Browlift Procedures
What Can Browlift Surgery Do For You?
One of the earliest signs of aging are the stress lines that form in the upper face. Time, gravity, and stress leave their marks on our foreheads around the eyes. These result in a tired, distressed, or even angry look. A browlift (or "forehead lift") raises frowning eyebrows and removes unsightly wrinkles from between the eyebrow and forehead resulting in a more youthful look. The tired, sad, or angry look is transformed into a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance.
Browlift Surgery Photos
These browlift photos were taken of patients in San Diego who received browlift surgery at Changes Plastic Surgery. Please visit our photo gallery for more browlift examples.
BEFORE
AFTER
Two techniques exist for this procedure: the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline, and the endoscopic method whereby the procedure is performed with minimal incisions.
Our surgeons more commonly use the endoscopic procedure. The incisions are minimal, leaving scars that are virtually unnoticeable. There is less fluid loss, less discomfort, and the recovery time is shorter.
A forehead lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as low, heavy brows or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
A forehead lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a smoother overall appearance to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their surgical goals.
Your one-on-one consultation with your plastic surgeon will help make the best determination regarding the procedure(s) best suited for your desired look.
Pre-Operative Planning
For a better understanding of how a forehead lift might change your appearance, look into a mirror and place the palms of your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently draw the skin up to raise the brow and the forehead area. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.
During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss your goals for the surgery. Your surgeon will also explain the surgical technique, the recommended type of anesthesia, where the surgery will be performed, and the potential risks. It’s important that you ask any questions you may have, so that you can make the decision that is best for you.
Potential Risks
All of the Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons. The procedures are performed in a state licensed and Medicare certified surgical center, along with skilled anesthesiologists. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
In very 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.
Formation of a broad scar is also a rare complication. This may be treated surgically by removing the wide scar tissue so a new, thinner scar may result. Also, in some patients, hair loss may occur along the scar edges.
Temporary loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line is a common occurrence, which usually resolves after several weeks. Infection and bleeding are very rare. If a complication should occur during an endoscopic forehead lift, your surgeon may have to abandon the endoscopic approach and switch to the conventional, open procedure, which will result in a more extensive scar and a longer recovery period.
To date, such complications are rare. They are estimated at less than 1 percent of all endoscopic procedures.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.
Facility Options
A brow lift is generally done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center. The procedure usually takes from one to one and half hours.
Procedure Description
You and your surgeon will decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the classic "open" method, or the endoscopic forehead lift.
The Classic Forehead Lift
A coronal incision is used which follows a headphone-like pattern, starting at about ear level and running across the top of the forehead and down the other side of the head. The incision is usually made well behind the hairline so that the scar won't be visible. If your hairline is high or receding, the incision may be placed just at the hairline, to avoid adding even more height to the forehead. In patients who are bald or losing hair, a mid-scalp incision that follows the natural pattern of the skull bones is sometimes recommended. By wearing your hair down on your forehead, most scars become inconspicuous.
Working through the incision, the skin of the forehead is carefully lifted so that the underlying tissue can be removed and the muscles of the forehead can be altered or released. The eyebrows may also be elevated and excess skin at the incision point will be trimmed away to help create a smoother, more youthful appearance. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips. Your face and hair will be washed to prevent irritation. Although some plastic surgeons do not use any dressings, your doctor may choose to cover the incision with gauze padding and wrap your head in an elastic bandage.
The Endoscopic Forehead Lift
Rather than making a long coronal incision used in the open browlift, your surgeon will make four or five short scalp incisions, each less than a half inch in length. The endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Using another instrument 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 their higher position by sutures beneath the skin's surface. When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with stitches or clips and the area will be washed. Gauze and an elastic bandage may also be used, depending on your surgeon's preference.
Post-Surgical Care
Patients may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with prescription medication.
You may be told to keep your head elevated for two to three days following surgery to keep the swelling down. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes, but should begin to disappear in approximately one week or so. As the nerves heal, it is not unusual to experience numbness and some itching on the top of your scalp. These sensations may take as long as six months to fully disappear. If bandages were used, they will be removed a day or two after surgery. Most stitches or clips will be removed within two weeks, often in two stages.
Some of your hair around the incision may temporarily be a bit thinner. Normal growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent hair loss is rare.
The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week.
Your New Look
A forehead lift is an effective way to rejuvenate and refresh the upper face. Many patients report not only looking, but feeling younger as well, as a result of their new look.
Go to our Browlift Photo Gallery.
Patient Testimonial
"Words can’t express to you how happy I am with my new eyes, and the entire experience from beginning to end! You run a first class clinic, and each and everyone there adds something special. I love the way I was treated by everyone! And you, Dr. Lee are an artist! Thank you!
My best to you all - Sheri"