Browpexy
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

A browpexy is a less invasive procedure than a traditional brow lift, often performed through the same incision used in upper eyelid surgery to elevate and stabilize the position of the brows, particularly the outer or lateral regions.
Dr. Paul Phelps, a Chicago-based oculofacial surgeon and member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is well known for his innovative facial treatments. He is a leading expert in facial procedures, and he personalizes each treatment for his patients’ unique goals. With his expertise and commitment to safety, patient-focused care, and attention to detail, he regularly achieves beautiful, transformative results.
Contact our office online or call Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at (312) 888-5754 to learn more about your treatment options.
Contents
About Browpexy
The skin above and around the eyes and eyebrows is thinner than the skin in other areas, meaning these regions are typically among the first facial areas to show signs of aging. The brows may begin to droop, making us look tired, unhappy, and older than we are. (2)
As mentioned previously, the browpexy procedure is often considered to be a less invasive version of brow lift surgery. Rather than extensively removing skin or repositioning deeper tissues, a browpexy reinforces and repositions the brow by securing it to stable underlying structures, typically through the same incision used in upper eyelid surgery.
Browpexy and Eyelid Lift
Browpexy is often performed alongside an eyelid lift. An eyelid lift is a treatment that removes and/or repositions sagging tissues along the upper and/or lower eyelids. When combined, these procedures can address both drooping brows and excess eyelid skin, which often occur together as part of the aging process. Performing them simultaneously not only enhances aesthetic outcomes but may also improve visual field obstruction caused by heavy brows or eyelids.
Benefits
Rejuvenating your appearance with browpexy offers several benefits. Under the expert care of Dr. Phelps, our patients often see advantages like:
- Improved self-esteem: Refreshing the upper face with browpexy can inspire newfound confidence.
- Brighter eyes: Patients often observe a less tired, more alert appearance after treatment with reduced brow sagging.
- Lasting results: The corrections made during browpexy are durable and resilient, meaning they will typically last longer than nonsurgical alternatives.
- Balanced facial proportions: Lifting and tightening the brows can balance your facial features.
- Customizable procedures: Each browpexy procedure is carefully crafted to address each patient’s unique concerns.
- Minimal downtime: As a less invasive procedure, browpexy offers a less extensive recovery period when compared to a traditional brow lift.
Candidates
Candidacy for browpexy is open to any patient seeking to address mild to moderate brow laxity. This procedure is usually better suited for patients seeking a subtler brow lift with minor surgery rather than dramatic rejuvenation. For patients looking to address a significant amount of sagging skin, Dr. Phelps may recommend a brow lift. Meanwhile, patients looking to address sagging tissues above or below the eyes may be better suited for blepharoplasty.
Overall, candidates should be in good general health without any conditions that would affect their ability to undergo the procedure and heal. Patients should also have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with this treatment. Dr. Phelps will determine each patient’s candidacy during a personal consultation.
Consultation
Your browpexy journey will begin with a consultation with Dr. Phelps. At this appointment, Dr. Phelps will evaluate your skin laxity and facial anatomy to determine effective treatment methods for you. He will also discuss your aesthetic goals and medical history. With this information collected, Dr. Phelps will create a personalized treatment plan that helps you achieve your desired appearance.
It’s important to remember that a browpexy does not remove excess skin from the eyelids. If you need an eyelid lift to address excess skin on the upper eyelids, we can discuss combining additional procedures during your consultation.
Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your procedure. If you have any questions, please call our office at (312) 888-5754.
Preparation
Dr. Phelps will provide specific instructions to help you prepare for your treatment. In general, you should discontinue medications and supplements that thin your blood. You should also arrange for transportation home from the procedure. Those who smoke will be asked to quit several weeks before and after their procedure. You should also schedule time off from work and other responsibilities, and we recommend preparing meals ahead of time so you can focus on your recovery.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive with a clean face, without makeup or skincare products. Unlike a brow lift, a browpexy does not require general anesthesia, only local numbing agents. However, if you are combining your browpexy with other procedures, you may be placed under general anesthesia.
Dr. Phelps typically performs the procedure through the same incision used for upper eyelid surgery, located in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. The soft tissue is gently lifted and sutured to the deeper, firmer tissues. If necessary, Dr. Phelps can also remove excess skin.
After making the necessary adjustments, Dr. Phelps will close the incisions and apply dressings to support healing and maintain brow position.
Recovery
After your monitoring period, you can return home to rest. It’s common to experience swelling and bruising around the incision sites for 1-2 weeks afterward. For the first 48 hours, you will need to use a cold compress to prevent swelling and keep your head elevated when you are resting to promote proper circulation. You can also take medications to help reduce discomfort and swelling, but only take those advised by Dr. Phelps. Patients are typically advised to refrain from washing their hair for 48 hours. After 7-10 days, you can return to most of your normal activities, although it may take 3-4 weeks to heal completely.
Results

You can enjoy the results of a browpexy after several weeks, and the results are long-lasting if you take good care of your skin. After a browpexy, you can enjoy smoother skin and a more youthful-looking appearance. Patients often report increased confidence and a more refreshed look, as the eyes appear less heavy and tired. Additionally, Dr. Phelps’ refined incision techniques and placement lead to minimal scarring, and any scarring that does form is hidden by the natural contours of your face.
Corresponding Procedures
Dark Circles Treatments
Addressing dark circles beneath the eyes can brighten your appearance and enhance the results of your browpexy. Undereye circles can appear from aging, stress, and medical conditions, but they do not need to be permanent. If you are struggling to conceal dark circles, we offer several customizable treatments to enhance your appearance:
- CO2 laser resurfacing: Administering lasers to dark circles will help stimulate collagen production, leading to skin rejuvenation.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Dr. Phelps can administer a nutrient-rich serum to help your body regenerate.
- Lower blepharoplasty: Addressing puffiness below the eyes with surgical techniques can lead to long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
- Fat repositioning and grafting: Restructuring the distribution of fat and/or adding new fat to the face will create a fuller and more youthful appearance below the eyes.
Cost of Browpexy in Chicago
The cost of your browpexy will depend on the severity of your skin laxity and the scale of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Phelps will provide you with an all-inclusive price quote.
Contact our office online or call Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at (312) 888-5754 to learn more about your browpexy options, receive a price quote, and plan your procedure.
FAQ
How long will the results of a browpexy last?
You can enjoy the results of a browpexy for several years. Taking good care of your skin may prolong your results. It is important to keep in mind that the skin above and around the eyes will continue to age naturally, and sagging may recur.
Can I combine a browpexy with other procedures?
Yes, this procedure is customizable, and we can address multiple aesthetic concerns during a single treatment to help you achieve your goals.
Will I have noticeable scarring after a browpexy?
Your surgeon will make discreet incisions along the natural curves of your skin to reduce scarring for natural-looking results.
Will I need more than one browpexy to achieve my results?
You should only need one browpexy to achieve results, but if you experience changes to your skin from aging, we can perform a touch-up browpexy to prolong your results.
Is a browpexy painful?
A browpexy is typically well-tolerated because we administer anesthesia during your treatment for your comfort.
References
- Patel BC, Malhotra R. Mid Forehead Brow Lift. PubMed. Published 2024. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535452/