Brow lift/ Eyebrow Lift

Procedure:

The forehead lift elevates drooping brows, resulting in a refreshed appearance. The endoscopic browlift is performed via 5 small incisions concealed within the hairline, whereas the older, conventional method is via an incision which spans from ear to ear within the hairline. Browlifting is commonly performed simultaneously with facelift and eyelid and brow lift surgery.

Duration of procedure:

1-2 hours.

Anaesthesia:

Local with sedation or General anaesthetic.

In/Out patient:

Usually out-patient. More extensive surgery (combined with facelift ) may require overnight stay.

Post-operative:

Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. Headaches and eyelid bruising may occur.This usually abates with one week postoperatively.

Recovery:

2 – 3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several weeks and sun protection creams are advised.

Results:

A refreshed rejuvenated appearance with long lasting effect.

Before/After Images:

Due to new regulations,I have had to temporarily remove the sample pictures.

The brow and forehead are often the first areas of the face to bear wrinkles and frown lines. Because of this they tend to give the face a prematurely aged look.

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, can lift drooping brows to provide a refreshed and rejuvenated look. There are two approaches to the brow lift – the classical method and the endoscopic method. A brow lift can be performed alone or with other procedures such as a face lift, eyelid and brow lift surgery or laser resurfacing of the skin.

The Classical Brow Lift.

An incision is made across the scalp, between the ears, just inside the hairline, or at the hairline. To lessen the appearance of wrinkles, selected muscles are removed and selected facial tissue is released. The eyebrows may also be elevated. Excess skin is removed at the incision line and the forehead skin is re-draped.

The Endoscopic Brow Lift.

Half inch incisions are made within the hairline. A tiny, fibre-optic lens is inserted through these incisions. The lens is attached to a camera which is connected to a television screen. This allows for full visualisation of the surgery.

Additional half inch incisions allow for the insertion of tiny scalpels, scissors and retractors. The instruments are manipulated externally while the internal work is viewed on screen.

The endoscopic brow lift requires smaller incisions and therefore scarring is minimal. There is less bleeding and less hair loss. It is particularly recommended in younger patients where the removal of excess skin is not required or in patients whose foreheads are not too long.

Is major surgery required?

A brow lift is a relatively major surgical procedure which takes approximately two hours. It may be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or under a full anaesthetic.

What will recovery be like?

Following a brow lift, swelling and bruising may last from seven to ten days. This swelling may extend to the eyelids and cheeks. As the incisions heal there may be some itching and feelings of numbness. These sensations will diminish over time. Sutures or skin staples will be removed within seven to ten days and make-up may be worn after three days. Strenuous activity is restricted for six weeks.

What are the possible complications?

Complications are infrequent but, as with all surgery, there is the possibility of suture infection, slight hair loss, nerve injury and loss of sensation.

Preparing for surgery.

You need to shampoo your hair daily for two days before surgery. You should not eat or drink after midnight prior to the day of surgery. You will be given two sedative pills – one to take the night before surgery and the other to take the morning before leaving home to relieve normal anxiety. Because of this medication it is imperative that you make prior arrangements for someone to drive you to hospital.

Wear loose fitting clothing which is easy to remove. Do not wear any make-up or facial moisturisers to hospital.

Should you have any further questions, I would be happy to answer them.