Aging has a way of causing the skin and tissue on the upper two-thirds of the face to shift downward. When this happens across the forehead, drooping eyebrows create a heavy, tired appearance. Sagging eyebrows can make a person appear very serious, sad, angry, or unfriendly. Brow lift surgery can correct the position of the brow so the eyes look youthful, vibrant, and welcoming.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift may also be referred to as a forehead lift. This surgical procedure is performed to reduce lines and wrinkles on the forehead, as well as to decrease the appearance of vertical lines between the eyebrows and improve the position of the eyebrows on the forehead. The surgery is often combined with eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty) and facelift surgery.
Candidates for Brow Lift Surgery
The surgery is an appropriate treatment option for men and women who are in good physical health and who do not smoke or can commit to avoiding tobacco for several weeks before and after surgery. Research has demonstrated that the most satisfied patients are those who have realistic expectations of their potential outcome and a generally positive outlook on life. Patients who have questions about the procedure can speak with Dr. Hunsaker.
Before and After
Procedures
Procedures are personalized to each patient and based on the current position of the brow. Some patients achieve their desired outcome with a lateral brow lift, which adds height to the outer edge of the brows. In other situations, a full forehead lift is needed to smooth lines on the forehead and between the brows.
- Lateral brow lift
- Endoscopic brow lift
- Direct brow lift
Lateral Brow Lift
The lift is conducted through a small incision behind the hairline at that lateral brow, just near the temples. This technique may be ideal for individuals with a sagging or naturally low lateral brow. To lift the outer area of skin, a suture is inserted through the lateral incision and attached to tissue at the brow. This suture holds the brow in a lifted position through which the eyes and upper face are rejuvenated. This is typically completed in less than an hour.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
It is a more extensive procedure that lifts the tissue across the forehead. However, only small incisions are needed to achieve a cosmetically appealing result. Incisions are made in the hairline to provide access to superficial tissue, which is gently lifted and secured into an elevated position. An endoscopic brow lift may take approximately two hours and carry a recovery period of about one week.
Direct Brow Lift
The lift is much less desirable due to the prominent location of incisions at the brow line. This technique is typically performed only to repair trauma or correct facial paralysis when other techniques are not optimal.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Hunsaker and his staff are more then AMAZING. He has remarkable bed side manners, very professional and patient. He takes the time to answer each and every question and makes sure you do not leave his office until you are fully informed. He really knows how to make you feel as if you were his only patient. His staff is courteous and genuinely concerned about your well being."
-Hilda
Are there scars after the procedure?
Scarring is always a concern when the skin is cut. In each case, incisions are made in the most discreet manner, usually behind the hairline. In this location, the scars themselves are usually hidden beneath the hair.
Recovery
The final results of a forehead lift appear progressively over the course of several days. Initially, patients will notice bruising and swelling. These side effects, as well as the mild discomfort from tissue manipulation, can be managed with gentle compression and periodic ice therapy. Usually, after a few days, discomfort has significantly decreased and swelling is much less noticeable. A follow-up visit may be scheduled one week after surgery to evaluate recovery. Most patients resume normal activities within two weeks.
Risks Associated with a Forehead Lift
Forehead lift surgery risks depend on the extensiveness of the procedure performed. Our staff discusses risks and side effects at length with each patient during their consultation for brow lift surgery, as well as expected results. It is important to us that plastic surgery patients know what is and is not possible from their proposed procedure.
How Should I Prepare for My Brow Lift Surgery?
Preparing for your brow lift surgery can help you to avoid complications during your procedure and recovery. It’s important patients commit to preparing ahead of time for their procedure by doing the following:
- Get a medical evaluation to ensure your body is healthy enough for the procedure.
- Consult your doctor about stopping prescription medications that may cause complications.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid wearing makeup to your appointment.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses to your appointment.
- Invest in gentle skincare and shampoo to avoid further bruising, swelling, or infection when washing your face in recovery.
What Activities Should I Avoid After My Brow Lift Surgery?
During your recovery, it’s important to treat your forehead area and face with extra care and gentleness. We also recommend avoiding the following activities to avoid complications during healing:
- Avoid dying your hair with hair dye or permanent color for one month after your procedure.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for one day after surgery.
- Avoid extreme physical activity such as strenuous exercise for three weeks.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid aspirin.
- Avoid sleeping on your side for one week.
- Avoid drying your face and hair with a rough towel.
How Long Will The Results from a Brow Lift Last?
By lifting the skin and reducing droopiness in both the brow and forehead area, brow lifts can be expected to last between ten to15 years. It’s important to note, however, that although a brow lift can eliminate current signs of aging, it cannot prevent new signs of aging from appearing. Investing in good skincare, using sunscreen daily, and eating a healthy diet are just a few ways that help you reverse the signs of aging naturally while also encouraging the results of your brow lift to last longer. In ten years, if you notice your brows or forehead have altered their appearance due to aging over time, you may return to Cosmetique for a follow-up procedure to maintain your results.
What Are The Benefits of Brow Lift Surgery?
The brow lift is a minimally invasive surgery and targets only the upper half of the face. Perfect for patients who are uninterested in committing to a full facelift, the brow lift will provide patients with a more youthful look as the skin is gently pulled upwards to achieve a natural, more-awake, radiant appearance. By eliminating sagging and droopiness, a brow lift can reduce the appearance of excess skin in the upper eyes as well as wrinkles and deep lines in the forehead. Not only can patients enjoy their newly improved, lifted look for over a decade, but they may also experience an increase in their self-confidence.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like full details regarding brow lift surgery, contact our Miami office by calling 305.279.4700 or by filling out the email contact form below! Dr. Hunsaker and his talented staff look forward to serving you!
