The brow lift. You’ve likely heard this term before when searching for solutions to deep forehead lines or a sagging brow line. But what is a brow lift really?
In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of brow lift surgery, including who makes a good candidate for a brow lift procedure, the various types of brow lift surgery available, and what you can expect during brow lift recovery.
What Is a Brow Lift Procedure?
A brow lift procedure (also called a forehead lift) aims to smooth deep forehead lines and wrinkles and lift sagging brows. This can be achieved by physically lifting the forehead skin, fat, and tissue, or with Botox in some cases.
Patients who have a drooping brow line as well as drooping upper eyelids may benefit from brow lift surgery. Sagging upper lids can actually obscure some patients’ eyesight, which means brow lift surgery can often improve vision on top of improving appearance.
Types of Brow Lift Surgery
There are three main types of brow lift surgery that are currently used. You may hear about other brow lift procedures (such as the direct brow lift) that used to be common. But many of these are no longer favored today.
1. The Classic Brow Lift (Coronal Brow Lift)
The classic lift is primarily for patients with more severe wrinkles in the forehead and a drooping brow line. This procedure involves a careful incision made from the top of one ear, along the entire hairline to the other ear.
Your forehead skin is then gently lifted so that the underlying facial muscles, tissues, and fat can be adjusted and smoothed. The goal is to raise things up in a natural way. Any excess skin is removed and the incision is then carefully closed.
2. The Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift is typically for patients who have a moderately drooping brow line and some lateral forehead lines they would like to get rid of.
This procedure involves several small incisions instead of one large one along the hairline. Endoscopic lift incisions are still made in the hairline, but they are smaller.
They are used to insert an endoscope that your surgeon can use to lift the brow tissue. The incisions are then carefully closed.
3. The Temporal Brow Lift
Finally, a temporal lift is usually used on patients who have severe wrinkling in the forehead and a drooping brow. Of note, however, is that these patients also usually have a high forehead (sometimes called an anterior hairline). When this is the case, it’s important that the hairline is not further raised or the results can look unattractive and unnatural.
The temporal lift uses the same basic techniques that an endoscopic lift does. The difference is that local anesthesia can be used, and the recovery is often shorter.
Brow Lift Recovery Time
A brow lift and forehead rejuvenation usually requires a recovery period of around one to two weeks. Right after surgery, you may be a bit queasy and groggy from the general anesthesia.
During the next few days and weeks, you will experience some soreness, swelling and bruising, and changes in sensation. Pain medication can be prescribed. A thin tube may be used as a drain for a few days.
While gentle walks are encouraged, do not engage in vigorous physical activity or lift anything heavy for at least a week or more. Wait for clearance from your surgeon.
Avoid extreme facial expressions, and do not sleep on your stomach or sides. Instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least one week. During your recovery, avoid the sun and sun damage.
If any issues such as serious pain or excessive swelling occur, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
FAQ: Brow Lift Surgery
What is a brow lift with Botox?
A brow lift with Botox (Botox brow lift) is simply a brow lift that uses Botox. No incisions are made. Rather, Botox is used to relax the brow muscles and smooth deep wrinkles.
How much is brow lift surgery?
Cosmetic procedures can vary drastically when it comes to cost, making it difficult to present an estimate that would apply to everyone. If you want a brow lift cost estimate before committing to surgery, be sure to schedule a consultation appointment where you can get one.
Is a brow lift the same as a face lift?
No, a facelift aims to “lift” and smooth the entire face (and sometimes the neck) to achieve a more youthful appearance. The main goal of a brow lift is to lift sagging brows — and sometimes, to thereby lift the upper eyelid as well.
Do I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery?
This depends on what your goals are and what your anatomy looks like.
If you only take issue with your eyelids, most plastic surgeons will simply recommend an eyelid lift. However, if you have issues that also bother you about your forehead (vertical frown lines, horizontal lines, a drooping brow line, etc.), you may be more suited for a brow lift cosmetic procedure.
Schedule a Brow Lift Consultation Today
Brow lifts can change the entire look of your eyes and face, and when done well, the results will look both attractive and natural. Patients report feeling and looking younger and having improved vision.
To learn more about fixing your frown lines and other facial issues with a brow lift or forehead lift, please contact our office today and set up a consultation appointment with female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/video-gallery/eyelid-surgery-or-brow-lift