Brow Ptosis

Brow ptosis is the inferior displacement of the eyebrow and its associated soft tissues below the anatomical position of the supraorbital rim. This descent occurs progressively with aging as the forehead retaining ligaments weaken, the frontalis muscle tires, and soft tissue volume shifts inferiorly, producing a fatigued or stern appearance.

Understanding Brow Ptosis

The eyebrow sits at the junction of the forehead and upper eyelid, functioning as a structural support that transmits the weight of the forehead tissues to the orbital rim. When the retaining ligaments — the orbicularis retaining ligament, the brow fat pad, and the galea aponeurotica — attenuate with age, the brow descends, and the upper eyelid bears a burden it was never designed to carry. The result is a cascade of aesthetic concerns: the lateral brow drops first, creating a triangular hooding of the upper lid; the eye appears smaller, heavier, and less alert; and the distance between the brow and the lash line narrows, sometimes compromising the superior visual field.

Brow ptosis correction restores the brow to its anatomical position using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. For international patients, Istanbul offers access to elite facial aesthetic surgeons at 65 per cent below UK clinic fees, with streamlined travel medical packages.

Treatment Options for Brow Ptosis

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Endoscopic Facial Lifting in Turkey

Endoscopic facial lifting is a minimally invasive technique that repositions descended forehead, brow, and midface tissues through small incisions hidden in the hairline and oral cavity. A fibre-optic endoscope provides magnified visualisation of the surgical plane, allowing the surgeon to release retaining ligaments and elevate the soft-tissue envelope with minimal skin excision. The result is a rejuvenated upper and mid-face with no visible scars and a significantly faster recovery than open approaches.

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Symptoms and Aesthetic Impact of Brow Ptosis

The primary complaint of brow ptosis patients is a tired, angry, or heavy appearance despite feeling well-rested. On examination, the brow sits at or below the supraorbital rim — the superior orbital bony margin. The lateral brow is almost always more affected than the medial brow because the temporal brow lacks the support of the supraorbital ligament. Patients frequently report heaviness in the upper eyelids, difficulty applying eye makeup due to the overhanging brow, and in advanced cases, superior visual field obstruction that interferes with reading and driving. Frontal headache and forehead fatigue from chronic frontalis muscle overcompensation are common associated symptoms.

Treatment Options at Vellum Select

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The gold-standard surgical treatment for brow ptosis is the Endoscopic Facial Lifting in Turkey procedure, which elevates and stabilises the brow through 3–5 small incisions hidden within the scalp hairline. Under endoscopic visualisation, the forehead soft tissues are released from the frontal bone, the depressors of the brow (corrugator, procerus, and depressor supercilii) are weakened, and the brow is resuspended in its youthful position. The procedure is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia and typically takes 1–2 hours.

Direct Brow Lift

For patients with severe lateral brow ptosis or significant asymmetry, a direct incision above the brow may be the most precise option. The scar heals well within the upper brow hairs and is barely perceptible once mature.

To discuss your brow ptosis with a Vellum Select facial aesthetics specialist, contact us to arrange a consultation.