The eyes and forehead have a key role in how old you look as well as in communicating emotions. For example, a heavy brow or a sagging brow can make you appear unhappy or tired. If this is something you are experiencing, a cosmetic surgery called a brow lift can provide an effective and long-lasting solution. Please continue reading to learn more about the different types of brow lifts. Also find out what the surgery involves, recovery, costs, and more.
What is a brow lift surgery?
A brow lift or forehead lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to to give patients a more youthful brow. It is one of several cosmetic procedures that can be performed to rejuvenate an aging face. Brow lifts specifically address the upper one-third of the face or the area above the eyes. The goal of the surgery is to give you a more youthful and refreshed appearance that enhances your natural beauty. This is accomplished by repositioning the muscles and tissues in the forehead, removing sagging or excess skin, and addressing wrinkle lines and drooping eyebrows. Plastic surgeons perform a brow lift to correct problems such as a heavy brow, a low or sagging brow, and deep forehead creases that can give a person a tired appearance.
What is a mini brow lift? What is an endoscopic brow lift?
Cosmetic surgeons can use several different brow lift techniques to give patients the desired results. The choice of brow lift incisions depends on each patient's unique facial structure and aesthetic goals (the degree of correction desired). Here is a brief description of the most common types of brow lift procedure.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic lift is increasingly the procedure of choice for cosmetic surgeons. It is not as invasive as some older brow lift techniques, yet it can frequently achieve similar results. To perform an endoscopic forehead lift, a cosmetic surgeon makes several short incisions hidden in the hairline in the upper face. A thin tube with a camera and instruments are then used to view and reposition the underlying muscles, lift the underlying tissues, and remove excess skin and fat from the forehead. This helps to give the patient a naturally youthful contour in the upper third of the face. The incisions are placed in a way that they do not leave any visible scars.
Temporal Brow Lift (Limited Incision)
This technique requires marginally bigger incisions compared to an endoscopic brow lift. It is often performed together with upper eyelid surgery. To perform a temporal brow lift, a cosmetic surgeon makes small incisions just above the temple on each side. The incisions are located behind the hairline and are used to lift, reposition, and remove excess tissue in the outer part of the brow. Following this, incisions for an upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) are used to lift the eyebrows and smoothen frown lines in the brow area.
Coronal Brow Lift or Direct Brow Lift
While this was once the standard brow lift technique, it is now rarely used due to the availability of equally effective but less invasive brow lift techniques. A coronal brow lift or direct brow lift may, however, be required in some patients. To perform this type of brow lift, a plastic surgeon makes a long incision extending from one ear to the other, hidden in the hairline. The incision is used to remove excess skin and fat and alter the brow position to a more youthful position.
Why is a brow lift done?
An aging forehead has a profound effect on a person's facial expressions. A heavily furrowed brow, a low or sagging brow, and frown lines can make a person appear constantly worried, tired, or angry. In some patients, the brow is heavier and thicker genetically. This can make them look like they are frowning even when they are happy. Brow lift procedures can address these issues and give patients a more naturally refreshed appearance with brighter, more alert eyes. As a result, brow lifting can add to a person's self-confidence.
How do you prepare for brow lift surgery?
To evaluate whether you are a good candidate for a brow lift, your surgeon will see you for an initial consultation in the plastic surgery offices. At this time, they will obtain a complete medical history as well as examine you. You will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals with your surgeon.
Your doctor will evaluate you and talk about what a brow lift may or may not do for you. The cosmetic surgeon will also discuss related procedures in addition to brow lifts that can give you the optimum results.
It is a good idea to bring photos of yourself from several years ago to the consultation. This will give your surgeon a point of reference.
If you are deemed to be a good candidate for a forehead lift, your surgeon will give you preoperative instructions. These may include:
- Smoking cessation for several weeks around the time of your brow lift surgery. Smoking can delay wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Stopping certain medications, such as a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Hydrating well before and after surgery.
- Growing your hair out to cover the scars while you brow lift incisions heal.
