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Forehead Lift / Brow Lift Surgery

Facial Enhancement Procedure

The forehead and eyebrows are often overlooked in their contribution to facial expression and beauty. A furrowed or sagging brow may lead to a look of sadness and fatigue. Sun damage, smoking, poor nutrition, and hereditary factors may contribute to premature facial aging. An outward aged look may be inconsistent with a person inward feelings of good health and youth.

Brow lift (forehead lift) surgery is designed to reduce the appearance of forehead creases and to alleviate the glabellar furrows (frown lines) that result from aging, gravity, and overuse. The goal of this procedure is to reposition the brow to a more youthful rested position yielding a refreshed and relaxed appearance.

The brow lift of the 1970‘s and 80‘s was often exaggerated leading to the chronic “surprised look”. This historic procedure, like many others in plastic surgery, was “overdone” producing an “operated on” look, or a plastic surgery look, rather than a healthy rejuvenated appearance. Modern brow lift surgery draws from a combination of precision instruments, measurements, and techniques designed to meticulously elevate the brow. Overactive muscles are relieved producing a relaxed brow with fewer creases and furrows. The vertical frown lines and transverse brow lines are softened and minimized.

Am I a candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

A brow lift can be amazingly rejuvenating, but like all plastic surgical procedures, the best results are achieved only in the ideal candidate. For mild glabellar wrinkles (frown lines), Botox is a noninvasive treatment option with minimal pain and essentially no downtime. These effects last 4-6 months and are a good choice for those who wish to avoid surgery. For more severe furrowing and or brow drooping a brow lift may be a more appropriate option. The dynamics of brow position, upper eyelid position, and upper eyelid skin should be carefully examined at the time of consultation. The findings help to determine the possible need for brow lift surgery.

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How is a Brow Lift Performed?

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A brow lift is typically performed under sedation or general anesthesia depending upon patient preferences and length of operative time. A brow lift may be performed at the same time as a facelift and/or skin resurfacing procedure.

The surgical approach is tailored to the individual. An endoscopic brow lift is performed through several small incisions that are concealed behind the frontal hairline. A small camera is inserted beneath the skin and several precision instruments are used to address the underlying issues that contribute to premature signs of aging. The muscles of brow expression are partially released relieving downward strain on the brow and reducing furrowing of the overlying skin. The brow is gently lifted and fixed into position using sutures that are anchored to the periosteum of the underlying bone. An endoscopic lift is best for those with moderate brow descent.

When brow descent is severe and excess skin is furrowed, an open brow lift may be appropriate. Depending on the patient hairline and anatomic issues involved, excess brow skin may be excised via an incision hidden at or behind the frontal hairline. Incisions are meticulously repaired, and every conceivable effort is made to minimize evidence of surgery.

What to Expect

Results of a brow lift are immediately evident following surgery, but bruising and swelling may be apparent for two-three weeks. An endoscopic brow lift is performed as an outpatient procedure often in combination with facelift, blepharoplasty, and/or skin resurfacing procedure. The brow may be elevated a few millimeters above the desired position to compensate for a modest amount of settling after surgery. Modest swelling and numbness will persist for several days following surgery. Recovery differs for each individual, but pain is not characterized as severe. Prescription pain medicine is required and discomfort is most severe in the first 2-3 days following surgery. Suture removal may be necessary 10 days following the procedure.