Browlift
Brow lift
An endoscopic brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and smoothes forehead wrinkles that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired. In an endoscopic brow lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.
If you're considering an endoscopic brow lift, this will give you general information about the procedure-how to plan for the surgery, how the surgery is performed, and what results you can expect. Since each person has different needs, however, schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss additional questions you may have about the procedure.
Is an Endoscopic Brow Lift Right for Me?
Typically, individuals in the 40-60-age range choose to have an endoscopic brow lift to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also benefit people of any age who have developed furrows or wrinkles due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed appearance with this procedure. Patients must also be physically and emotionally healthy and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Before you decide to have a brow lift, think carefully about your goals discuss them with your plastic surgeon. Expectations for this operation should be healthy and realistic --- you can expect improvement, but not necessarily an exact match to your ideal.
An endoscopic brow lift can be performed in conjunction with a facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to achieve an overall smoother appearance. Sometimes, patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery learn that a brow lift better meets their cosmetic goals.
An endoscopic brow lift may be right for you if have any of the following conditions:
A low, heavy brow
Deep wrinkles or furrows in your forehead
Drooping muscles or tissues above the nose
Are there alternatives to an endoscopic brow lift?
Yes, if only the lateral (outer) portion of the brows are low you may be a candidate for a lateral subcutaneous brow lift.
What are Possible Risks and Complications?
An endoscopic brow lift is typically a straightforward procedure, and complications are rare and usually minor. As with any surgery, however, there are risks and specific complications associated with a brow lift. You can minimize these risks by closely following our instructions both before and after surgery.
In rare cases, the nerves that control eyebrow movement may be injured on one or both sides, resulting in a loss of ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead. Additional surgery can correct the problem.
Formation of a broad scar is also a rare complication. This may be treated by removing the wide scar tissue so a new, thinner scar may result.
Loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line may occur and is usually temporary.
In extremely rare cases, infection and bleeding can occur.
We will give you specific guidelines for the days immediately before and after the procedure. You will be advised in areas such as:
Eating and drinking
Smoking
Taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications
Arranging for a ride home after the surgery
Making plans for help or care in the days following the surgery, if necessary
Where Will the Surgery Be Performed?
All surgeries are preformed at our state-of-the-art facility. We are a member of the American Association of Ambulatory Facilities. In addition, we are fully-certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF). After surgery, patients recover in our recovery facility and are closely monitored by a registered nurse.
What Types of Anesthesia Are Available?
Depending on the extent of your surgery, we offer several options for anesthesia.
Minimal Sedation: This is a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands.
Deep Sedation/Analgesia: This is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated stimulation.
General Anesthesia: This is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable. This type of anesthesia is for major surgeries and procedures.
How is An Endoscopic Brow Lift Performed?
An entire brow lift procedure usually takes two to three hours to complete. The following steps outline a typical endoscopic brow lift procedure:
In preparation for an endoscopic brow lift, your hair will be tied back and trimmed behind the hairline where the incisions will be made.Then, your surgeon will make three, four or five short scalp incisions, each less than an inch in length. An endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions. Another instrument is inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted, and the muscles and underlying tissues are removed or altered to produce a smoother appearance. The eyebrows may also be lifted and secured into higher positions by sutures beneath the skin's surface or by temporary screws placed behind the hairline.
Depending on your surgeon's preferences, the scalp incisions will be closed with stitches or clips. Gauze and an elastic bandage may also be used.
How Will I Feel After Surgery?
After endoscopic brow lift surgery, you may experience some numbness, incision discomfort and mild swelling. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but we will prescribe pain medication to offer relief from any discomfort you may feel.
What is The Time Line for Recovery?
Although everyone heals at a different rate, recovery from the surgery typically follows this general time line:
Within One Week
Your stitches or staples will be removed.
You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed.
You may be able to return to non-strenuous work.
After Several Weeks
Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks.
Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special makeup.
Vigorous physical activity should limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure.
Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.
What Can I Expect From The Final Results?
Most individuals are very pleased with the results of endoscopic brow lift surgery. Many of our patients express feelings of increased self-confidence with their rested and younger appearance. Although the results of brow lift surgery are long lasting, remember that your face will continue to age. We will make specific recommendations on how to prolong and enhance the results of your surgery.
Brow lift FAQ
What is a Browlift?
A Browlift is a surgical procedure designed for those with frown lines, wrinkles or drooping eyebrows.
What does the surgery entail?
Browlifts may require local or general anesthesia. Incisions are hidden behind the hair line. Skin and tissue may be excised or certain muscles may be altered in order to remove wrinkles and tighten the skin.
How many treatments are required?
A Browlift is done in a single session, although a follow-up appointment may be necessary if your stitches are not dissolvable.
Are Browlifts safe?
Like any surgical procedure, Browlifts carry some risks. These will be discussed by your health care provider. You can reduce the chances of these risks by following your doctor's instructions.
Are there any possible side effects?
Mild discomfort is common, as is numbness and itching. There may be swelling and bruising.
Will there be any downtime?
You can return home the same day, but you will not be ready to return to work for several days.
What can be expected post-surgery?
You will need to arrange transportation to take you home once you have recovered from the anesthesia. Discomfort and numbness are typical. The numbness fades into itching as the incision heals. You will need to rest for a few days.
How soon will results appear?
Your final appearance should be visible at two to four weeks.
How long does a Browlift take?
Generally, a Browlift takes one to two hours. Endoscopic Browlifts leave fewer scars but can take longer.
What conditions respond best to this treatment?
Any excess skin on the forehead can be reduced using a Browlift.
Who are candidates for a Browlift?
Older individuals fighting the signs of aging or younger individuals with a predisposition to brow furrows may consider a Browlift. Browlifts can be done even if you are bald or losing your hair.
Who should avoid getting a Browlift?
Those who have a history of excessive scarring, high blood pressure or circulatory disorders may not be good candidates.
How long do the results last?
A Browlift can minimize the appearance of aging for years.
What are the alternative treatments?
A facelift or eyelid tuck may be recommended if the brow is not your problem. Laser skin resurfacing and photorejuvenation can both be used to treat fine lines. Botox®, collagen and other injectables may be preferable for treating deep furrows.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Touch-ups can be performed if you are not satisfied with the results or if the effects have faded over time.
What are the limitations of Browlifts?
Browlifts do not reduce puffiness or drooping around the eyes.
Instructions prior to treatment:
The patient’s individual surgeon will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.
Instructions for after surgery:
Expect up to four days of prescription pain medication to control mild discomfort. Keep your head elevated when you sleep. Your bandages will be removed at one to three days after surgery. At as little as three days, you may feel able to return to work. At three to five days, you should be able to apply cosmetics. At seven days, you may resume contact lens use. Around this time, you will return to have any stitches or clips removed. You should have at most ten to fourteen days of swelling or bruising. Once it diminishes, you may resume exercise, although it is better not to exert yourself for several weeks if possible. Your final appearance should appear between two and four weeks. It is recommended that you minimize direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen during this time.
