Concierge plastic surgery · London
Cosmetic browlift in London, by a BAAPS/BAPRAS plastic surgeon.
A proper cosmetic browlift by a plastic surgeon on the specialist register — with the approach that suits your anatomy, non-surgical alternatives on the table, and a theatre environment either way.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A BAAPS/BAPRAS-registered plastic surgeon
Not an aesthetic clinician moonlighting. A named plastic surgeon on the specialist register, operating in a proper theatre.
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Non-surgical options first, when they fit
Botox chemical brow lift, energy-device tightening or threads can be enough. We say so before you commit to surgery.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private cosmetic browlift costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Endoscopic browlift in our network: £5,500–£8,500, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic browlift (GA) | £5,500–£8,500 | 1–2 hrs | Same visit |
| Coronal browlift (GA) | £6,500–£9,500 | 2 hrs | Same visit |
| Pretrichial / trichophytic browlift (GA) | £6,000–£9,000 | 2 hrs | Same visit |
| Temporal (lateral) browlift (GA or sedation) | £3,800–£6,500 | 1 hr | Same visit |
| Direct browlift (LA or sedation) | £2,800–£4,800 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Combined with upper blepharoplasty | +£2,500–£4,000 | +45 min | Same visit |
| Non-surgical chemical brow lift (botox) | £280–£450 | 15 min | Same visit |
| Consultation only | £200–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which plastic surgeon does the case, by the approach chosen, and by whether any extra work (upper blepharoplasty, corrugator release) is added on the day. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right surgeon, the right approach, the right operation.
Cosmetic browlift is quietly one of the most badly diagnosed operations in the private aesthetic market — brow ptosis mistaken for lid excess, coronal lifts done on receding hairlines, and non-surgical options never mentioned. We fix all three before you commit.
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Not sure it is the brow?
The heavy look might be the lid, not the brow. We say so before you agree to a browlift.
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Worried about the scar?
Endoscopic, pretrichial, temporal or direct — the approach is chosen to protect your hairline and hide the scar.
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Want it done properly?
A named BAAPS/BAPRAS plastic surgeon, a proper theatre, honest markings — no aesthetic-doctor freelancing.
The journey
From consult to aftercare — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to review — including the recovery window.
Phase 1 · Consult and surgical plan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · Surgery day
A few hours at the clinic
Phase 3 · Aftercare
Concierge, back on
- 01
Consult
You tell us what is bothering you
A short, confidential form. Hooded lids, heavy brow, deep forehead lines — and whether you have tried anything before.
- 02
Consult
We come back with a surgical plan
Within one working day: which approach (endoscopic, coronal, pretrichial, temporal or direct), whether upper blepharoplasty is worth combining, and an indicative price.
- 03
Consult
We arrange the appointment
Usually within one to two weeks. Blood-thinning medication, retinoids and smoking are reviewed with the team and you are told exactly how to prepare.
- 04
Surgery day
Arrival at the clinic
Arrival, consent, markings with you sitting up, then a chat with the surgeon and anaesthetist. General anaesthetic is usual; sedation is possible for smaller lifts.
- 05
Surgery day
The procedure itself
1 to 2 hours in a licensed theatre. Small incisions behind the hairline for endoscopic, longer hidden incisions for coronal or pretrichial approaches.
- 06
Surgery day
Home the same day
A short recovery, written aftercare, a light head dressing, and home within a few hours. You will need someone to collect you and stay overnight.
- 07
Aftercare
Recovery and review
Visible bruising and swelling settle over two weeks. No strenuous exercise for four weeks. A review is arranged at one week and again at six weeks.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to surgery. Visible bruising: 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise: 4 weeks.
When it helps
When a cosmetic browlift is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means a doctor rather than a surgeon.
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Brow ptosis
A brow that has descended with age, sitting low over the eye and giving a tired or heavy look.
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Hooded upper eyelids
Skin from a low brow overhanging the upper lid — sometimes better treated by lifting the brow than by blepharoplasty alone.
