The forehead and brow area is often the first to show the signs of aging. Here you may see frown lines, forehead wrinkles and a heavy or drooping eyebrow, all of which can mistakenly result in a tired, sad or angry expression. The brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of forehead wrinkling and a drooping brow by tightening loose skin and removing the excess. The result is a smoother and more youthful brow area.
Individuals who are looking to improve a sagging brow or deep forehead furrows may be good candidates for a brow lift. Most patients range in age from forty to sixty-five, though the surgery can be performed at other ages. To see how you might benefit from a forehead lift, place your hands at the outside edges of your eyes just above your brows and gently raise the skin upward. As with all forms of cosmetic surgery, patients should be realistic in their expectations of the outcome and they should be in good health. During your consultation, Dr. Donath will help you to decide if the brow lift is right for you and, if necessary, he can recommend additional surgery to help you achieve your desired look. For instance, a forehead lift may be combined with blepharoplasty or a face lift to provide a harmonious rejuvenation.
Forehead Lift Procedure
IV sedation, twilight anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used for the forehead lift. The procedure can be performed with a traditional approach or as an endoscopic procedure. With the traditional approach, the incision is made just behind the hairline running across the top of the head. For the endoscopic approach, several small incisions are made behind the hairline. Working through the incisions, loose skin will be tightened and the excess removed, thus improving forehead wrinkling and a drooping brow. If necessary, part of the muscle responsible for frown lines may be removed. The forehead lift typically takes one to two hours to complete.
Bandages applied after surgery are usually removed within one to three days. Patients may experience some temporary discomfort which can be controlled with prescription medication. Some numbness and itching may also occur along the incisions as they heal. Swelling and bruising are common during the first ten days after surgery and can be alleviated with cold compresses and by elevating the head. Make-up can be used to camouflage any prolonged bruising. The stitches are usually removed within seven to ten days. Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks after the brow lift, though rigorous activities may be prohibited for a longer period of time.
Brow lift FAQs
Q-What is a brow lift?
A-The brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the early signs of aging in the forehead and brow area in order to restore a smoother, more youthful brow. The surgery tightens loose skin and removes excess skin, thus improving the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and a heavy brow.
Q-Is a brow lift right for me?
A-If you are looking to improve the appearance of forehead wrinkling and a drooping brow and are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, then a brow lift may be right for you. You can get an idea of how a eyebrow lift might benefit you by placing you hands at the outer edges of your eyes above your brows and gently raising the skin upward. While the eyebrow lift may be performed at just about any age, most patients range in age from forty to sixty-five. Dr. Donath will be happy to meet with you for a consultation to help you decide if the eyebrow lift can best meet your needs.
Q-What happens at the consultation for a brow lift?
A-During the consultation for a brow lift, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your brow, discuss your goals, and take a thorough medical history. He will consider other factors like your age, skin type and your attitude toward surgery. The technique, type of anesthesia, surgical facility, risks and costs will all be discusses and your questions or concerns addressed. If necessary, Dr. Donath may recommend additional surgery, such as blepharoplasty or a facelift, to help you achieve your desired goal.
Q-What anesthesia is the brow lift performed with?
A-The brow lift may be performed with IV sedation, twilight anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Q-How is the surgery for the brow lift performed?
A-Dr. Donath begins the surgery by making the incisions. For a traditional brow lift, the incision runs across the top of the forehead just behind the hairline. For an endoscopic brow lift, there are several small incisions made behind the hairline. Loose skin is tightened, excess skin is removed and, if necessary, a portion of the muscle responsible for frown lines may be removed.
Q-How long is the surgical time for a brow lift?
A-The surgery may take about one to two hours to perform.
Q-Where are the brow lift incisions made?
A-Incisions for the brow lift are typically located behind the hairline. For a traditional eyebrow lift, one long incision is made across the top of the forehead. For an endoscopic brow lift, several small incisions are made in the hairline.
Q-Will I have scars after the brow lift surgery?
A-Because the incisions are usually located behind the hairline, the resultant scarring is usually well concealed. The incisions made for the endoscopic brow lift are smaller and result in less scarring than the traditional eyebrow lift.
Q-Does the brow lift involve much pain?
A-Some discomfort can be expected after the brow lift which can be managed with medication.
Q-What is the recovery from a brow lift like?
A-Patients may experience some discomfort after the surgery which can be managed with prescription medication. Temporary itching and numbness may also occur around the incisions. Swelling and bruising can be expected during the first ten days after surgery. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help to alleviate the swelling. Bandages are usually removed within one to tree days, while the stitches are usually removed within seven to ten days. Any prolonged bruising can be concealed with make-up.
Q-When will I be able to resume work after my brow lift surgery?
A-Work and most other normal activities can usually be resumed within one to two weeks after the surgery.
Q-When will the stitches be removed after my brow lift procedure?
A-Stitches are typically removed within about seven to ten days after this procedure.
Related procedures: Otoplasty, Blepharoplasty, Facelift, Mini Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty