Dr. Forrest S. Roth finds that ideal brow lift candidates are patients whose brows have descended to at or below the orbital rim (brow bone), creating a consistently tired, heavy, or stern expression even when they are well-rested. Patients bothered by deep horizontal forehead lines or persistent glabellar furrows (the "11" lines between the brows) that are present at rest — rather than just during facial movement — are also strong candidates. Good overall health and non-smoking status are required.

Dr. Roth performs the subcutaneous hairline brow lift using an incision placed at or just inside the hairline — either across the full forehead (full brow lift) or limited to the temporal region (lateral brow lift), depending on which portion of the brow requires correction. Dissection is carried out in the subcutaneous plane — between the skin and the underlying muscle — allowing direct visualization and precise tissue repositioning without the need for an endoscope. The forehead and brow tissue are lifted and secured at a natural, elevated position. This technique is particularly well-suited for patients with a high forehead, as the incision placement can simultaneously lower the hairline while lifting the brow.

Most patients treated by Dr. Forrest S. Roth, MD, FACS return to desk work within 7–14 days. Bruising and swelling are most pronounced in the first week and typically resolve by weeks two to three. Temporary numbness or tingling in the scalp and forehead is common and usually resolves within weeks to a few months. Physical activity and bending are restricted for 2–3 weeks post-operatively.

The subcutaneous hairline brow lift places the incision at the hairline, where it heals as a fine line that blends into the natural transition between the forehead skin and hair. Dr. Forrest S. Roth, MD, FACS designs the incision to follow the hairline's natural contour precisely, and with careful closure and standard scar maturation (12–18 months), the result is typically inconspicuous — particularly as hair grows around it. Sun protection and appropriate scar care in the early healing phase support the best long-term outcome.

Lifted brow position and a more open, refreshed upper face are apparent once early swelling resolves, typically within 2–3 weeks. Dr. Forrest S. Roth advises that the final, fully natural-looking brow position — with completely settled tissues — is apparent at approximately 3–6 months. Results are durable, with most patients maintaining their improvement for 5–10 years before gradual aging affects the result.

Dr. Forrest S. Roth, MD, FACS performs two variations of the subcutaneous hairline brow lift at his River Oaks, Houston practice, tailored to each patient's anatomy. A full hairline brow lift elevates the entire forehead and brow through an incision that follows the hairline from temple to temple — it addresses global brow descent, deep horizontal forehead lines, and glabellar furrows. A lateral hairline brow lift focuses on the outer brow and temple area, correcting the lateral brow descent that creates a tired or hooded appearance, through a shorter incision limited to the temporal hairline. Dr. Roth assesses brow position, hairline height, and the degree of medial versus lateral descent at consultation to determine which approach best fits each patient's goals and anatomy.