Endoscopic Brow Lift in San Diego, CA
A heavy or descended brow can affect more than appearance — for some patients, it genuinely blocks upper and peripheral vision, the same way heavy upper eyelid skin can. For others, it’s purely about how tired or heavy the upper face looks. Either way, brow position is often the real cause behind a “tired eyes” complaint that patients initially assume is about their eyelids alone.
What makes this technique different
Older brow lift approaches often required a single long incision across the top of the head. An endoscopic brow lift uses a different approach: several small incisions hidden within and just behind the hairline, plus small incisions at the temples. A tiny camera (endoscope) is guided beneath the skin through these incisions, allowing Dr. McCoy to see the tissue directly and work with precision — without the long, open incision older techniques required. The forehead and brow tissue are then gently released and repositioned upward, and secured in place with small fixation devices anchored discreetly at the hairline. The incisions are closed with sutures and staples hidden within the hair.
Functional or cosmetic — or both
When brow descent is significant enough to be measurably limiting your superior visual field, this can be documented and may be partially insurance-eligible. When it’s primarily about appearance, it’s an elective, self-pay procedure. It’s also common for brow lift and upper eyelid surgery to be performed together in the same operation, when both are contributing to the same concern.
Setting and anesthesia
This procedure is performed at an ambulatory surgical center, most often with conscious sedation, and sometimes with general anesthesia depending on what else is being done at the same time and patient preference.
Recovery
Patients can wash their hair the day after surgery. Sutures or staples are removed at one week after surgery. Patients wear a headband full-time for one week to maintain gentle pressure on the forehead. A sensation of tightness and numbness in the forehead/scalp is common and can last a week and up to several months, alongside swelling and bruising that often migrates down toward the eyelids in the first several days — this is normal and expected.
“My practice philosophy is all about choice. It’s about empowering and educating people, providing a full suite of options that goes beyond surgery and focuses on their total health.”
~Dr. Allison McCoy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as a traditional brow lift?
No — traditional (open/coronal) brow lifts use one long incision across the scalp. The endoscopic approach uses several small hidden incisions and a camera-guided technique instead, which for most patients means less visible scarring and a different recovery experience.
Will this be combined with my eyelid surgery?
Often, yes, when both brow position and upper eyelid skin are contributing to the same concern.
Is a brow lift covered by insurance?
It can be, when brow descent is documented to be significantly limiting your visual field. Purely cosmetic brow lifts are self-pay.
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are placed within and just behind the hairline specifically to keep them hidden once healed.