Browlift
A Browlift Can Help Reduce the Signs of Aging by Reducing Forehead and Eyebrow Wrinkles
With time, age, and gravity, the upper third of the face from the area just above the upper eyelids to the hairline can begin to descend, causing wrinkles to develop not only horizontally across the forehead but also between the eyebrows. This can give a person a tired or even sometimes an angry-looking appearance. Occasionally, patients might believe they have sagging upper eyelids, when in reality they have sagging brow lines.
Our doctor is skilled and accomplished in "browlift surgery," also known as a forehead lift. This procedure removes the wrinkles from the forehead and elevates the eyebrows, which combats the signs of aging, decreases frown lines, and raises naturally low or "heavy" brows. The result is a fresher, more rested look.
The Surgery
There are three basic approaches to browlift surgery, each with advantages and risks:
- The Coronal Browlift pinpoints specific regions for correction and involves the removal of skin from the scalp, just beyond the hairline. This procedure lengthens the forehead and raises the hairline as the forehead is lifted. Prior to surgery, we will draw lines on the face and scalp to serve as guides during the surgery. The hair may be minimally shaved. An incision is made from ear to ear, and the forehead is lifted and excess skin in the scalp removed. Following closure of the incision, a dressing will be placed around the entire head. This approach is a good option for individuals who have shorter foreheads, which involves a longer recovery than alternative browlift procedures due to the larger incision. It does allow a more controlled contouring of shape, and the results are long-lived. There is a risk, however, of permanent hair loss along the incision line and potential numbness.
- The Endoscopic Browlift uses a less invasive technique than the Coronal Browlift and is usually a better option for those patients with insufficient hair to conceal scars. With this approach, the doctor uses an endoscope (a tiny tube with a camera) to work on the frown muscles and free up the eyebrow attachments around the eye sockets; they will then be lifted upward and the forehead is anchored permanently to a higher position. The entire surgery is accomplished through several small incisions, which can result in a shorter recovery period. However, because of the difference in the direction of pull in this approach versus that of the Coronal Browlift, significant changes in the shape of the brow may not be obtainable.
- The Lateral Browlift only addresses sagging around the outside of the eyebrows. Incisions are placed in the hairline at the temples toward the sides of the face. Excess skin is removed, lifting the outer corners of the forehead. The Lateral Browlift will not address the middle of the brows but will somewhat alleviate crow's feet.
The Risks
As with all surgeries, patients should be aware of the risks, including bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Risks specific to browlifts can include loss of sensation, muscle weakness with the inability to elevate the forehead, temporary or even permanent hair loss, asymmetry or recurrence of sagging brows. In very rare cases, nerves are damaged and cause an inability of the patient to control eyebrow movement or wrinkle in the forehead; however, these issues can most often be corrected surgically.
An assessment of your current brow position and forehead condition will be performed during your consultation. Your goals and options will be thoroughly discussed as well.
