Brow lift are divided into ‘open’ and ‘closed’ types. Each type has specific indications for its use and many variations on how they should be performed have been described. A less common indication is in the treatment of an excessively long appearing forehead due to a high hairline. The internal steps are essentially the same regardless of the type of operation selected, open or closed.

Closed, or endoscopic, brow lifting uses telescopes to access the forehead from small incisions in the scalp. It is best for those people who have a normal (or short) forehead length and for males with a family history of male pattern baldness. Minimal to no scalp tissue is removed.

In an open type or traditional, brow lifting uses a longer cut in the scalp or at the hairline and removes some scalp or forehead tissue. It is particularly good for patients with "high" foreheads.