A brow lift, sometimes called a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reposition the brow and improve the appearance of the forehead and upper face.
Changes associated with ageing can cause the eyebrows to descend, forehead lines to become more noticeable and the upper eye area to appear heavier or more tired. For some people, these changes can create an appearance that does not reflect how they actually feel.
Brow lift surgery aims to create a more refreshed and balanced appearance while maintaining the natural character of the face.
Vietnam offers a growing range of cosmetic surgery options for international patients. If you are considering a brow lift in Vietnam, understanding the different techniques, likely recovery and potential risks is an important first step.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift is performed to reposition tissues of the forehead and brow.
Depending on the individual, surgery may help:
- Raise a low or descended brow
- Improve heaviness around the upper eye area
- Reduce the appearance of horizontal forehead lines
- Soften lines between the eyebrows
- Improve balance between the brow, forehead and eyes
- Create a more rested or refreshed appearance
The objective should not simply be to raise the eyebrows as high as possible. Successful treatment requires careful consideration of facial proportions, brow shape, hairline, eyelids and the patient’s individual anatomy.
Brow Lift or Eyelid Surgery?
It is easy to assume that heaviness above the eyes is caused entirely by excess upper-eyelid skin. In some patients, however, the position of the brow also contributes to the appearance.
This distinction is important.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) primarily addresses excess skin and other changes affecting the eyelids, while a brow lift addresses the position of the brow and forehead tissues.
Some patients may benefit from one procedure, while others may be assessed for a combination of brow lift and eyelid surgery.
A specialist consultation is therefore important before deciding which procedure is appropriate.
Types of Brow Lift Surgery
There is no single brow lift technique suitable for everyone. The approach recommended by a surgeon will depend on factors including brow position, forehead anatomy, hairline, skin characteristics and the degree of correction required.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift generally uses several relatively small incisions within the hair-bearing scalp. A small camera and specialised instruments allow the surgeon to work beneath the skin and reposition tissues.
It may be considered for selected patients requiring moderate brow repositioning.
Temporal or Lateral Brow Lift
A temporal brow lift primarily targets the outer portion of the eyebrows.
It may be considered when the main concern is descent of the lateral brow rather than the entire forehead.
Coronal or Traditional Brow Lift
A traditional brow lift uses a longer incision within or around the hairline. This approach may provide greater access to forehead tissues but involves a more extensive incision.
It is not appropriate for every patient, and other techniques are increasingly used depending on individual anatomy and treatment objectives.
Hairline Brow Lift
For selected patients, an incision may be positioned near the hairline. This approach can allow brow repositioning while also taking forehead height and hairline position into consideration.
The surgeon should explain why a particular technique is being recommended and where the resulting scars are expected to be located.
Who May Consider Brow Lift Surgery?
People considering a brow lift commonly have concerns such as:
- A low or descended eyebrow position
- A heavy appearance around the upper eyes
- Prominent forehead lines
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Changes in the upper face associated with ageing
- Facial proportions that may benefit from brow repositioning
Suitability cannot be determined from age alone.
General health, skin characteristics, previous facial procedures, medications, smoking, hairline and expectations may all influence whether surgery is appropriate.
Your Brow Lift Consultation
A consultation should involve considerably more than choosing a procedure from a list.
The surgeon may assess:
- Brow height and shape
- Forehead dimensions
- Hairline position
- Upper-eyelid anatomy
- Facial symmetry
- Skin quality
- Previous cosmetic procedures
- General medical history
- Medications and supplements
- Your expectations and reasons for considering surgery
This is also the opportunity to discuss what you would like to change—and what you would prefer to remain unchanged.
For international patients considering treatment in Vietnam, consultation may sometimes begin remotely using photographs and medical information. However, final treatment recommendations normally require direct clinical assessment by the treating healthcare provider.
What Results Can a Brow Lift Achieve?
The intended result is generally a more refreshed appearance of the upper face rather than a dramatically different appearance.
Results vary according to anatomy, surgical technique, ageing, skin characteristics and healing.
A brow lift cannot stop the natural ageing process, and no surgeon can guarantee a particular cosmetic result.
Patients should discuss realistic expectations with their surgeon before proceeding.
Will There Be Scarring?
All surgical brow lift procedures involve incisions and therefore produce scars.
Their position and length depend on the surgical technique. Incisions may be placed within the scalp, around the hairline or near the temples.
Scars often change considerably as healing progresses, but their final appearance varies between individuals.
Ask your surgeon exactly where your incisions will be located and what the scars are expected to look like before agreeing to surgery.
