Why is a Brow Lift Needed?
Sagging brows and wrinkles on the forehead not only add years to your perceived age, but can also negatively affect facial expression. Downward drooping brows can cause you to appear angry, exhausted or sad even when you are actually feeling great. In addition, low-hanging brows may obscure vision.
What is a Brow Lift?
A forehead lift, also termed a brow lift, is an integral part of facial rejuvenation. Lifting the brow can improve wrinkles in the forehead, relieve that “tired look” that comes with aging, and brighten the eyes. Many people state that they not only look better but feel better too.
What is the Procedure?
We offer both an open and endoscopic (minimally invasive) technique. In the endoscopic technique no extra forehead skin is trimmed. The incisions are placed within the hairline where they are carefully hidden. The conventional open method uses longer incisions along the hairline. The forehead skin is lifted, and any excess skin is trimmed. Some patients with a very high forehead or hairline may require a forehead reduction rather than a brow lift.
During your Consult
At the time of your consultation we will review your goals. Dr. Brown will evaluate your medical conditions, drug allergies, current medications/herbal supplements and prior surgical history.
He will examine your forehead, face and, sometimes take measurements, and finally take photographs. From that information, Dr. Brown will recommend a course of treatment, likely outcomes, and discuss potential complications as well as the type of anesthesia.
Prior to Surgery
To get ready for surgery there are a number important steps. We will obtain recent blood work and sometimes obtain medical clearance from your primary doctor.
You must stop smoking. In most cases Dr. Brown will not perform a forehead lift on anyone who is actively smoking. You must avoid taking Aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements for 3 weeks prior to surgery as this increases the risk of bleeding. Certain hormones must also be stop as these increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
The Procedure
Anesthesia. A number of medications are administered for your comfort. Choices of anesthesia include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Brown often recommends intravenous sedation due to a reduction in side effects and eased recovery.
The endoscopic forehead typically uses 4 or 5 small incisions placed 1cm behind the hair line. Dr. Brown, uses a camera and several instruments to release the forehead muscle, adjust and release the tissues that supports the eyebrow. Additionally muscle that may depress the eyebrow or wrinkle the brow are carefully removed. These muscles are replaced with small bits of fat harvested from the temple area.
The open incision is made in a “pretrichial” area, just behind the baby hairs. The open incision allows for removal of skin, raising of the eyebrow, and lowering or advancement of the hairline if necessary.
Recovery
You will be given specific instruction on how take pain medication, care of the incisions, and use of cold compresses to help with swelling. You will come to our office the day after your surgery and we will clean and redress your incisions. Your incision will be closed with dissolving sutures. Most Swelling in present for 1-2 weeks, but it can take a couple of months for incision to mature. We ask that you avoid exercise for 2 weeks and then slowly resume activities. Patients are often able to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks.