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 serious, sad, angry, or unfriendly.
At Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Robert H. Hunsaker, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, offers brow lift surgery to correct the position of the brow. This facial surgery helps 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.
What Are The Benefits Of Brow Lift Surgery?
The brow lift is a minimally invasive surgery that targets only the face's upper half. 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.
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
- 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 the 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.
Direct Brow Lift
The lift is more desirable as it gives the best control, and the scars are behind or at the hairline. Typically, a direct brow lift scars heal extremely well.
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."
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 the 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 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.
How Do I Know if I Need a Brow Lift vs. Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Here's how you can differentiate whether you need a brow lift or upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty):
- Brow Lift: Have your eyebrows begun to sag or sit lower on your forehead, giving you a tired, angry, or older appearance? If so, a brow lift can reposition the brows to a more youthful position. This surgery addresses forehead wrinkles and lifts the skin above the brows.
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: Do you notice excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids that creates a hooded appearance or impairs vision? If so, upper eyelid surgery may be the right solution. This procedure removes excess tissue from the eyelids for a more refreshed look.
Both procedures may be necessary in some cases to achieve optimal results. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hunsaker can help with your decision.
What Is the Ideal Age To Consider a Brow Lift?
The need for a brow lift depends more on your unique anatomy, aging process, and aesthetic goals rather than age alone. That said, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Patients in Their 40s to 60s: Most people who undergo a brow lift fall within this age range. This is when signs of aging, such as sagging brows, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines, generally become more prominent.
- Younger Individuals: Some people in their 30s may consider a brow lift if they have low or heavy brows that make them appear tired or older than they are.
- Older Patients: Patients over 60 can also benefit. However, they should be in good health, and their skin should have sufficient elasticity.
Can I Pair a Brow Lift With Other Facial Procedures?
You can combine a brow lift with other procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation. This can also reduce recovery time compared to having separate surgeries.
Common procedures that pair well with a brow lift include:
- Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery addresses excess skin or fat on the upper or lower eyelids. It complements the brow lift for a more refreshed eye area.
- Facelift: A facelift targets sagging skin and deep wrinkles in the mid-face, jawline, and neck. It provides greater facial rejuvenation.
- Neck Liposuction: Neck liposuction will remove excess fat from the neck and jaw for a more defined, youthful contour.
- Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers increase volume in areas like the temples, cheeks, or under the eyes for a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Will a Brow Lift Change My Hairline?
Lateral and direct brow lifts affect the hairline in different ways. This is due to their distinct incision placements and surgical goals.
Lateral Brow Lift
- Incision Placement: The incisions are made within the hairline, usually at the temples, to lift the outer portion of the eyebrows.
- Effect on Hairline: This technique has minimal impact on the hairline position. The hairline remains largely unchanged because the incisions are placed within the hair-bearing scalp.
- Best For: Patients with sagging or drooping at the outer (lateral) part of the brow. This is often referred to as a "tail drop."
Direct Brow Lift
- Incision Placement: The incisions are made just above the eyebrows along the natural brow line, often following the curvature of the brows.
- Effect on Hairline: The direct brow lift does not affect the hairline, as the procedure is performed below the forehead and scalp. However, the tradeoff is that the scars are more visible at first, though they tend to fade over time.
- Best For: Patients with heavy brows or significant asymmetry. This is often seen in older individuals or those with facial paralysis.
Why Choose Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center?
At Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center, patients receive exceptional care under the leadership of Dr. Robert H. Hunsaker, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Hunsaker's expertise ensures natural, transformative results tailored to each patient's goals.Â
Cosmetique's commitment to safety and excellence is reflected in our surgical complication rate, which is much lower than the national average. With attention to detail and a focus on delivering superior outcomes, we provide the trusted expertise and personalized care you deserve.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you would like full details regarding brow lift surgery, contact our Miami office by calling 305-203-4263 or by filling out the email contact form below! Dr. Hunsaker and his talented staff look forward to serving you!
