Procedures · Aesthetic Facial Surgery
Forehead and Brow Lift in Jeddah
Full video transcript
A forehead or brow lift targets the upper third of the face: the position of the brows, the forehead lines, and the surrounding tissues — while aiming to preserve a natural expression as far as possible.
And one point must be clear: brow position is directly linked to the appearance of the upper eyelid — what looks like excess eyelid skin may be partly a matter of brow position, and the reverse is true. That is why assessment covers both areas together, and examination clarifies which procedure — or both, or another — suits your case.
The name implies no single technique and no fixed scope. The procedure may be performed under local or general anaesthesia, according to scope, assessment, and safety. It does not suit every patient — a different plan, or no intervention, may be more appropriate.
Book your consultation to assess your case.
A forehead or brow lift is a surgical procedure planned individually to address selected changes in brow position, forehead lines, and the surrounding tissues, while aiming to preserve a natural expression as far as possible. Care begins with an unhurried consultation, examination, and discussion of realistic goals, limitations, and alternatives.
Care is led by Dr. Khalid Almutairi, a consultant plastic surgeon who is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and double-fellowship trained in Canada and the USA.
Book Your Consultation
Care begins with an unhurried consultation with Dr. Khalid Almutairi to assess your case and discuss the options appropriate for you.
What is a brow lift?
A forehead or brow lift addresses the upper third of the face: the position of the brows, forehead lines, and the surrounding tissues. The name of the procedure does not imply a single technique or a fixed scope; planning differs with anatomy and goals, and details cannot be determined before examination.
What can be discussed during consultation?
The consultation may address brow position and symmetry, forehead lines, the relationship between the brows and the upper eyelids, and proportion with the rest of the face. The doctor explains what the procedure may and may not address, realistic expected outcomes, and possible alternatives according to examination.
Individual suitability
Assessment considers the position of the brows, forehead, and eyelids, symmetry, skin elasticity, hairline position, general health, medicines, smoking, and previous procedures. The procedure is not suitable for every patient; another plan, or no intervention, may be more appropriate, and this is determined after examination and discussion.
Relationship to upper eyelid surgery
Brow position directly affects the appearance of the upper eyelid; what appears to be excess eyelid skin may relate partly to the position of the brow, and the reverse also applies. Assessment therefore covers both areas together, and examination clarifies which procedure — either, both, or another option — suits the case. Upper blepharoplasty has its own page among the clinic's services.
The treatment journey, step by step
Care usually follows clear stages, with details differing between patients:
- First consultation: goals are discussed; the forehead, brows, and eyelids are examined; health history and medicines are reviewed.
- Assessment and decision: the suitable scope, its alternatives, limits, and realistic expectations are clarified.
- Preparation: individual instructions covering medicines, smoking, and fasting according to the planned anaesthesia.
- Day of surgery: the procedure is performed according to the agreed plan and facility requirements.
- Follow-up: review appointments to monitor healing, with written discharge instructions as the first reference.
Preparing for surgery
Preparation instructions are provided individually after assessment and typically cover:
- Stopping smoking and nicotine products before and after surgery, given their direct effect on healing.
- Reviewing medicines and supplements, and anything to pause temporarily under medical direction.
- Fasting before surgery according to the planned anaesthesia.
- Arranging an escort home after the procedure where needed.
Anaesthesia considerations
A forehead lift may be performed under local or general anaesthesia according to treatment extent, general health, comfort, safety, and facility requirements. Suitability is determined after medical assessment, and the availability of a local-anaesthesia option does not mean it is appropriate for every patient or every plan.
General treatment approach
The plan is guided by individual anatomy, realistic goals, and medical responsibility, with the aim of preserving a natural expression as far as possible. Details of a patient-specific surgical plan are discussed only after assessment; this general information does not recommend a particular technique.
Recovery: the common pattern
Bruising, swelling, discomfort, and the time to return to activities vary between patients according to the extent of surgery and individual healing, and specific discharge instructions with direct follow-up remain the first reference. The following pattern is common and may differ in your case:
- First days: expected swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes; rest with the head elevated during sleep.
- First week: incision care according to instructions; sutures are removed or reviewed at set appointments.
- First two weeks: most bruising gradually settles, and many patients return to desk-based work depending on their case.
- First month: avoid strenuous exertion until the doctor advises otherwise.
- Following months: scars mature gradually, remaining swelling settles, and the final appearance refines over months.
Limitations and risks
No specific outcome or complete symmetry can be guaranteed. Discussion before any decision includes scarring, bleeding, infection, fluid collection, sensory change, nerve injury, asymmetry or change in hairline position, delayed healing, and the possible need for further treatment. The risks relevant to each case are explained before consent.
Indicative fees
Forehead or brow lift under local anaesthesia: from SAR 25,000. Forehead or brow lift under general anaesthesia: from SAR 35,000. Consultation: SAR 700.
Indicative fees vary according to the procedure, treatment extent, anaesthesia, facility requirements, and the individual medical plan. Suitability for local or general anaesthesia is determined following medical assessment. A final quotation, including the applicable components of care, is provided after consultation.
Is a brow lift suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability is determined after consultation, examination, and review of goals, health, and expectations; another plan, or no intervention, may be more appropriate.
What is the difference between a brow lift and upper eyelid surgery?
A brow lift addresses brow position and the upper third of the face, while upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin in the eyelid itself. Because the two areas are related, examination clarifies which procedure — or both — suits the case.
Will my facial expression change?
The plan aims to preserve a natural expression as far as possible, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed. Realistic expectations and limits are discussed clearly during consultation.
Can it be performed under local anaesthesia?
Local anaesthesia may be suitable for some plans only; the appropriate option is determined after medical assessment and according to the procedure's extent, the patient's condition, safety, and facility requirements.
Is the operation painful?
Discomfort varies between patients and is usually managed with a clear post-operative pain-control plan within the discharge instructions, with direct follow-up for any unexpected symptom.
When can I return to work?
Many patients return to desk-based work within roughly one to two weeks depending on their case and the nature of their work, while physical exertion requires a longer wait until the doctor advises. Individual instructions are the reference.
Will there be visible scars? Does the hairline change?
Incisions are usually placed in less visible positions according to the plan, and possible change in hairline position is one of the topics discussed before any decision, depending on the technique appropriate to the case. Scars mature and fade gradually over months; their disappearance cannot be guaranteed.
How long does the result last?
No specific duration can be guaranteed; responses differ and natural change continues over time. Limits and realistic expectations are discussed clearly during consultation.
Does smoking affect the result?
Yes. Smoking and nicotine products adversely affect healing, and patients are usually asked to stop before and after surgery as part of individual instructions.
How is the cost determined?
The final cost depends on the plan, treatment extent, anaesthesia, facility requirements, and the applicable components of care following assessment.
Medical-information notice
This information is general and does not constitute a diagnosis or individual medical advice. It does not replace consultation, discharge instructions, or patient-specific follow-up advice. Urgent medical conditions require emergency services.