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.
A brow 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 lifts
• Facelifting
• Skin resurfacing techniques such as lasers or peeling
You may be a candidate for brow lift surgery if you:
Brow lift surgery can be performed in clinic, in an accredited surgical facility, licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. You will need to arrange for another adult to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of pre-treatment stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
You will be given medication so that you will be comfortable during the surgical procedures. Your surgeon will suggest either sedation or general anesthesia. Brow lifts can be performed in different ways.
Involves the use of 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.
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.
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.
Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, rested appearance.
• 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 discoloration and swelling
• Skin loss
• Unfavorable scarring
• Rare risk of blood clots
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.
When your procedure is completed, your forehead may be taped and your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon. You should keep your head elevated and perform no vigorous physical activity for as long as your surgeon recommends. Do not use ice or heat on the operated area.
After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of your plastic surgeon.
• What medication will I need after surgery?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow up care?
Initial wound healing may take 10-14 days. Sutures will be removed when appropriate. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after two weeks.
Makeup can help camouflage any bruising. Even though you will look presentable to the public, you will find that the healing will continue for several weeks, as the swelling dissipates and incision lines refine and fade. It may take several months for your complete recovery.
The results of your brow lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to increase as you recover from surgery. The final results of your surgery will appear over the next few months.
Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing sun damage. A healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.
Prices for a brow lift can vary. Surgeon’s cost may be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic location of the office. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
• Anesthesia fees
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Medical tests
• Prescriptions for medication
• Surgeon’s fee
Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.