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Deep forehead furrows
Horizontal forehead lines that persist at rest, often from years of compensating for a heavy brow.
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Asymmetric brows
One brow sitting noticeably lower than the other — often addressed with a unilateral or asymmetric lift.
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Frown lines between the brows
Glabellar creases that soften when the corrugator muscles are addressed at the same time as the lift.
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Cosmetic refresh
A wish for a rested, awake look without changing your identity — done properly, in theatre, by a plastic surgeon.
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Post-blepharoplasty disappointment
Upper-lid surgery that did not fix the tired look because the real problem was the brow position, not the lid.
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Red flag: motor weakness or vision change
Facial weakness, sudden brow drop or a change in vision is not cosmetic — that needs a neurologist or ophthalmologist, not a surgeon.
Procedure options
Surgical browlift is not the only option.
What each surgical and non-surgical option actually involves — and which fits which problem.
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Endoscopic browlift
Small incisions hidden behind the hairline; a camera lifts the brow with minimal scarring. Suits most patients with a normal hairline.
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Coronal browlift
The traditional approach — a long incision hidden across the top of the scalp. Powerful lift, but not for high or receding hairlines.
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Pretrichial / trichophytic browlift
Incision placed in front of the hairline for patients with a high forehead — the lift shortens the forehead rather than raising the hairline.
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Temporal (lateral) browlift
A smaller lift addressing only the outer brow — ideal for isolated lateral hooding without central brow ptosis.
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Direct browlift
Skin removed directly above the brow. Best for older patients with deep furrows and heavy brows where scarring in a forehead line is acceptable.
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Chemical brow lift (botox)
Botulinum toxin to relax the depressor muscles and let the frontalis lift the brow. Subtle, 3–4 months, no downtime.
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Energy-device skin tightening
Ultrasound (HIFU) or radiofrequency to tighten forehead and brow skin non-surgically. Best for mild descent and younger skin.
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Threads (Silhouette Soft)
Absorbable barbed threads to reposition the lateral brow. A modest lift with limited longevity — a bridge, not a substitute, for surgery.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of plastic surgeons, we picked them.
BAAPS and BAPRAS-registered plastic surgeons across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every plastic surgeon in our network.
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BAAPS or BAPRAS-registered consultant plastic surgeons, on the GMC specialist register
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Endoscopic and open approaches available under one roof
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Combined upper blepharoplasty offered where the eye — not just the brow — is the problem
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Non-surgical alternatives (botox, energy devices, threads) discussed before surgery is recommended
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Cosmetic browlift is a common, safe day-case operation. The things worth planning are your approach, the recovery window, and the risks that are rare but real.
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Asymmetry after healing
Small differences between the two sides are common early on and usually settle. Persistent asymmetry may need a small revision.
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Hairline distortion
Coronal and pretrichial lifts can shift the hairline — up or down. The approach is chosen to protect the hairline you have.
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Motor nerve injury (rare)
The frontal branch of the facial nerve runs close to the brow. Injury is rare in experienced hands but can cause weakness of the forehead.
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Sensory numbness
Numbness of the forehead or scalp behind the incisions is expected for weeks to months and almost always recovers.
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Hair loss along the scars
Temporary shedding along coronal or endoscopic scars is common; permanent loss is uncommon and technique-dependent.
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Over-elevation ("surprise" look)
Too much lift produces an unnatural, permanently startled expression. Conservative planning and honest markings prevent it.
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Recurrence over time
The brow continues to age. Most surgical lifts last 5–10 years; non-surgical options are measured in months.
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Haematoma and wound infection
A collection of blood or a wound infection is uncommon but is a reason to call the clinic the same day, not to wait.
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Hypertrophic or keloid scarring
Some skin types scar thickly. If this is you, tell the surgeon before booking — it changes the approach we recommend.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever approach was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and approach chosen
Why the operation was done — brow ptosis, hooding, forehead lines — and which approach was used and why.
- 02 Technique
Anaesthetic and surgical technique
GA or sedation, incision placement, fixation method (endotine, screws, sutures), and any combined blepharoplasty or corrugator work.
- 03 Findings
Muscle release and symmetry
Notes on corrugator or procerus release, degree of lift on each side, and any intraoperative photographs.
- 04 Impression
Recovery, activity and review timing
Read this first: expected bruising and swelling, when to return to exercise and work, and when the follow-up appointments are booked.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cosmetic browlift is almost always self-pay — insurers do not fund cosmetic procedures. If the operation is functional (severe brow ptosis obstructing vision) some cover may apply. We confirm before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cosmetic browlift.
Quick answers on approach, cost, recovery, and whether it is really the brow — or the lid — you need to lift.
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What actually is a browlift, and how is it different from a facelift?
A browlift raises the eyebrows and smooths the forehead. A facelift addresses the lower face, jawline and neck. They are separate operations and are sometimes done together, but they solve different problems.
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Do I need a browlift or an upper blepharoplasty?
If the real problem is a low brow pulling the upper lid down, a blepharoplasty alone will disappoint you. If the brow position is normal but there is excess lid skin, a blepharoplasty is enough. A good surgeon assesses the brow with you sitting up before deciding.
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Which browlift approach is best?
It depends on your anatomy. Endoscopic suits most people with a normal hairline. Pretrichial is better for a high forehead. Coronal remains powerful for heavy brows and low hairlines. Temporal fixes the outer brow only. Direct is reserved for older patients with deep forehead furrows.
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How much does a private browlift cost in London?
Roughly £5,500–£8,500 for endoscopic, £6,500–£9,500 for coronal, £2,800–£4,800 for direct. Combining with upper blepharoplasty adds £2,500–£4,000. Non-surgical botox lift is £280–£450. We confirm firm figures within one working day.
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What is the recovery like?
Visible bruising and swelling settle over two weeks. Numbness of the scalp lasts weeks to months. No strenuous exercise for four weeks. Most people return to office work in 10–14 days.
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How long does a browlift last?
A surgical browlift typically lasts 5–10 years, sometimes longer. The brow continues to age underneath — the operation resets the clock rather than stopping it.
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Can I have a browlift under local anaesthetic?
A direct browlift and, sometimes, a small temporal lift can be done under LA or sedation. Endoscopic, coronal and pretrichial lifts are done under general anaesthetic as a day-case.
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What about botox instead of surgery?
A "chemical brow lift" with botox relaxes the depressor muscles and produces a subtle 1–2mm lift lasting 3–4 months. It is genuinely useful for mild cases and as a trial — but it is not a substitute for surgery when the brow is truly ptotic.
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Will people notice I have had surgery?
Done well, no — they will say you look rested. Overdone, they will notice. Conservative planning, honest markings and a plastic surgeon (not an aesthetic doctor) are how you avoid the second answer.
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When should I see a doctor rather than a surgeon?
Sudden brow drop, facial weakness, double vision or a change in vision is not cosmetic. See a GP the same day and, if needed, a neurologist or ophthalmologist — not a plastic surgeon.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Upper blepharoplasty
Excess upper-eyelid skin removal.
Learn more -
Facelift
Lower-face and neck rejuvenation.
Learn more -
Botox and fillers
Non-surgical facial refresh options.
Learn more -
All treatments
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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Acne
Related condition guide.
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Eczema
Related condition guide.
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Mole Check
Related diagnostic test.
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Mole Mapping
Related diagnostic test.
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In practice, in London
The London pathway for cosmetic browlift
For cosmetic browlift, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. Public provision for cosmetic browlift is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
The mechanics are straightforward: a consultant appointment, any tests done at a nearby CQC-registered site, and a written report back within a few days. London’s density of private diagnostics — Marylebone, the City, Chelsea, Canary Wharf — means most patients can find something that fits around work without a cross-town trek. For cosmetic browlift in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
We’re careful about what a private pathway for cosmetic browlift can and can’t promise. It can compress a wait, put you in front of a subspecialist quickly, and get a proper report in your hands within a week. It can’t rewrite what the imaging or the bloods say. Setting that expectation up front tends to make the whole experience less stressful.