Can you have a brow lift under local anaesthetic?
Yes, certain brow lift techniques can be performed under local anaesthetic for suitable patients. The right approach depends on your brow position, facial anatomy and the changes you're hoping to achieve.
At MYA, Dr Sherif Elamari will assess you individually and explain which brow lift technique may be appropriate for you, including whether local anaesthetic is suitable.
Temporal brow lift under local anaesthetic
A temporal brow lift focuses on the outer part of your eyebrows. For suitable patients, local anaesthetic can numb the treatment area while you remain awake. Dr Elamari will explain how this more targeted approach works and whether it's appropriate for your brow position.
Direct brow lift under local anaesthetic
A direct brow lift raises the brow through an incision close to the eyebrow. Techniques include supra-brow and sub-brow approaches, which use different incision positions. Dr Elamari will assess your anatomy and explain which approach may be suitable, including the implications for scarring.
Endoscopic brow lift under local anaesthetic
An endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions, usually within the hair-bearing scalp, and a camera to help your surgeon reposition the brow tissues. This technique is coming soon to MYA's local anaesthetic pathway. This Technique is not available at MYA until summer 2027.
Want to know more about brow lift surgery?
From how the different techniques work to recovery, scarring and potential results, you can explore brow lift surgery in more detail on our main procedure page.
What is local anaesthetic?
Local anaesthetic temporarily numbs a specific area of your body while you remain awake. Unlike general anaesthetic, it doesn't put you to sleep.
For brow lift surgery, the anaesthetic is given around the area being treated. Your surgical team will check that the area is numb before your procedure begins. You may still notice pressure, touch or movement, but you shouldn't feel pain from the surgery.
You'll be awake
You'll remain awake during your brow lift under local anaesthetic, with your surgical team beside you to explain what's happening and support you all day.
The area is numbed
Local anaesthetic numbs the area around your brow to block pain. Your surgical team will check that the area is fully numbed before your brow lift starts.
You'll go home the same day
Your brow lift takes place as a day case at MYA Harrogate. Once your clinical team has checked you're ready to leave, you can recover comfortably at home.
Why might you choose a brow lift under local anaesthetic?
For some patients, the thought of having brow lift surgery while awake feels reassuring. For others, a general anaesthetic may be more appropriate.
What matters is finding the approach that's right for you. Dr Elamari will assess your needs, explain your options and help you make an informed decision.
No general anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic allows suitable brow lift procedures to take place while you're awake, without being put to sleep.
Treatment planned around your brow position
Different brow lift techniques address different areas. Your surgeon will assess what needs treating before recommending an appropriate surgical and anaesthetic approach.
A dedicated local anaesthetic pathway
From your first consultation to procedure day, we'll guide you through each stage, answer your questions and make sure you understand what comes next.
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What does a brow lift under local anaesthetic feel like?
Wondering what being awake during brow lift surgery will actually feel like? You're certainly not the only one.
The thought of having surgery around your forehead and eyebrows while conscious can take a little getting used to. That's why we'll explain what to expect beforehand and be right there with you throughout your procedure.
Will I be awake during my brow lift?
Yes. With local anaesthetic, you'll remain conscious during your brow lift. Your surgical team will prepare you beforehand, explain what's happening and be there to support you throughout.
Will the local anaesthetic injection hurt?
You may feel a brief sting or some discomfort when the local anaesthetic is injected around your brow. As the medication takes effect, the treatment area becomes numb.
Will I feel my brow lift surgery?
You shouldn't feel pain once the area is fully numb. You may notice pressure, touch or gentle pulling around your forehead or eyebrows. These sensations are different from pain.
What if I feel uncomfortable during surgery?
You can speak to your surgical team while you're awake. If you're experiencing discomfort, pain or anxiety, tell us. We'll listen, assess what's happening and respond appropriately before continuing.
Your brow lift journey with MYA
Knowing what happens next can make the idea of surgery feel much more manageable. So, we'll guide you through your brow lift journey one step at a time, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.
1. Start with a FREE consultation
Tell us why you're considering a brow lift, what you'd like to change and how you feel about local anaesthetic. We'll talk through your options and answer your questions, with no pressure to make a decision.
2. Meet your surgeon
You'll meet Dr Sherif Elamari in person at our Harrogate clinic. He'll assess your brow position, discuss the available techniques and explain whether brow lift surgery under local anaesthetic is suitable for you.
3. Get ready for your procedure
Your nurse pre-op and vitals appointments help us prepare you for surgery. We'll review your medical history, complete the necessary checks and explain what you need to know before procedure day.
4. Procedure day in Harrogate
You'll come to MYA Harrogate for your brow lift under local anaesthetic. We'll help you get settled, prepare the treatment area and make sure you're comfortable before your surgery begins.
5. Head home the same day
Brow lift surgery under local anaesthetic at MYA Harrogate is a day-case procedure. Once we've completed your post-operative checks and you're ready to leave, you can head home with the person collecting you.
Your MYA care continues after your brow lift
You'll have post-operative support and follow-up appointments so your clinical team can check how you're healing and answer any questions. We'll explain your individual aftercare plan before you leave, so you'll know what to expect at home and when we'll see you again.

Dr Sherif Elamari has more than 15 years' experience across cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery, with expertise spanning facial surgery, body contouring and breast surgery.
His experience includes brow lifts, blepharoplasty, facelift surgery, liposuction, gynaecomastia surgery, forehead reduction and arm lifts.
For Dr Elamari, your consultation starts with listening. He'll take time to understand what you'd like to change, assess your brow position and explain which surgical approach may be appropriate for you.
Because feeling comfortable with your surgeon matters. And so does having the time and information you need to make your decision.
GMC number: 8039779 | Experience: 15+ years
Local anaesthetic brow lift surgery at MYA Harrogate
A familiar face. A friendly welcome. And time to feel at ease.
Your brow lift under local anaesthetic takes place at MYA Harrogate, based right here at 1 Cardale Park, Harrogate, HG3 1RY.
From the moment you arrive until your final checks, you'll meet the people looking after you, with warm, personal care throughout your visit.
We can group your clinic appointments on one day, helping you spend less time travelling back and forth.
Some conversations and checks can happen remotely, too. So, when a clinic visit isn't needed, you can catch up with your MYA team from your own home.
Getting to MYA Harrogate
Driving to see us? You'll find free parking at Cardale Park.
Taking the train? Services connect Harrogate with Leeds and York. From the station, it's roughly 10 minutes by car, and there are local buses to help you reach us too.
Our clinic is set outside Harrogate town centre, opposite Harlow Carr Gardens and Bettys Café Tea Rooms.
How much does a brow lift under local anaesthetic cost?
Your journey starts with a FREE initial consultation, where you can discuss brow lift surgery under local anaesthetic and ask any questions before deciding whether to take things further.
If you choose to progress, Dr Elamari will assess your brow position, recommend an appropriate surgical technique and confirm whether local anaesthetic is suitable for you.
Temporal brow lift under local anaesthetic - From £5,495
Direct brow lift under local anaesthetic - From £3,495
At your personalised surgeon assessment, we'll explain your recommended treatment, what's included, and your individual aftercare plan before you make a decision about surgery.
Book your FREE consultation