Browlift

A browlift or “forehead lift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and reduces the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad, or tired. A browlift is performed with the use of an endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions.

Are you a candidate?

Individuals of all ages can benefit from a browlift to minimize the visible effects of aging. Also individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose, can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

New surgical techniques allow patients who are bald or have a receding hairline to undergo this surgery.

What is the procedure?

Typically, an endoscopic browlift requires the hair to be tied back behind the hairline where the incisions will be made. Three, four, or five short incisions, each less than an inch in length, are made in the scalp. An endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the eyebrows are elevated and secured into their higher position by temporary fixation screws placed behind the hairline. When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions are closed with stitches and the area is washed.

Can you have a browlift and other procedures simultaneously?

Browlift is often performed in conjunction with a Face Lift to provide a smoother overall look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a browlift, especially if you have significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes, patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a browlift better meets their surgical goals.

Are the effects permanent?

Although a browlift does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for years. As time passes, you may want to repeat the procedure.

What are the risks of browlift?

Complications are rare and usually minor. In rare cases, the nerves that control eyebrow movement may be injured on one or both sides, resulting in a loss of ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead. Additional surgery may be required to correct the problem.

Loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line is common; it is usually temporary. Infection and bleeding are rare. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery.

How do I prepare for surgery?

You will receive specific instructions to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on eating and drinking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and not smoking. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery and your recovery proceed more smoothly.

Where is the procedure done?

A browlift is usually performed in our office-based facility or an outpatient surgery center, but is occasionally performed in a hospital.

What will the recovery period be like?

Although you should be up and about in the next day after surgery, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days or as soon as the bandage is removed. The stitches used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week.Most patients are back to work or school in less than a week. Vigorous physical activity, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure, should limited for several weeks. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.

Most visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about two to three weeks. Minor bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup.

Most patients are pleased with the results of a browlift. Often, patients do not realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.