For patients in South Africa

Brow lift in Turkey from South Africa: which technique, and what to expect

A brow lift raises low or heavy eyebrows and repositions the tissue beneath the forehead, so the upper face looks less tired or stern. There are several techniques, and choosing between them is most of the decision. This page explains the options, the stay in İzmir and recovery at home.

Three techniques, three different problems

Each targets a different area:

• Endoscopic brow lift — lifts the brows, especially the inner part, and smooths the forehead through small incisions behind the hairline; read more on endoscopic brow lift for South African patients
• Temporal lift — lifts the outer third of the brow and the temple area; see temporal lift
• Forehead reduction — lowers a high hairline to shorten the forehead; see forehead reduction

A brow lift changes the brow itself, not the eyelid skin, so if heavy upper lids are part of the picture the surgeon may discuss upper eyelid surgery as well. The full overview is on the brow lift treatment page, and related operations are in our face surgery guide for South African patients.

Who it suits

• People whose low, heavy brows make them look tired, cross or older
• People who want a smoother forehead and a more lifted upper face
• People with brow or forehead asymmetry they would like improved
• People in good general health who do not smoke, or can stop before surgery, and whose expectations are realistic

Suitability is confirmed only after a medical assessment; if another treatment would serve you better, the surgeon will say so.

How long to stay in İzmir

Health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon happen on arrival, and surgery follows. Afterwards you recover at Mandarin Grove, our recovery retreat, with nursing support and dressing changes. Keep your head raised for the first few days; stitches or dressings usually come off between days four and seven.

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, once the surgeon approves. Book a ticket you can change in case you are asked to stay a little longer. Keep any medication you were given in your hand luggage for the long flight home.

Recovery once you are home

Swelling settles over two to six weeks, and most people are back at work within one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise waits until the surgeon clears you. The forehead and brows continue to settle for three to six months, and the incision lines soften and fade over the same period.

Risks are discussed openly at consultation. They include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry and slow wound healing and, more rarely, bleeding, infection, changes at the hairline or nerve irritation. Take your operation notes home and let your GP know what was done.

After you fly home, follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team, and İzmir is only one hour ahead of South Africa, so calls fit into a normal day. Medical complications and any revision that becomes clinically necessary within one year of treatment are covered by our treatment guarantee; it does not cover a preference for a different look where the result is within what was discussed beforehand. See our clinic facts and complaints process.

What decides the cost

The cost depends on the technique, whether another procedure is added, and how long you stay. You receive a personalised quote after the surgeon has seen your photographs.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, we will not promise a result, and we will not operate if your health makes it unsafe. Coming a long way is not a reason to add more procedures to one operation than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of brow lift do I need?

It depends on where the heaviness is. An endoscopic brow lift treats the inner brows and forehead, a temporal lift treats the outer brow, and forehead reduction shortens a high forehead. The surgeon recommends one after seeing your photographs and examining you.

How long after a brow lift can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, once the surgeon is happy. Book a return ticket you can change in case you need to stay longer.

Will a brow lift fix hooded eyelids?

Only if the hooding comes from a low brow. If the excess skin is on the eyelid itself, upper eyelid surgery may be needed instead or as well, and the surgeon will explain which applies to you.

When can I go back to work after a brow lift?

Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until the surgeon clears you.

Will my medical aid cover a brow lift?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic brow lift surgery done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer directly before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.