Update date: 28 May 2025
Publish date: 26 May 2025
Read in: 9 min
The eye area is one of the first parts of the face to show visible signs of aging, as the skin here quickly loses firmness and elasticity. Additionally, in some people, the anatomical structure of the eye can cause the eyebrows to droop more noticeably, giving the face a tired or sad appearance.
Fortunately, a youthful, refreshed look can be restored with professional aesthetic treatments.
But what exactly is an eyebrow lift? What types of eyebrow lifts are available? How can you achieve the popular “cat-eye” effect, and when is it worth considering the procedure?
Lifting is one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, aimed at raising sagging tissues and, in some cases, removing excess skin. Various areas of the face, neck, breasts, or abdomen can undergo lifting procedures.
The same principle applies to an eyebrow lift, which focuses on reshaping and elevating the eyebrow arches. As a result, the patient’s gaze becomes more defined, refreshed, and youthful.
It’s important to note, however, that the term “lifting” does not refer to just one specific technique. Instead, it encompasses a range of methods that deliver the desired lifting effect. Additionally, eyebrow lifts are often combined with procedures targeting drooping eyelids.
Among the treatments used to lift and rejuvenate the eye area are the following:
Eyelid Blepharoplasty – One of the most effective procedures for correcting eyelids, blepharoplasty can also sufficiently reshape the eyebrow arches. It can be performed surgically, involving the removal of excess skin along the natural creases of the eyelids. A less invasive alternative is Plasma IQ, which uses hundreds of tiny thermal micro-injuries to stimulate collagen and elastin production during the healing process, thereby restoring the skin’s firmness and elasticity. The results are very natural, though for more advanced cases of eyelid and brow sagging, this method may not be enough on its own.
Surgical Brow Lift – When drooping brows significantly affect a patient’s appearance or even impair vision, a surgical brow lift may be necessary. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours. The surgeon makes incisions along the hairline to keep scars discreet, tightens the skin, and removes any excess. Patients must undergo a thorough qualification process beforehand to rule out contraindications such as skin infections, allergies, or tumors.
PDO Thread Brow Lift – For those seeking a dramatic yet discreet enhancement, the PDO thread lift is an excellent solution. The threads are made from polydioxanone (PDO), a biocompatible and bioabsorbable material that has been safely used in various medical fields for over 20 years. A PDO thread brow lift offers immediate results without the need for scalpels or general anesthesia, making it an ideal option for patients who may not qualify for surgical procedures.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect from a PDO thread brow lift.
A PDO thread brow lift is primarily recommended in situations where drooping eyelids and sagging eyebrows cause aesthetic and/or functional discomfort for the patient. It’s important to remember that an eyelid encroaching into the patient’s field of vision can sometimes lead to or worsen existing vision problems.
That said, a PDO thread lift can also be performed purely for cosmetic reasons — to redefine the eye area and restore a fresh, youthful, and expressive look.
Some of the main indications for a PDO thread brow lift include:
As with any procedure in cosmetology or aesthetic medicine, there are certain contraindications that a specialist must consider when qualifying a patient for treatment. The same applies to a PDO thread brow lift.
Some of the key contraindications include:
The PDO thread brow lift procedure must always be preceded by a detailed consultation, during which the specialist reviews the patient’s overall health, any past or chronic illnesses, and any medications they are currently taking. After ruling out any contraindications and determining the most appropriate treatment plan, the patient is cleared to proceed with the procedure.
The treatment itself is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia.
PDO threads are inserted beneath the skin using fine needles placed inside cannulas. A kind of supportive “scaffold” is created in the treated area to lift and hold sagging tissues. Depending on the technique used, the skin on the forehead may also be smoothed, and fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced.
Additionally, the application of PDO threads around the eyebrows can be combined with botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to further enhance the lifting effect.
Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience redness, bruising, and swelling at the insertion sites. These side effects are temporary and typically subside within a few days.
However, it is recommended to schedule the procedure at a time that allows for a few days of recovery to ensure maximum comfort and optimal healing.
The initial results of a PDO thread brow lift are visible immediately after the procedure. However, it may take a few days for any redness or swelling to subside and for the final aesthetic outcome to fully appear. The PDO threads themselves dissolve within approximately six months after insertion.
Nonetheless, the skin remains firmer and more elastic for an average of up to two years, thanks to the continuous stimulation of collagen and elastin production triggered by the treatment.
In recent years, the “cat-eye” or “fox-eye” look has become a highly popular aesthetic trend.
This effect is achieved by elongating and lifting the eyebrows, which, when properly reshaped, can significantly alter and enhance the overall appearance of the face.
While some people attempt to create this look with makeup or special hairstyling techniques, others seek a more lasting solution.
Using the right type of PDO threads and applying them with the correct technique can help achieve the desired “cat-eye” or “fox-eye” effect.
However, every procedure should be preceded by an individual consultation, during which the specialist will assess the patient’s facial structure and discuss the realistic outcomes that can be expected.
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