Concern
Brow Ptosis Treatment in Delafield
Brow ptosis is the descent of the eyebrow from its normal anatomical position to a lower level on the forehead, often as a result of aging and the gradual weakening of the tissues that support the brow. The condition can affect one or both brows and most commonly involves the outer (lateral) portion of the eyebrow. As the brow descends, it can crowd the upper eyelid, create a tired or heavy appearance, and in more advanced cases contribute to a sense of upper-field visual obstruction. Brow ptosis is distinct from eyelid ptosis, which involves drooping of the eyelid itself, though the two conditions can coexist and are sometimes confused.
At a Glance
- Brow ptosis is the downward migration of the eyebrow and periorbital soft tissues, a common change that steadily increases in individuals 50 and older[2]
- The condition is distinct from eyelid ptosis, which involves drooping of the eyelid itself, though brow descent can mimic or worsen the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin[1]
- Brow ptosis most commonly affects the lateral (outer) portion of the eyebrow and can contribute to a tired or aged appearance of the upper face[1]
- A surgical brow lift, also called a forehead lift, repositions sagging eyebrows to a more youthful level and can be performed using several different approaches[5]
Signs & symptoms
- Lowered eyebrow position, often most noticeable at the outer corner
- A heavy, tired, or aged appearance to the upper face
- Apparent excess or hooding of the upper eyelid skin as the brow descends
- A sense of upper or peripheral visual field obstruction in more advanced cases
- Habitual raising of the eyebrows or forehead to lift the brows, sometimes causing forehead fatigue
- Deepening of horizontal forehead lines from chronic frontalis muscle activity
What causes Brow Ptosis
- Age-related loss of skin elasticity and weakening of soft-tissue support structures
- Gradual descent of periorbital and forehead soft tissues over time
- Reduced volume and laxity of the deep tissue planes of the forehead
- Repeated downward pull from the muscles that depress the brow (such as the corrugator and orbicularis oculi)
- Sun damage and environmental exposure contributing to skin and tissue changes
- Facial nerve weakness or paralysis affecting the muscles that elevate the brow
- Prior trauma or surgery affecting the forehead or periorbital region
Risk factors
- Increasing age, with brow descent becoming more common after age 50
- Chronic sun exposure and photoaging of forehead skin
- Genetic predisposition to early soft-tissue laxity
- Smoking, which can accelerate skin aging
- Facial nerve injury or conditions causing facial muscle weakness
- History of forehead or brow trauma or surgery
How it's assessed
- Clinical examination evaluating eyebrow position relative to the bony orbital rim
- Assessment of brow height and symmetry between the two sides
- Evaluation to distinguish brow ptosis from eyelid ptosis and dermatochalasis
- Observation of compensatory forehead muscle activity (habitual brow elevation)
- Photographic documentation of the brow and periorbital region
- Visual field assessment when functional obstruction is suspected
How is Brow Ptosis treated
One approach can address brow ptosis:
Curious what's possible?
Schedule a consultation to explore what's right for you.
Recovery & outlook
- Brow ptosis is a benign, gradually progressive change associated with aging rather than a harmful disease
- Non-surgical approaches typically produce subtle, temporary improvement requiring repeat treatment
- Surgical brow lift generally produces lasting elevation, though the brow continues to age naturally over time
- Outcomes and longevity vary with the surgical technique, individual anatomy, and ongoing aging
- When brow ptosis contributes to visual field obstruction, correction can improve the upper field of vision
Frequently Asked Questions
- Brow ptosis is the descent of the eyebrow from its normal position to a lower level on the forehead, most often as a result of aging and the gradual weakening of supporting tissues. It can affect one or both brows and frequently involves the outer corner of the eyebrow. The condition is different from eyelid ptosis, which involves drooping of the eyelid itself.
- Common signs include a lowered eyebrow position, a heavy or tired appearance to the upper face, and what looks like excess or hooding of the upper eyelid skin. Some people habitually raise their eyebrows to lift the brows, which can cause forehead fatigue and deepen horizontal forehead lines. In more advanced cases, the descended brow may contribute to a sense of upper-field visual obstruction.
- Brow ptosis usually results from aging, including loss of skin elasticity and weakening of the soft-tissue support of the forehead and periorbital region. Repeated downward pull from the muscles that depress the brow, sun damage, genetics, and facial nerve weakness can also contribute. Prior trauma or surgery to the forehead area may play a role as well.
- Brow ptosis is the drooping of the eyebrow and forehead tissues, while eyelid ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid margin itself, usually due to weakness of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Brow descent can crowd the upper eyelid and mimic excess eyelid skin, so a careful examination is used to tell the two apart, since they may also occur together.
- Consider an evaluation if a drooping brow interferes with your upper or peripheral vision, if you find yourself constantly raising your eyebrows to see comfortably, or if the change in appearance is a concern. A new or rapidly developing brow droop, especially with other facial weakness, warrants prompt medical evaluation to rule out a nerve-related cause.
- Mild brow ptosis may simply be observed. Neuromodulator injections can relax the muscles that pull the brow down for a modest, temporary lift. A surgical brow lift (forehead lift) repositions the eyebrows to a higher level and may be combined with upper eyelid surgery when excess eyelid skin is also present. The best approach depends on individual anatomy and goals.
- A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that repositions sagging eyebrows to a more youthful level. It can be performed through several approaches, including endoscopic, temporal, direct, mid-forehead, and coronal techniques, with the choice guided by the degree of descent, hairline, and individual anatomy.
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 5 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13