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 one a tired or even
sometimes angry looking appearance. Occasionally, patients might
believe they have sagging upper eyelids, when in reality they have
sagging browlines.
Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Dulin are both skilled and
accomplished in browlift surgery, also known as forehead lift.
This procedure removes the wrinkles from the forehead and elevates
the eyebrows which combat the signs of aging, decrease frown lines
and raise 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,
Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin 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
but does involve 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 potentially
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, Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin use 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 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 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 can most often be corrected
surgically.
An assessment of your current brow position and forehead
condition will be performed during your consultation with Dr.
Wilcox or Dr. Dulin. Your goals and options will be thoroughly
discussed as well.
