Brow Lift Surgery
Also known as a forehead lift, a brow lift is a surgical procedure performed to reduce signs of aging in the forehead area. It aims to remove or minimize deep horizontal creases across the forehead and bridge of the nose, and the frown lines between the eyebrows.
What Does a Brow Lift do? Why Should I get this Surgery?
As previously stated, these deep furrows on the forehead, frown lines over the eyes, drooping eyebrows and hood-like skin over the eyes are all conditions that can make you look older than you are – or feel. Whether age or heredity causes these conditions, a brow lift (or forehead lift) can give you a more youthful, animated and alert appearance. It also lifts the eyebrows, making the eyes look more open.
Common Brow Lift Techniques
There are two techniques used for performing brow lifts. The classic lift requires a long incision that runs across the top of the head, at the hair line, and down to the ears. However, for a woman who has a high forehead, a coronal incision, which is made behind the hairline, may be used. The endoscopic lift requires three to five small incisions that are made across the forehead, at the hairline. These shorter incisions mean a shorter recovery time and less scarring than those from a traditional brow lift.
Which technique is chosen depends on the thickness, texture and elasticity of the skin, the bone structure of the face, the overall appearance of eyebrows and eyelids, and the position of the eyebrows.
How is Brow Lift Surgery Done?
Forehead lifts can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Rosenthal generally uses endoscopic techniques, which allow for minimal scars, to elevate the brow and remove portions of the muscles causing frown lines. Brow lift surgery usually takes about one to two hours to perform. Depending on the surgical technique used, one long incision or a series of small incisions is made. Tissue and muscle underneath the skin are moved or repositioned as necessary. At the end of the procedure, the incision(s) is closed with sutures, screws, adhesives or surgical tape; a drain may be put in to collect excess blood and fluid. Postsurgery, the patient is moved to a recovery area to ensure proper healing. Forehead and brow lifts may be performed alone, or along with other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Recovery From A Brow Lift
A patient typically returns home on the day of the forehead lift surgery, although an overnight stay may be necessary for some. Swelling may be pronounced for the first day or two after surgery, although most swelling goes away within 2 weeks. To prevent post-operative bleeding, bending and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few days. It can take up to 6 months for swelling to fully subside and scars to fade.
Results Of A Brow Lift
Depending on the patient’s pre-surgical appearance and goals, a brow lift’s results, which can be seen immediately, can be either subtle or dramatic. Eyes will appear more “open,” and creases across the forehead, bridge of the nose, and between the eyes will be much less prominent.
What are the Risks Associated With Brow Lift Surgery?
Prior to scheduling surgery, the patient and surgeon should fully discuss the risks associated with a brow lift. In addition to those associated with any type of surgery, a forehead lift’s risks include the following:
- Hair loss around the incision site(s)
- Facial asymmetry
- Higher hairline
- Injury to facial nerves
- Eye dryness/irritation
The chance of complications is minimized by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Rosenthal who has decades of experience in performing brow lifts.
For brow and forehead lift surgery in the San Jose and Los Gatos areas, contact female plastic surgeon Regina Rosenthal today.
Click here to view Dr. Rosenthal’s before and after gallery.
