Awake face surgery
Awake Brow Lift in Ottawa
A brow lift raises sagging brows and softens forehead lines and frown creases. For selected patients it may be done awake, with local anesthesia and light sedation.
Brow Lift at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 1 to 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Social downtime often about 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is brow lift?
The brow is lifted and secured in a higher position through incisions at or behind the hairline, or in some cases above the brow. The technique depends on your forehead height, hairline and brow shape.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with low or drooping brows that make them look tired or sad
- Those with heavy upper eyelids partly caused by brow position
- Patients with a suitable hairline and forehead
Why awake brow lift may work
The forehead and scalp are well suited to regional blocks and local anesthetic infiltration. Many scalp and forehead procedures are performed with local anesthesia, and an awake brow lift allows you to help judge brow position. Procedure-specific published series are limited, so we describe this as a reasonable option for selected patients, not a proven standard.
When awake may not be the right choice
If the brow lift is combined with extensive facial surgery, deeper sedation or general anesthesia may be preferable.
Your awake brow lift journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess brow position, forehead height and hairline, and plan the incision.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The forehead and scalp are numbed with local anesthetic, sedation is adjusted, and the brow is lifted and secured.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes. Head elevated. |
| Week 1 | Sutures or staples removed. Numbness is common. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Many are comfortable socially. |
| Months 1 to 3 | Swelling resolves and sensation returns. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Eyelid surgery alone, neuromodulator injections, or no treatment.
Risks
Asymmetry, scar widening, hair loss at the incision, numbness or itching, nerve injury, over or under correction, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake brow lift
Can a brow lift be done awake?
Often a reasonable option. We assess you at consultation.
Will I have scars?
Scars are hidden in or near the hairline.
Do I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery?
Sometimes both. We assess which one matters most.
How long does it last?
Brows continue to age, but results last for years.
Related procedures
- Awake Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Awake Forehead Reduction (Hairline Lowering)
- Awake Facelift
Starting from $8,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
Evidence note: published studies specific to this procedure under awake or local anesthesia are limited. The approach described here follows general principles of local anesthesia and is individualized to each patient. General references on local anesthetic safety are listed below.
References
- Conroy PH, O'Rourke J. Tumescent anaesthesia. Surgeon. 2013;11(4):210-221. PMID 23375489
- Dillane D, Finucane BT. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Can J Anaesth. 2010;57(4):368-380. PMID 20151342