Temporal Lift or Lateral Brow Lift

Do you feel like your face gives off the wrong impression about how tired or even sad you look? A temporal facelift can target the sagging brow and forehead wrinkles. Also called a one or two stitch face lift can provide you with an instant lift to bring out the beauty of your eyes and brows.

Temporal lifts are for those who do not have a lot of time and want a quick recovery with mild discomfort. It is a less invasive procedure and results in a natural refreshed look. It is best suited for patients aged 35–55 with mild deterioration in skin elasticity. This procedure helps remove excess skin to enhance facial aesthetics by reducing sagging and frown lines. If you are wanting to look naturally refreshed but don’t want the downtime, then a one stitch facelift is for you.

Arched brow or Fox eye 

We also have younger patients looking for a more arched brow at the outer corner of their eyebrow. This is also called a Fox eye lift. This can be achieved with a temporal lift.

Brow bone

A lateral brow lift can help lift the eyebrow to expose the brow bone. This creates a rejuvenated looking eye area. The brow bone is often the area on the face where a makeup highlighter is placed to ascentuate the eyes. A temporal lift can help lift the brow to expose the brow bone. 

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What is a Temporal lift? 

A temporal lift, often described as the S lift, mini brow lift, lateral brow lift or the one stitch facelift, is less invasive than a traditional facelift. It is a simple facial plastic surgery procedure that can be done under local anaesthetic and takes about an hour.

The surgery aims to reposition the hairline, tightening the skin above and below the brows and lifting them into a more youthful position. The results appear subtle and creates a refreshed look.

A small incision is made in the hairline near the temple, and the underlying muscles or SMAS membranes will be tightened. It involves lifting the area close to the eyebrow and the side of the upper face. Recovery is quick, and you can be back to work in a day or two.

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Temporal Lift or Lateral Brow Lift - Key Information

Procedure time

1.5h to 2h

Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia

Hospital stay

Day care

Up & mobile

Same day

Sleeping

On your back for around 2 weeks

Driving

1 week to 10 days

Sexual activity

Restricted for 3-4 weeks

Back to Work

1 week to 10 days

Exercise

After 4 weeks

What can a temporal facelift (S lift) achieve? 

This cosmetic surgery procedure aims to provide patients with a more natural and open appearance of their eyes. The eyebrow lift procedure specifically targets the brow area to enhance its position and symmetry, contributing to a more youthful look. Many individuals notice a calmer and more refreshed look.

The S lift creates facial contouring that targets your face's temporal region. The brow is lifted, and its position adjusted. The treatment also reduces forehead wrinkles. The procedure offers a great alternative to those who are unable to have a traditional facelift or who want a shorter treatment option with less downtime following surgery.

“The main benefit of temporal Lift is the natural lifting effect of the brow. The restoration of your upper face can make you look years younger and more refreshed than before your surgery.”

What are the benefits of a temporal facelift?

The main benefit of a temporal lift is the natural rejuvenation effect. The restoration of your brow can make you look years younger and more refreshed. Temporal lifts offer patients with sagging brows or upper facial areas a quick, effective procedure to improve their overall appearance. It involves a small incision that's hidden in the hairline. The short surgery leaves you with minimal bruising and swelling while letting you get back to your day job in a day or two.

What is the best age for a temporal lift?

In our experience, a temporal lift can be the right choice for anyone in their 40’s or 50’s. A temporal brow lift is particularly effective for patients in this age group, offering a minimally invasive option to rejuvenate the brow area. We would carry out a temporal lift on a patient in their 60’s. However, this is often combined with a mid to lower facelift.

We do have younger patients in their 20’s, and 30’s who want to achieve a change in their eyebrow shape. They are looking for a more open eye appearance.

The best option is to come and chat our expert facial plastic surgoens about what you are looking to achieve. 

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Your Journey with Kensington Medical

We offer specialist facial rejuvenation treatments in the heart of London. Our team of expert plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive and personalised experience. With our expertise in facial cosmetic surgery, we can help you fight back the years and delicately recover your facial freshness and youthful appearance.

Your journey begins with a dialogue between you and your surgeon: the pre-operative consultation, which is central to the operation's success. At Kensington Medical, patients interested in surgery undergo several consultations with the surgeon. We are keen for our patients to be fully informed before deciding whether to proceed with surgery. So, we encourage them to see the surgeon more than once and ask as many questions as they wish. Typically, our patients go through two pre-operative consultations.

