What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, repositions the eyebrows, resulting in a more youthful appearance. It also reduces wrinkles, improves frown lines, and rejuvenates the eyes.
This versatile surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other facial surgeries, such as eyelid surgery, for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. During this procedure, the surgeon will create a small incision near the brow to lift soft tissue and skin.
If you want to learn more about a brow lift, or schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon in the greater Lehigh Valley region who does eyebrow lifts, contact St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Our team can provide you with the necessary guidance and expertise to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Overview
A brow lift may address both cosmetic and functional concerns. Brow lift candidates typically include adults who have:
- Creases on the forehead
- Uneven skin around the eyes
- Asymmetrical eyebrows
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Sagging eyebrows
This procedure softens frown lines that contribute to a serious, angry, or tired expression and may offer therapeutic benefits for tension migraines caused by muscle strains. Due to these additional advantages, your healthcare provider may recommend the procedure as a viable option.
Schedule a consultation with a St. Luke’s eyebrow lift surgeon in the greater Lehigh Valley region to determine if a brow lift is right for you.
When considering a brow lift, know that this cosmetic procedure can have a profound impact on your self-confidence and overall sense of well-being. Here are several of the most commonly report benefits:
- Happier appearance
- Natural eyebrow arches
- Firmer eyelids
- Softened crow’s feet
- Reduced excess skin
- Symmetrical eyebrows
- Decreased tension in forehead muscles
In as little as a single treatment, a brow lift can dramatically improve your body image and give you a more youthful appearance. To visualize yourself after a brow lift, place your palms near your temples and gently push up the skin.
As with all surgeries, a brow lift has risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial nerve weakness or paralysis
- Infection
- Loss of hair at or around the incision site
- Pain
- Possible need for follow-up surgery
- Scarring
- Skin loss
Your surgeon will review a complete list of risks before getting your consent.
Before the procedure
In the time leading up to your brow lift at St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, you can take steps to make your procedure as safe as possible. These include discussing the following topics at your surgical consultation:
- Goals and expectations
- Surgical options
- Results
- Recovery
Your surgeon will also do a complete evaluation, including:
- Ordering lab work
- Taking “before” photos
- Assessing medical conditions, allergies, and medical limitations
- Reviewing medications, supplements, alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
A week before the procedure, you can prepare at home by:
- Filling prescriptions
- Purchasing necessary medical supplies
- Coordinating necessary transportation and meals
- Staying hydrated
You should arrive early on the day of your procedure to avoid travel delays.
During the procedure
Classic forehead lift
In a classic forehead lift, the surgeon will make an incision across the forehead at ear level, or along the hairline, to access the underlying tissue. Through this incision, they’ll adjust the skin, removing excess fat or tissue contributing to wrinkles. The surgeon may also realign the forehead muscles and eyebrows.Endoscopic forehead lift
In an endoscopic forehead lift, the surgeon will make an incision (smaller than the one used in a classic forehand lift), hidden in the hairline, to access the underlying tissue. Then they’ll use specialized tools to reposition the brows to create a more lifted appearance. This minimally invasive approach offers several benefits, including reduced scarring, a shorter recovery period, and a more natural-looking outcome.Temporal forehead lift
In a temporal forehead lift, the surgeon will make an incision, hidden in the hairline, to access the underlying tissue. Then they’ll use telescopic instruments to lift the face, smoothing the forehead. This specialized procedure is for individuals who are satisfied with their inner brows but want a more refined and smoothed forehead contour. However, this technique doesn’t lift the central forehead or brow region.After the procedure
Your face will look more youthful once the swelling decreases, which should happen in the first 2 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 6 months for the swelling to completely resolve, so your results will become increasingly apparent over time.
Although brow lift results are not permanent, they still have a lasting impact on your appearance. The initial lift can significantly enhance your facial features, boosting your self-confidence.
Your St. Luke’s plastic surgeon will customize your procedure based on your desired treatment results. As you progress through the recovery process, there are several key milestones to anticipate:
- Day of surgery: You may walk around the house, but you should avoid showering to protect the surgical area.
- 1 to 2 days after surgery: You may shower,but it’s important to be gentle around your incision.
- 1 week after surgery: You can return to your job if it isn’t strenuous, but you may experience fatigue.
- 1 to 2 weeks after surgery: Driving is typically safe at this point, as long as you aren’t taking prescription pain medication.
- 2 to 4 weeks after surgery: With your surgeon’s approval, you can gradually resume exercise.
Throughout the recovery process, you may experience several temporary symptoms:
- Numbness
- Itching
- Pain (minor)
- Swelling
- Bruising
In the first 2 weeks after your procedure, it’s common to experience swelling and bruising. The sutures used are typically dissolvable, but if removal is necessary, it usually takes place within this timeframe.