Recovery After Brow Lift Surgery
Recovery varies according to the technique used and the individual patient.
Swelling, bruising, tightness, tenderness and temporary changes in sensation can occur during the early recovery period. Your surgeon will provide instructions concerning wound care, activity, sleeping position and returning to normal activities.
Patients travelling internationally should allow sufficient time in Vietnam for postoperative assessment before planning their return flight.
Do not base travel arrangements solely on a general recovery estimate found online. Your treating surgeon should advise when you are medically fit to travel.
Risks and Possible Complications
Like all surgery, brow lift surgery carries potential risks.
These may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Temporary or persistent changes in sensation
- Hair loss around an incision
- Facial or brow asymmetry
- Changes in hairline appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Anaesthetic complications
- Need for additional treatment or revision surgery
Individual risks vary according to the procedure, surgical technique and patient’s health.
Your surgeon should explain both common and less common complications relevant to the proposed operation.
Why Consider Brow Lift Surgery in Vietnam?
Vietnam has developed a growing cosmetic and plastic surgery sector, particularly in major centres such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
International patients may consider Vietnam because of access to specialist cosmetic surgery services, modern private healthcare facilities and international patient support.
Cost can also be one consideration, but it should never be the only reason for choosing a surgeon or healthcare provider.
When comparing treatment options, consider:
- The surgeon’s qualifications and experience
- Experience performing brow and facial surgery
- Hospital or clinic facilities
- The proposed surgical technique
- Anaesthetic arrangements
- Postoperative monitoring
- Communication and language support
- Follow-up arrangements
- What is included in the quotation
- What happens if complications occur
The lowest quotation does not necessarily represent the most appropriate treatment.
Combining Brow Lift With Other Facial Procedures
A brow lift may sometimes be considered alongside other facial cosmetic procedures.
These can include:
Combining procedures can affect operating time, recovery and risk. Whether combined surgery is appropriate requires individual medical assessment.
Planning Brow Lift Surgery in Vietnam
International cosmetic surgery involves both a medical decision and travel planning.
Before travelling, patients should understand:
- Where the procedure will be performed
- Who will perform the surgery
- How long they should remain in Vietnam
- What postoperative appointments are required
- When they may safely fly
- Who to contact if a problem develops
- How follow-up will be managed after returning home
Medical Tourism Vietnam encourages patients to obtain clear written information about proposed treatment and associated costs before making travel arrangements.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Before deciding on brow lift surgery, consider asking:
- Which brow lift technique do you recommend for me, and why?
- How frequently do you perform this procedure?
- Where will my incisions and scars be?
- Could my concerns be caused partly by my eyelids rather than my brow?
- Would I benefit from brow lift surgery alone or another procedure?
- What result is realistic for my facial anatomy?
- What are the main risks in my case?
- How long should I remain in Vietnam after surgery?
- What postoperative care is provided?
- How are complications or revision procedures managed?
A reputable consultation should give you enough information and time to make an informed decision.
Considering Brow Lift Surgery in Vietnam?
If you are exploring brow lift or forehead lift surgery in Vietnam, Medical Tourism Vietnam can help you take the next step.
We can assist with preliminary enquiries and help obtain information from suitable healthcare providers regarding:
- Specialist consultations
- Brow lift techniques
- Treatment options
- Indicative costs
- Expected length of stay
- International patient arrangements
- Appointment availability
- Preliminary provider assessment where available
Enquire About Brow Lift Surgery in Vietnam
Link this heading/button to your Contact Us page.
There is no obligation to proceed. Final medical suitability, treatment recommendations and quotations are determined by the treating healthcare provider following individual assessment.
Continue Exploring Facial Cosmetic Procedures
Here I would use your already-linked Facial procedure list, rather than recreate the links and risk changing what you’ve just completed.
Also include:
← Facial Cosmetic Procedures in Vietnam
linking back to your Facial hub.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a recommendation for treatment.
Brow lift surgery involves potential risks and is not suitable for everyone. Individual treatment decisions should be made following assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
About the Author
George Adams is the founder and editor of Medical Tourism Vietnam and Hanoi Trading Post. He writes on healthcare, medical tourism and developments in specialist medical treatment across Asia.
Editorial Policy
Medical Tourism Vietnam publishes patient-focused educational information intended to help international patients better understand healthcare and treatment options. Provider information, where included, is presented in an educational context and does not constitute a guarantee of suitability or treatment outcome.
Last Reviewed: 28 August 2026