The first consultation tends to be face-to-face. During it, the surgeon will:

  • Listen to your concerns and understand what you would like to achieve;
  • Examine you;
  • Show you examples of their work in the form of before-and-after photographs;
  • Suggest a treatment plan.

Following the first consultation, we will:

  • Write to you summarising the surgeon’s recommendations;
  • Quote for the treatment plan suggested by the surgeon;
  • Send you extensive information about the procedure, the risks involved and the precautions you should take pre- and post-operatively.

A second consultation is often necessary for the following reasons:

  • After the first pre-operative consultation, and once you have been through the information sent to you, it is likely that you will have more questions for the surgeon.
  • The surgeon often finds it necessary to speak to patients again to ensure they have fully understood the risks of surgery and they know exactly what to expect from surgery.
  • It is common that several treatment options are discussed at the first consultation, and another meeting is necessary to decide which is the most appropriate.

The second consultation can also be face-to-face. Alternatively, it can be via a video call.

Following your consultations, our medical team is always available should you have further questions before your surgery.

Once you have decided to go ahead with surgery, we will book your operation in one of our specialist cosmetic surgery hospitals.

Before your operation, you will be sent a health questionnaire. This will be reviewed by your anaesthetist, who may call you to discuss specific aspects of your medical history. In certain cases, you may be required to attend the clinic for blood tests. This will be discussed with you by one of our medical team members before your scheduled appointment date.

We will also issue you with preoperative instructions. In particular:

  • You should discontinue smoking for several weeks before your facelift, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during the healing process.
  • You should refrain from taking blood-thinning drugs (such as aspirin) for ten days before your procedure.
  • You should not eat six hours before surgery; you should not drink two hours before surgery.

You will arrive at least one hour before the time of your procedure. The nursing staff at the hospital will monitor your blood pressure and other relevant essentials. You will then meet your anaesthetist and surgeon for a final markup.

The actual operation involves carefully sculpting and repositioning underlying tissue and fat within the face to create a more youthful contour around the eyes, chin, neckline, and jawline area. The result is smoother skin texture while preserving natural facial expressions throughout different movements. The incisions are then closed using sutures. This will leave small scars hidden along areas such as the hairline or scalp, which can fade over time depending on how well they are cared for.

We typically perform this procedure under general anaesthesia. It lasts 2.5h to 3.5h.

Aftercare following a facelift is essential to ensure we achieve optimal results.

Following your surgery, you will be transferred to the hospital’s recovery room, where the nursing staff will ensure that your recovery is smooth. You should stay there for two to four hours, depending on the surgery. Once the nursing team are happy that you are in a fit state to go home, you will leave the hospital accompanied by a friend or a family member. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you overnight for the first night following your operation. Generally, post-operative pain is minimal, but you will be given pain killers in case you need them.

Once you have been discharged from the hospital, our nursing team will be available 24/7 to ensure your post-operative journey is comfortable and pain-free and to field any questions you may have.

Your surgeon will see you a number of times in the weeks following your operation to monitor the facial skin and scars and to support you:

  • The next day, the surgeon will remove the drains and check the wounds and dressings.
  • One week post-operatively, there will be another consultation and depending on your healing progress, the surgeon may decide to remove sutures then.
  • You will see the surgeon again two weeks post-operatively, at which stage all remaining sutures will be removed and your progress monitored.
  • The last post-operative consultation is at six weeks. Generally, you will be discharged from the surgeon's care at that stage.

Bruising and swelling can last up to one month following this surgery.

Our medical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your current health status and treatment received, including when it is appropriate for you to resume normal activities such as exercise, wearing makeup, and strenuous movements. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications or risks associated with the procedure.

Protecting your face from sun exposure is especially important, as it can cause scarring, discolouration, and other unwanted side effects. Wear sunscreen when outdoors and use hats or umbrellas if possible. It would be best to avoid strenuous activities involving facial movements, such as exercise and sports, until cleared by our medical team at Kensington Medical.

By following the instructions of our medical team and taking precautions to protect your face, you can ensure that you achieve the best results from facelift surgery. Following a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest, nutrition, and hydration is essential for healing and maintaining long-term effects. It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before and during the recovery period.

Temporal Lift or Lateral Brow Lift Surgery Surgeons

Experts - our surgeons have performed hundreds of facelifts, neck lifts, and brow lifts, ensuring that you are in capable hands. Selecting experienced brow lift surgeons is crucial to ensure optimal results and minimize risks associated with the procedure. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standards of medical care and expertise.

