What is a brow lift?
A brow lift is a procedure to raise the eyebrows. Also known as a forehead lift, it reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, and those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. A brow lift improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows, and raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids.
What is the brow lift procedure like?
Anesthesia will be administered so that you will be comfortable during the surgical procedure. Brow lifts can be performed in different ways. The surgeon may use an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) and special instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline, which allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be adjusted, correcting the source of visible creases in the forehead.
The surgeon may perform a brow lift through a “coronal incision,” which is created from ear to ear across the top of the head within the hair-bearing skin. The forehead skin is then lifted and any muscle adjustment can be made under direct visualization.
Brow lift incisions typically are closed with removable or absorbable sutures, skin adhesives, and special clips.
What should I expect during recovery?
During recovery, your forehead may be taped and/or your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising after the procedure is completed. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.
Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days, and you may be able to return to work and normal activity then. You should not participate in vigorous physical activity for as long as your surgeon recommends. The healing will continue for several weeks, as the swelling dissipates and incision lines fade. It may take several months for a complete recovery.
Who is a good candidate for a brow lift?
As we age, wrinkle lines on the forehead and frown lines between the brows may appear. Skin relaxation may cause the eyebrows to drop, hooding our upper eyelids that make us look tired. If you are inconvenienced with these signs of aging in the brow region, are physically healthy, a nonsmoker, and have a positive outlook with realistic goals, a brow lift may be right for you.
