margin. It’s often chosen for older patients, men with thick brows that hide the scar, or people with brow drooping from facial nerve weakness.
A 2026 prospective study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, reported by Modern Aesthetics, followed 41 patients after a direct brow lift, 35 of whom also had upper eyelid surgery. Brow height rose significantly at the head and tail at one month, dropped only slightly by 12 months, and scar satisfaction scores improved over time. The 2018 review found direct lifts had the highest numbness rate, at 5.5%.
Lateral (temporal) brow lift
An outer brow lift through a temple incision raises the tail of the brow; it doesn’t treat the middle brow or forehead lines.
An American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) article explains that a temporal brow lift lifts the outer brow through an incision along the temporal hairline or in the scalp, lasts a long time, but doesn’t address forehead wrinkles or the middle brow. A lateral brow lift before and after comparison usually shows a less heavy outer lid and a more open eye.
A 2015 series of 37 patients having a subcutaneous temporal “Z-lift” reported that 32 were satisfied or very satisfied. Three had temporary weakness of the forehead nerve that resolved within three to six months.
Temporal brow lift vs upper blepharoplasty results
Eyelid surgery removes lid skin but doesn’t lift the brow. A temporal lift raises the outer brow and can reduce the skin that seems to hang over the lid. An ASPS article notes many eyelid surgery patients have brows at or below the bony rim, and lifting the brow can sometimes make eyelid surgery unnecessary. Many people benefit from both. See our hooded eyes guide for how to tell which you need.
Coronal vs trichophytic hairline scar
A coronal lift hides its scar in the hair but raises the hairline; a trichophytic lift keeps or lowers the hairline but the scar may show.
ASPS describes the coronal incision as running across the top of the head within the hair, leaving a well-hidden scar. Because skin is removed behind the hairline, the forehead becomes longer. The anterior hairline (trichophytic) incision runs along the front hairline. ASPS suggests it for people with very high foreheads, since it lifts the brow without moving the hairline up. The scar is more visible but can often be covered with bangs.
In my practice, I measure forehead height before recommending either. For a high forehead, I’d rather accept a hairline scar than make the forehead look even taller. For more on the hidden-scar option, see the endoscopic forehead lift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on direct brow lift scars, temporal brow lift vs upper blepharoplasty results, hairline changes and the longest-lasting technique.
Does a direct brow lift leave a visible scar?
It leaves a fine line along the upper edge of the brow. In thick brows or with careful closure it often fades well, and a 2026 study found scar satisfaction improved over the first year. It may be more noticeable in thin or light brows.
Temporal brow lift vs upper blepharoplasty: which gives better results?
They fix different problems. A temporal lift raises a drooping outer brow; eyelid surgery removes extra lid skin. If the brow has dropped, eyelid surgery alone can leave a heavy look. Many people get the most natural result from combining both.
Will a forehead lift change my hairline?
A coronal lift usually raises the hairline because skin is removed behind it. A hairline incision keeps it in place or can lower it. ASPS lists a raised hairline as a possible brow lift risk, so discuss your forehead height before choosing a technique.
Which brow lift technique lasts longest?
No technique has been shown in trials to outlast the others. An ASPS article notes a temporal lift lasts a long time, while a browpexy through the eyelid may start to fall after a few years. Aging continues with every method.
If you’d like help choosing a technique for your brow and hairline, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For recovery and costs, return to the brow lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Cho MJ, Carboy JA, Rohrich RJ. Complications in Brow Lifts: A Systemic Review of Surgical and Nonsurgical Brow Rejuvenations. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(10):e1943. doaj.org
- Direct brow lift shows durable results and high satisfaction in prospective study. Modern Aesthetics, reporting Marangi GF, et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026. modernaesthetics.com
- Willson A. Brow lifts vs Botox: Do you need one or both? ASPS. 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- Ueberreiter K, et al. Subcutaneous lateral brow lift (“Z-lift”). GMS Interdiscip Plast Reconstr Surg DGPW. 2015;4:Doc16. egms.de
- Brow lift: Procedure steps. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Brow lift: Safety. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