To find out more about our expert surgeons visit our about us page. 

Brow Lift Procedure

A brow lift procedure typically involves making a single short incision hidden within the hairline, designed to lift the outer one-third of the brow and forehead. This surgical brow lift can be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. During the procedure, the surgeon elevates the forehead skin and muscle, lifting the brow into a more youthful position and securing it with stitches. Surgical staples are used in the hairline to minimize the risk of hair loss. The entire brow lift procedure usually takes around 1-2 hours to complete, providing a significant improvement in the appearance of the brow and forehead.

Recovery After a Brow Lift

Recovery after a brow lift surgery is relatively quick, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a few days. It is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness, which typically subside within a few days post-surgery. To help reduce swelling, patients are advised to keep their head elevated for several days following the procedure. Hair can be washed immediately after surgery, and normal makeup can be applied soon after. Most patients can return to work within a week, although some may need to use camouflage makeup to cover any residual bruising. Overall, the recovery process for a brow lift surgery is straightforward and manageable.

Risks and Complications of a Brow Lift Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a brow lift surgery. These may include bleeding, scarring, infection, nerve weakness, numbness, and in rare cases, failure to achieve the desired results. However, these complications are uncommon and can be minimized by choosing an experienced brow lift surgeon and carefully following preoperative and postoperative instructions. It is crucial to discuss the potential risks and complications with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure to ensure you are fully informed and prepared.

Cost and Prices of a Brow Lift Procedure

The cost of a temporal brow lift procedure can vary depending on individual requirements and the surgeon’s fees. The price typically includes all pre-operative and post-operative care. After a consultation with an experienced brow lift surgeon, a detailed quotation will be provided. The cost includes surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and all necessary pre-operative and post-operative care. At Kesington Medical a temporal brow lift is from £4,250. 

 

Temporal Lift or Lateral Brow Lift Surgeons

What other procedures can complement a temporal lift?

Temporal lift is for people with mild sagging of the brow, mid-face and cheek areas. It can also lift the brow into a more youthful position. You may also be interested in combining a S lift with a blepharoplasty to improve the appearance of the eyes further. Other complementary techniques for the temporal lift include a mid-facelift. You can discuss all the options with your plastic surgeon in your initial consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Temporal lifts can cause scarring in the hairline area however they will fade with time. Our specialist facial surgeons have a long history of completing these cosmetic surgery procedures. With all surgical procedures there is a risk of infection, bleeding, bruising, and swelling. We will discuss all of the aftercare to ensure your procedure is a great experience.

A temporal brow lift does not have a long recovery with little to no bruising. Many return to work in a day or two following the procedure.

Temporal brow lift recovery does not involve much scarring. The single incision is made in your hairline and is not very visible. Following the procedure, the surgeon will cover it with a small dressing, and the incision location is hidden within your hair. Any scarring will fade with time.

Temporal brow lift creates a subtle lift, giving you a refreshed and natural look. Some natural swelling may last for a few days, but this will go as you begin to heal from the surgery.

A temporal brow lift like all cosmetic surgery procedures is not permanent. The ageing process will continue however from a more refreshed base. If you ensure that you look after your face, eat a healthy diet, wear a SPF 50 sunblock, this will help to preserve your results. 

The cost for a Temporal face lift starts at £4,250. Your plastic surgeon will discuss in detail what is involved. To find out if you are suitable get in touch.

Ahead of your surgery we ask that you fill out your medical history. We will discuss the best diet, sleep, and skincare routine to help with the results.

At your preoperative medical all of the information you will need ahead of your surgery will be discussed, along with aftercare.

During your consultation, your surgeon will share before and after images of previous temporal surgeries that they have performed so that you can see the types of results you should expect.



View all facelift videos

 

The next step to a refreshed you

If you are looking to refresh your face, then a temporal facelift at Kensington Medical is the ideal procedure. An initial consultation with one of our plastic surgeons to discuss what you are hoping to achieve will help guide this process.

During this discussion, many factors will be discussed such as facial structure and skin laxity to create a unique plan. If you were planning on another treatment this will also be organised. If you have an event or timeline in mind we can work towards best achieving the results you want for that date. 

Book a consultation in our Harley street, London or Wimbledon clinic. Our patients are delighted with their results. Find our more today by filling in the form or call us. 

Medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 12 November, 2024.

Footnote reference: journals.lww.com