Can an Endoscopic Brow Lift / Forehead Lift Be Reversed?

A lot of the reversibility of the procedure depends on the timing. A typical cortical fixation endoscopic lift utilizes 5 incisions, then a series of sutures are used to suspend the lift. If the attempt to undo the suspension is very early, the same incisions can be opened, the sutures cut/removed, and the tissue returned to the native position, assuming none was removed (typically not). Farther out than a month, it would be more challenging given the tissue has healed in a new position. It could be undone, but would require opening up and dissection the entire tissue plane, and even then it is not guaranteed to return to the original state. The long and short is, yes, it can be reversed to some degree but depends heavily on the timing.

Hi there — great question, and one that comes up more often than you might think.
Can an endoscopic “bone-tunneling” brow/forehead lift be reversed?
Yes, in many cases it can be partially or fully reversed.The bone-tunneling technique typically uses fixation sutures or devices anchored through small bone tunnels. These fixation elements can be accessed again through the same endoscopic incisions.
As a revision surgeon I can: • Re-enter the original tunnels and dissection planes • Release or cut the fixation sutures • Allow the forehead and brows to return to a more natural, relaxed, “pre-lift–like” positionThis does not always recreate exactly your preoperative anatomy, but it can bring you very close when done properly.
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What about the hairline being too high?
Releasing the fixation can help the forehead soften and descend somewhat, but if the hairline was significantly elevated, you may still need a forehead-lowering (hairline-advance) procedure to fully restore the original length.These two procedures can be combined if necessary.
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When is it safe to perform a reversal?
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6–9 months, ideally 12 months, for: • Full scar maturation • Tissue relaxation • Stable brow position • Predictable revision results
Earlier revision is possible only in cases of severe aesthetic or functional dissatisfaction.
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What are the potential risks of a reversal? • Temporary numbness (common, usually improves) • Irregular brow movement or asymmetry • Insufficient descent (not fully returning to original position) • Hairline irregularity if new incisions are needed • Swelling or bruising similar to the original lift • Rare risk of injury to sensory nerves
Overall, complication rates are low when performed by a surgeon experienced in revision endoscopic forehead surgery