Difference Between Brow Lift and Temporal Lift
A temporal lift is a more limited procedure that specifically targets the lateral (outer) third of the eyebrow and temporal region, while a brow lift (also called forehead lift) addresses the entire eyebrow from medial to lateral aspects and often includes the forehead.
Anatomical Target Areas
Temporal Lift
- Focuses exclusively on the lateral tail of the eyebrow and temporal region 1, 2
- Addresses lateral brow ptosis (drooping of the outer eyebrow) 2
- Corrects lateral hooding of the upper eyelid 3
- Does not address the medial (inner) or central portions of the brow 2
Brow Lift (Full Forehead Lift)
- Elevates the entire eyebrow across all three zones: medial canthus, midpupil, and lateral canthus 1
- Addresses total brow ptosis requiring comprehensive elevation 2
- Includes treatment of the forehead and glabellar region (between eyebrows) 1
- Can involve corrugator muscle division for frown line treatment 3
Surgical Approach and Extent
Temporal Lift Characteristics
- Uses a limited temporal incision within or near the hairline 3, 4
- Dissection occurs above the deep temporal fascia in the temporal region 3
- Can be performed under local anesthesia in an office setting 3, 4
- Involves release of periorbital retaining ligaments laterally 3
- Minimal tissue dissection compared to full brow lift 4
Brow Lift Characteristics
- May use coronal (across the top of the head), endoscopic, or anterior hairline incisions 1, 2
- Involves more extensive dissection across the entire forehead 1
- Typically requires subperiosteal or subgaleal plane dissection 2
- Often performed under general anesthesia or deeper sedation 1
- Addresses the galea and temporoparietal fascia more extensively 2
Clinical Indications
When to Choose Temporal Lift
- Mild to moderate lateral brow ptosis only 1
- Isolated lateral hooding without medial brow descent 3
- Patients seeking minimal downtime and office-based procedure 4
- Asymmetric lateral brow position requiring unilateral correction 4
- Can be combined with upper blepharoplasty for comprehensive periorbital rejuvenation 3
When to Choose Full Brow Lift
- Total brow ptosis affecting medial, central, and lateral portions 2
- Significant forehead rhytids (wrinkles) requiring treatment 2
- Deep glabellar frown lines necessitating corrugator treatment 3
- Patients with substantial forehead tissue descent 1
Outcomes and Effectiveness
Temporal Lift Results
- Average brow elevation of 1.8-1.9 mm at all three measurement points (medial canthus, midpupil, lateral canthus) when combined with endoscopic technique 1
- Complication rate of 1.4% with low revision rate 1
- Minimal scarring rated as "good" or "excellent" by patients 4
- Mean follow-up demonstrates sustained results at 10.8 months 4
Brow Lift Results
- Provides more dramatic elevation across entire brow 1
- Higher potential for complications due to more extensive dissection 1
- Longer recovery period compared to temporal lift 4
Important Clinical Considerations
Common pitfall: Attempting to correct total brow ptosis with only a temporal lift will result in inadequate medial brow elevation and patient dissatisfaction 2. The temporal lift cannot adequately address medial brow descent.
Nerve injury risk: Both procedures carry risk of temporary frontal branch facial nerve neuropraxia, though this is typically transient with full resolution 3. The temporal lift has a lower overall complication profile due to limited dissection 1, 4.
Combined procedures: Temporal lifts are frequently performed with upper blepharoplasty to address both brow position and excess eyelid skin 3. Full brow lifts may be combined with cervico-facial lifting for comprehensive facial rejuvenation 2.