Brow Lift - What Happens if my Eyebrows Are Lifted Too High and I End Up with a 'Shocked Look'?

I think your question is an excellent one-- how to get a nice brow shape after a browlift and avoid a "shocked" or "surprised" look.  The ideal brow has a gentle arc, starting centrally and moving laterally, with the peak being just short of the lateral end of the brow.  The way that a surgeon avoids that "surprised" look is to control the shape of the brow during surgery and the have this ideal in mind, so  I think that ultimately it comes down to two things: where your starting anatomy is and the judgement of your surgeon.  Some surgeons prefer a more open, elevated look to the brows, others want a more subtle result, and still others tailor their plan to the specific goals of the patient.  The key for the patient is to look at the surgeon's before and after photos, let him know what your goals are, and make sure you have as much information as possible before selecting your surgeon.

Being worried about looking shocked or surprised after brow lift surgery is a legitimate concern. However, contemporary brow lifts generally tend to shy away from pulling the eyebrows too high during surgery. In fact, the goal is often to maintain your eyebrows in the correct position while they are at rest. As most of us age, we begin to use the muscles in our foreheads to raise our eyebrows so that we can see. This worsens over time, and we develop wrinkles in the forehead. A brow lift rejuvenates the forehead and brow by lifting the eyebrows to their original position without using the muscles in your forehead. This eliminates many of the "active" wrinkles that were formed and, when done properly, should not create a shocked appearance.

Speaking to your facial plastic surgeon about your specific cosmetic goals will certainly help you decide what works best for you. I wish you the best of luck!