Brow Lift
A brow lift is a plastic surgery procedure that raises the eyebrows and eliminates fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead. It also diminishes or erases furrowed brows. The goal is to create a more relaxed appearance that looks rejuvenated without looking surprised.
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is a plastic surgery procedure that raises the eyebrows and eliminates fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead. It also diminishes or erases furrowed brows that give off an angry expression. The goal is to create a more relaxed appearance that looks rejuvenated without looking surprised.
There are several methods for performing an eyebrow lift. They consist of endoscopic (minimally invasive), open approach (making incisions either just behind the hairline or within the hair itself), or direct approach.
VARIATIONS OF PROCEDURE & TECHNIQUE
- Endoscopic Brow Lift: The endoscopic brow lift is probably the most frequently utilized approach. It uses multiple, small incisions made behind the hairline. Mostly younger people with congenital, or early aging brow sagging, and mild forehead lines and wrinkles elect this method.
- Open Brow Lift: This method, also called a trichophytic or coronal lift, is the most effective and long lasting brow (forehead) lift. An incision is made just behind the hairline or within the hair to conceal any scarring although most scarring fades dramatically. Those undergoing an open brow lift have significant brow hanging and marked wrinkles and forehead lines.
- Direct Brow Lift: This method is very safe and straightforward with the incisions made just above the eyebrows. It is performed almost exclusively on males, as full eyebrows are helpful to camouflage the incision.
What To Expect After
The healing and recovery process varies based on the method used to perform the brow lift. Endoscopic brow lifts often involve slight numbness as well as minor swelling and discomfort around the incision sites for the first few days. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Any sutures used to close the incisions are removed within the first week.
More invasive brow lifts (open and direct approaches) take a bit longer for recovery since they are more invasive. To minimize swelling, it is best to keep the area wrapped, and the head elevated even when sleeping for the first few days. Sutures are usually removed within about two weeks. There may be some swelling around the eyes and cheeks that diminishes within a couple of weeks. We suggest that patients plan to take one to two weeks off work for healing and recovery. At that point, any bruising or redness may be camouflaged with makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A BROW LIFT?
A: Whether hereditary or simply the effects of aging, anyone with excess amounts of skin that seem to hang from the eyebrows that causes an unhappy or irritated appearance is the ideal candidate for a brow or forehead lift. It is important to be in satisfactory health to undergo this, or any surgical procedure as well as have a realistic expectation about the outcome.
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A BROW LIFT?
A: Prior to having a brow lift, there are several steps involved to ensure a successful procedure. These include getting consent from your primary care physician that you are healthy enough for the surgery, along with having bloodwork to test for any underlying conditions that may have an impact.
During your consultation, we provide you with a list of preoperative and post-op instructions. Some of the steps to take to prepare for your brow lift involve you stopping any smoking several weeks prior and following your brow lift, and avoiding any medications and supplements that thin the blood a couple of weeks before surgery. Additionally, we ask that you have someone provide transportation to and from the procedure as well as stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following your brow lift.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE APPOINTMENT?
A: On the day of your brow lift, the plastic surgeon marks the places where he plans to make the incision. Following that preparation, anesthesia is administered, and the procedure is performed. Incisions are made according to the selected method. Once the incisions are made, the skin is lifted and pulled to raise the brows and smooth any wrinkles and lines in the forehead while maintaining a natural look. After that is done, the incisions are sewn up then dressed and bandaged to provide support and protection during the initial healing process.
Q: HOW LONG DOES A BROW LIFT PROCEDURE TAKE?
A: Depending on the length of the procedure, a brow lift typically takes between one and two hours; however, if it is combined with other facial surgery procedures, it may take a little longer. Your plastic surgeon may provide you with more details about the length of your surgery during your consultation.
Q: WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?
A: Initially, the results from brow (forehead) lifts may leave a surprised look. As the swelling goes down and the bruising and redness fades, the eyebrows and forehead look natural with just a subtle change that is more relaxed and pleasant.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF A brow lift?
A: The cost of a brow lift is different with each patient as it takes into consideration the method used, the extent of the procedure, and whether it is done in conjunction with another facial surgery procedure. During your consultation, we will review the costs along with payment and financing options.
Q: WILL I HAVE SCARS AFTER?
A: Incisions are made within the hairline or eyebrows, so any residual scarring is well hidden to the point that women are able to wear their hair pulled back with no anxiety about scars being noticeable.