Brow Lift

Source: https://www.plasticsurgery.org

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift:

  • Reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes

  • Improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows

  • Raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids

  • Places the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position

Other cosmetic procedures that may be performed with a brow lift include:

  • Upper and or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

  • Facelift

  • Skin resurfacing techniques

Who is a good candidate for a brow lift?

You may be a candidate for brow lift surgery if you:

  • Are physically healthy

  • Nonsmoker

  • Have a positive outlook and realistic goals

As we age, unsightly wrinkle lines may appear on the forehead. Frown lines between the brows can make us look angry or "too serious." Skin relaxation may cause the eyebrows to drop, hooding our upper eyelids and making us look tired. If you are bothered by these signs of aging in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you.

What are the risks of a brow lift?

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the surgery will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of a brow lift are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Brow lift surgery risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks

  • Bleeding

  • Loss of hair around the incisions

  • Elevated hairline

  • Eye irritation or dryness

  • Facial asymmetry

  • Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis

  • Fluid accumulation

  • Infection

  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching

  • Pain, which may persist

  • Poor wound healing

  • Possibility of revision surgery

  • Skin loss

  • Unfavorable scarring

  • Rare risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) that can result in pulmonary embolism with chest pain, shortness of breath

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

 

What are the steps of a brow lift procedure?

Step 1 – Anesthesia

You will be given anesthesia so that you will be comfortable during the surgical procedures. Your surgeon will suggest either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Step 2 – The incision

Brow lifts can be performed in different ways. Some surgeons prefer using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) and special instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be adjusted, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead.

Endoscopic incision

Some surgeons prefer to perform a browlift through what is called a "coronal incision" The coronal incision is created from ear to ear across the top of the head within the hair-bearing skin.

The forehead skin is then lifted and any muscle adjustment can be made under direct visualization. The resulting scar from a coronal brow lift is well concealed within the hair.

Coronal incision

For women with very high foreheads, an incision just at the anterior hairline may be recommended. In this way the brow can be lifted without altering the height of the front hairline. The resulting scar, while somewhat more visible, can often be hidden with bangs.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Brow lift incisions typically are closed with:

  • Removable or absorbable sutures

  • Skin adhesives

  • Special clips

Step 4 – See the results

Results appear within a few weeks as swelling and bruising subside to reveal smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, rested appearance.