- Making arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home and stay overnight after the procedure.
- Filling prescriptions and setting up your home for postsurgical recovery, including access to prepared meals, ice packs, and entertainment.
What to expect during the procedure?
Brow lifts are outpatient procedures performed at a surgical facility. They are performed using local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or under general anesthesia. The time taken to complete the surgery depends on the type of brow lift and other related procedures being performed the same day.
What is the recovery like after surgery on the upper eyelids?
Most patients experience very little pain or discomfort after surgery on the upper eyelids or brows. However, some minor discomfort, bruising, and a sensation of tightness are not uncommon. The most common symptoms during the healing process after a brow lift are bruising and swelling. These symptoms typically resolve within 2 weeks. A minimally invasive procedure such as an endoscopic forehead lift leaves no visible scars after the incisions heal.
Your surgeon will give you specific post surgical instructions for the incision site, such as using pain medication and ice packs and keeping the head elevated. You will also be advised to avoid heavy lifting for the first few weeks. Be sure you know when to contact the doctor immediately (what symptoms to be vigilant for).
How long it takes to recover from a brow lift will depend on whether you are having any additional procedures, such as a face lift. It can also vary from person to person. Recovery is usually pretty quick in patients having a brow lift alone. However, having multiple procedures together reduces overall recovery time. Some of the procedures can be done through the same incision. In general, you should start to feel better in about a week and resume all normal activities in 2-4 weeks.
How long do the results last?
The improvements achieved in the forehead area with brow lift surgery usually last for several years. While the changes made during the surgery are permanent, the face continues to age over time. This eventually causes the forehead soft tissues to sag and can affect the results of your brow lift. You can prolong the results of your procedure by following healthy lifestyle habits such as wearing sunscreen daily, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
What are the risks of brow lift surgery? Is it safe?
When brow lifts are performed by experienced, board certified cosmetic surgeons, the incidence of serious complications is low. This surgery can usually be performed without any major problems. However, like all surgeries, there is a potential risk of bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, temporary or permanent numbness, hematoma or seroma formation (blood or fluid collection), scarring, damage to the underlying or remaining skin, and unsatisfactory results.
To minimize the risk of forehead lift complications, follow the advice and instructions of your surgeon carefully.
Brow lift or forehead lift vs eyelid lift vs facelift
It can be difficult to figure out what type of facial cosmetic surgery you need. For example, if you are bothered by hollowed cheeks or eyelid bags, do you need a face lift or an eyelid lift? If your forehead tissues give you a tired appearance, what type of brow lift will correct this problem and give you a more youthful appearance?
The best way to find out the most appropriate procedure for you is to see an experienced, qualified, board certified cosmetic surgeon in consultation.
In general, you should be aware that brow lifts improve the forehead (upper face above the eyebrows). A lower or upper eyelid lift improves the area around the eyes from the cheekbone to the brow. A facelift addresses signs of aging in the mid to lower face from the cheekbones to the jawline and chin. A neck lift is performed to improve the neck from the chin to the collar bone.
Your plastic surgeon may suggest one or more techniques to address your unique problems.
How much does a brow lift cost?
Based on estimates by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of a coronal brow lift ranges from $10,000 to $14,000. An endoscopic forehead lift costs around $3,500 to $5,000. Keep in mind that the cost of a brow lift can vary greatly depending on where you live and the skills of your plastic surgeon.
Choosing a surgeon for brow lift surgery
If an aging forehead is taking a toll on your self-confidence, you should consult a board certified cosmetic surgeon to find out more about brow lift surgery. It is important, however, to choose a cosmetic surgeon who has a thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, a keen sense of aesthetics, and the ability to adjust their surgical techniques base on the patient's age, gender, ethnicity, and facial structure.
The MeTime app makes it easy to find top-rated cosmetic surgeons who perform brow lifts in your area. You can chat with experts, share photos, do a video consultation, and get quotes. And when you're ready, you can book an office consultation with your chosen provider. Download the MeTime app today and take the first step towards a more beautiful you!
