The forehead and brow are one of the first areas to show aging. As the years pass, the skin and tissue in the brow can get looser and sag, making you look tired and even angry.
A brow lift can remove wrinkles and loose skin and also reduce frown lines. Some patients also find that this procedure benefits the upper eyelid, which can be directly addressed with an eyelid lift.
If you have loose skin and furrows in the brow, below is detailed information about the three types of brow lifts.
Brow Lift Overview
A brow lift is a popular plastic surgery procedure that can enhance the appearance of the brow by eliminating or reducing furrows and frown lines. Unfortunately, these issues can develop as we age because of loose skin, weakened brow muscles, and stress.
A brow lift also may eliminate sagging skin that can affect the upper eyelids and eyes. When paired with other facial procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift, a brow lift can make you look more relaxed and younger.
Brow Lift Procedures
Before considering you for a brow lift, the plastic surgeon will analyze your upper face and note where you have lost volume or gravity, and weak muscles are causing the tissue to sag.
The forehead lift can replace the lost volume and pull up specific areas for less sagging and drooping.
Depending on the surgeon’s recommendation, you may have one of these brow lift procedures:
Classic Brow Lift
This procedure also is called an ‘open brow lift’ or ‘coronal lift,’ where there is one incision from ear to ear across the top of the head.
To address a high forehead, your plastic surgeon may put the incision along the frontal hairline. If you have long hair that gets in the way of the incision, you might need to cut it. For short hair, you may want to grow it out to hide scars.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
This procedure involves several small incisions in the scalp. Then, the surgeon inserts an endoscope into one of them to look at the muscles and tissues on a screen while using a tool inserted in another incision to change the brow structure.
The surgeon will anchor the tissue with a permanent or temporary stitch or place it under the scalp. These anchors will keep the tissue lifted for years.
The primary benefit of this procedure is the incisions are much smaller, so it’s less invasive. Patients who have an endoscopic brow lift have less scarring, and recovery is faster.
Limited Incision Brow Lift
This procedure is a combination of the two procedures above. The surgeon makes small incisions, but no endoscope is used. This procedure is suited for the patient who wants to correct crow’s feet in around the eyes.
Which brow lift is appropriate for you is a complex question your surgeon will answer during your consultation. Some surgeons believe that open procedures, such as the classic brow lift, have fewer complications.
The classic brow lift also can have a significant positive effect on the upper face. But if you need less correction and improvement, the endoscopic and limited options also can be highly effective.
Brow Lift Recovery
Your surgeon will give you prescription pain medication after your brow lift, but you shouldn’t experience more than mild discomfort.
There will be considerable bruising and swelling at first, which can be reduced with cold compresses at 20-minute intervals. Also, it helps to keep your head elevated for several days after surgery to reduce swelling.
Recovery takes about three weeks, and most patients go back to work after two weeks. Scars usually are not noticeable after complete recovery, and they typically are hidden by the hairline or natural skin creases.
How To Prepare For A Brow Lift?
You may need to make minor adjustments to your routine before having a brow lift. For example, if you smoke, you’ll need to stop several weeks before and after the procedure; tobacco and nicotine use can affect the healing process.
If you take aspirin or blood thinners, your surgeon will tell you to stop for one or two months. And if you have long hair, you will probably need to trim it before having a brow lift.
Should You Have A Brow Lift?
The goal of this procedure is to tighten the skin, smooth wrinkles, and remove drooping brows. If needed, your surgeon will take out part of the small muscle that causes frown lines, which will make the brow smoother and give you a relaxed expression. The eyes also will look more open and alert.
As your surgeon considers you for this procedure, these are some areas to discuss:
- Skin type
- Ethnicity
- How elastic the skin is
- How quickly you heal
- Your age
- The type of brow lift procedure best for your situation
- Your expectations and goals
A brow lift can make a dramatic difference in your appearance by making you look younger and more relaxed. So, speak to your plastic surgeon today about whether a brow lift is for you.
Request A Brow Lift Consultation
Considering a brow lift in New Jersey? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you want. Dr. Ramanadham will go over your options, goals, and more to determine if a brow lift is a good choice for you.
References
Brow Lift Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10784-brow-lift
What Is A Forehead Lift? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/forehead-lift
Cosmetic Procedures And The Brow Lift. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-brow-lift#1
