As the face ages there is increased laxity and sagging of the soft tissues and skin. In the upper face this results in:
- Drooping of the eyebrows
- Hooding of the eyelids
- Resting forehead lines.
- Hollowing of the temples
In brow lift surgery those structures are tightened and repositioned to reduce the deep lines of the upper face and restore the eyebrows to their youthful position.
A browlift can be performed alone or alongside other procedures such as eyelid or face lift surgery. With advances in brow lifting it is possible to elevate the brows using a variety of minimally invasive techniques. The decision as to which approach is best is individualized for each patient.
Who is a candidate for a brow lift?
A brow lift is great for patients of any age who have lines and furrows across their forehead and upper face. These signs of aging may be caused by stress, muscle activity, or even inherited conditions like low set brows. The average age range for someone undergoing a brow lift is 40-70 years old. Important factors include:
- you are physically healthy
- you have a positive outlook and realistic goals for what can be accomplished through surgery
What are my treatment options?
There are numerous types of brow lifts. The decision as to which one works best for you depends on your goals as well as your unique anatomy. A detailed discussion with your surgeon is necessary to determine the best approach for you.
- Browpexy – often performed in conjunction with a blepharoplasty, the tail of the brow is elevated through the blepharoplasty incision. This provides a gentle elevation of the brow without augmenting the forehead.
- Endoscopic – small vertical incisions are placed in the scalp which are camouflaged by the hair. Using these incisions, the forehead and eyebrows are mobilized and placed in an elevated, natural position. This provides more lift than a browpexy but less than a hairline approach. It also addresses forehead wrinkles with little to no visible scaring.
- Hairline – an incision is created just above the hairline across the forehead. The tissue is mobilized and excess skin is removed placing the brows in a more elevated position. This approach provides greater lift than the endoscopic approach and also addresses forehead wrinkles.
What are the risks?
It is important to have a detailed discussion on the risks associated with surgery as they can vary between the type of brow surgery performed.
In general the risks include: anesthesia risk, bleeding, infection, inflammation, scarring, changes in skin sensation, changes in hairline, possibility for additional surgery.
It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your surgeon.
What can be expected afterwards?
In general initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures or surgical clips will be removed when deemed appropriate by your surgeon.
Most patients return to work after 10 to 14 days. Additional healing will continue over the course of several weeks as the swelling subsides and incision lines continue to heal.
It may take several months for you to completely recover from surgery.
Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
Why choose an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon?
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are the only type of surgeons that have training in both surgery of the eyes and soft tissues of the face. When having procedures performed around your eyes the utmost care must be taken in order to preserve the delicate function of the eyes and their surrounding tissues. There are both aesthetic and functional implications. That is why we recommend having your surgery performed by an expert – an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon.