If you are bothered by expression lines or other signs of aging in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you. A brow lift:

• Minimizes the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes

• Improves what are commonly referred to as frown lines, vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows

• Repositions a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid

• Raises the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position

Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a brow lift include:

• Eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes

• Facelift to correct aging changes in the mid- to lower face and neck regions

• Skin resurfacing techniques

The Ideal Candidate

A brow lift is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Brow lift surgery is a good option for you if:

You are physically healthy

You don’t smoke

You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

The Surgery

A brow lift may sometimes be performed using an endoscope (surgical video device) and special instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be repositioned, altered or removed, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead.

Correction of a low-positioned or sagging brow may be made with or without the use of an endoscope through incisions at the temples and in the scalp. This technique may be done in conjunction with incisions hidden within the natural crease of the upper eyelids to eliminate frown lines between the brows, on or above the bridge of the nose.

An alternative brow lift technique is the coronal brow lift. The coronal brow lift can pinpoint specific regions of the brow to correct. This technique involves an incision from ear to ear, lifting the forehead and removing excess skin from the scalp.

Recovery time is often longer than the endoscopic brow lift due to the size of the incision.

The incision lines from a brow lift are well concealed within the hair or natural contours of the face unless they are placed at the hairline to shorten the forehead.

Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, restful appearance.

Recovery

When your procedure is completed, your forehead may be taped and your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

The Results

Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures or clips will be removed. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising that remains.

Healing will continue for several weeks as the swelling dissipates and incision lines refine and fade and it may take several months for your complete recovery.