Brow Lift

The forehead, eyebrows, and eyes play an integral part in our everyday facial expressions. A smooth, elevated brow with open eyes displays youthfulness and energy while a drooping, wrinkled brow can make one appear tired, sad, or angry. Our surgeons employ a variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques to optimally rejuvenate the upper face for a brighter, happier, more rested appearance. This can entail neuromodulators (BOTOX), fillers, fat grafting, and incisional techniques. The goal is to place the brows in an aesthetically more appropriate position while opening the eyes and smoothing out wrinkles. Forehead rejuvenation is often combined with other procedures including facelift, upper lid, and lower lid blepharoplasties.

FOREHEAD REJUVENATION CAN:

  • Smooth wrinkled skin
  • Create a pleasing position of the eyebrows
  • Open and brighten the eyes
  • Restore a youthful facial appearance
  • Diminish that sad, angry, tired look

QUICK FACTS:

  • Length: 1-2 hours
  • Anesthesia: General
  • Stay: Outpatient, same day surgery
  • Recovery: 7-10 days
  • Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, temporary numbness & tingling

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BROW LIFT TECHNIQUE:

Our surgeons use a variety of techniques to elevate the forehead. Some involve incisions around the hairline while others near the eyebrows themselves. Procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia, especially when combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures. A slight overcorrection is often performed, accounting for tissue relaxation in the near future. Our surgeons use both internal dissolving sutures that last several weeks to help keep your scars as fine and faint as possible, as well as some external sutures for a fine approximation that will need to be removed in 1 week. A gentle compressive wrap may be placed to help minimize bruising and swelling.

PREPARING FOR BROW LIFT SURGERY:

Brow lift surgery is a major operation requiring optimization of health, blood pressure, and skin quality beforehand. Your surgeon may request adjustments to any blood pressure medications with the assistance of your primary care provider.

Some patients may benefit from a BOTOX treatment 2-3 weeks prior to their procedure to help minimize brow motion during the recovery process.
Smoking and all nicotine cessation is an absolute must for at least 2-4 weeks prior to this procedure as significant wound healing complications can occur otherwise. This includes e-cigarettes, patches, and gum.

Any medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should also be stopped 2 weeks prior to any major surgery. Please see our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.

RECOVERY FROM BROWLIFT SURGERY:

Most patients recover at home after their surgery. Dressings will be removed 2-3 days postoperatively and patients can wash hair gently after that time. Patients typically plan 7-10 days off of work to allow time for the bruising and swelling to improve. The well-concealed scars will mature and fade over the ensuing year. Numbness and tingling to the treatment area are often temporary and typically resolve over several weeks to months.

Patients are instructed to keep their heads elevated at all times for the first week after surgery. Avoid straining or any strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks, as this can increase the risks of bruising and bleeding. Patients can increase activity after 2 weeks to moderate exercises and cardio training, then resume all activities including weight training after 4 weeks.

FAQS:

A: Each patient recovers differently. Generally expect to take 7-10 days off of work, with more extensive combined procedures requiring more down time. Patients can conceal some bruising with makeup after sutures are removed in 1 week.
A: The forehead and upper eyes are intimately involved. Your surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation of each area and discuss which procedure or combination of procedures will give you optimal results. This will depend on the position of the brow and amount of excess skin. Often even a subtle lift to the brow allows for powerful opening of the eyes.

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