If you are bothered by expression lines or other signs of aging in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you. When analyzing the signs of facial aging, there are four basic levels of facial rejuvenation tools to consider. These may be used separately or in concert with one another to achieve the patient’s ultimate goal. These levels are:
Brow lift surgery can:
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Minimize the creases that develop across the forehead or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes
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Improve what a commonly referred to as frown lines (vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows)
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Reposition a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid
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Raise the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position
Other procedures often performed in conjunction with a brow lift are eyelid surgery, facelift and resurfacing techniques.
Good candidates for brow lift:
A brow lift is a highly individualized procedure. It is best performed on patients who are:
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Healthy individuals who don’t have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
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Non-smokers
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Individuals with a positive outlook and specific, realistic goals in mind
The Surgery
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist.
Step 2 – The Incision
A brow lift may sometimes be performed using an endoscope (surgical video device) and special instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be repositioned, altered or removed, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead.
Correction of a low-positioned or sagging brow may be made with or without the use of an endoscope through incisions at the temples and in the scalp. This technique may be done in conjunction with incisions hidden within the natural crease of the upper eyelids to eliminate frown lines between the brows, on or above the bridge of the nose.
An alternative brow lift technique is the coronal brow lift. This approach can pinpoint specific regions of the brow to correct. It involves an excision from ear to ear, lifting the forehead and removing excess skin from the scalp.
The incision lines from a brow lift are well-concealed within the hair or natural contours of the face unless they are placed at the hairline or shorten the forehead. Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, restful appearance.
Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
Brow lift incisions are typically closed with removable or absorbable sutures.
Step 4 – See the Results
The visible improvements of a brow lift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself.
Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures or clips will be removed. You will be ready to return to work and normal activities at this time. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising that remains. Healing will continue for several weeks as the swelling dissipates and incision lines refine and fade. It may take several months for complete recovery.
Life-long sun protection will help maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.
Making the Wise Choice
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. A doctor’s board certification is one of the best indicators of his or her training. Ask for certification from The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only one of 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigorous standards:
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Graduate from an accredited medical school
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Complete at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training
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Pass comprehensive oral and written exams