Brow LiftAbout The Procedure
A Brow Lift or Forehead Lift is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The Brow Lift procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad, or tired.
Procedure Description
The main difference among the various options for a Brow Lift consists of the placement of the incision.
The original technique is the coronal incision, which is made slightly behind the natural hairline. An alternative is the pre-trichial incision. This is similar to the coronal incision except that the mid-portion of the incision is made directly at the hairline. This incision generally heals favorably and has the advantage of lowering the hairline. The disadvantage could be noticeable scarring. An option is to place the incision within the midforehead creases. This is primarily used in men with deep pre-existing forehead lines.
The newest approach is endoscopic surgery. Several small one-half-inch to one-inch incisions are placed just behind the hairline. Although this technique may require more surgery time, it is less invasive and results in a smaller chance of temporary scalp numbness.
Best Candidates for Brow Lift Surgery
Brow Lift candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Most patients are in the 40 to 60 year age range, although any adult that has developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity makes a good candidate. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
Length of the Procedure
Brow Lift surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Brow Lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Brow Lift surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
Brow Lift surgery may cause temporary swelling, soreness, numbness, headaches, and bruising.
Recovery
After Brow Lift surgery, expect a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the 10-day period following surgery. This may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. Patients are advised to keep their head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, patients may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. The sutures are usually removed within seven to 10 days following surgery. If bandages have been used, they are removed in one to three days.
For most patients, the recovery time will not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods. Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with standard make-up techniques.
Duration of Results
Brow Lift surgery results are long lasting.
Risks
Complications associated with Brow Lift surgery include weakening in nearby nerves; bleeding or hematoma (pooling of blood at the surgical site); and seroma (collection of fluid at the surgical site). Cigarette smokers are at risk for poor scarring during or shortly after forehead lift surgery. This possibility exists because the nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke limit the amount of oxygen needed to properly heal all of the skin affected by surgery. Plastic surgery facial wounds may not heal properly in approximately one in ten smokers.
Cost
Expect to pay $3,500 to $6,000 for Brow Lift surgery.
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