Due to gravity and the natural aging process, our forehead and eyebrows can lose elasticity and begin to droop down towards the eyes over time. This can create a heavy and tired look. To address these age-related concerns, brow lift surgery is recommended to tighten the forehead skin and reposition the brows to a more youthful location. The procedure can also smooth wrinkles on the forehead for a more rejuvenated appearance. Our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Emily Hrisomalos, has many years of experience performing brow lift procedures and customizing treatment plans in a way that is most beneficial for the patient and their cosmetic goals.
What Are the Benefits of a Brow Lift?
A brow lift can provide dramatic, long-lasting benefits by reducing facial creases and eliminating sagging or drooping skin above the eyebrows. By tightening the forehead skin and lifting the deep tissues, the brows can be restored back to a higher and more youthful position. This often also indirectly improves the appearance of the upper eyelids. Dr. Hrisomalos uses only the latest cosmetic surgery techniques to make sure that the results remain natural-looking and nicely compliment the other facial features. Brow lift surgery is most often performed endoscopically, however in certain cases other techniques may be optimal depending on each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. Other types of brow lifting performed by Dr. Hrisomalos may involve incisions directly above the eyebrows (direct brow lift), within creases on the forehead (indirect brow lift), or just in front of the hairline (trichophytic brow lift). These each have unique benefits and some are preferable and individualized for patients based on their hairline (or lack thereof!), the degree of lift desired, or in the presence of brow asymmetries. If there are deep wrinkles or lines on the forehead, brow lifting is often combined with use of non-surgical procedures like neurotoxins (such as Botox® or Dysport®) and/or laser treatments for skin resurfacing.
How Is an Endoscopic Brow Lift Performed?
The patient is given anesthesia before the procedure begins to ensure that the surgery is as comfortable as possible. Sedation or general anesthesia is recommended. Dr. Hrisomalos most often uses the endoscopic approach for brow lift surgery, meaning that she uses an endoscope (a thin telescope with a camera) and other special equipment during the surgery to visualize the deep tissues while minimizing the length of incisions. Dr. Hrisomalos carefully makes small incisions within the hairline and gently elevates the brow tissue through those incisions under endoscopic visualization. She pays special attention to the tissues, muscles, and ligaments beneath the skin to achieve the desired result. After the necessary changes have been made and the deep tissues are anchored in place, Dr. Hrisomalos closes the incisions meticulously.
“I am so glad I chose Dr. Hrisomalos to be my surgeon! She is so kind and truly cares about her patients. She is extremely talented and I could not be happier with my results. I feel so much better about myself thanks to her! I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a great facial plastic surgeon.”
What Is Recovery from a Brow Lift Like?
There will initially be a head-wrap in place during the first few days after surgery. This is important to seal and stabilize the tissues as well as to protect the area during the early phases of healing. It generally takes about 2 weeks for the majority of swelling and bruising to resolve, and patients are generally feeling well enough to go back to work around this time (10-14 days). It is important to keep in mind that there will still be a degree of swelling and often numbness present by the 2-week point, and all patients heal at different rates. We recommend keeping the head elevated as much as possible, including at nighttime, along with the use of cold compresses during the first week of recovery. These strategies help in significantly increasing the resolution of swelling and rate of recovery. “Social” recovery is unique to each patient and when they feel most comfortable going out in public. Makeup can often cover up bruising, and Dr. Hrisomalos will let patients know when it is okay to apply cosmetic products. In order for recovery to be as quick, comfortable, and successful as possible, it is important for brow lift patients to carefully follow the post-surgical instructions that Dr. Hrisomalos provides them.
If you are interested in learning more about brow lift surgery, or would like to schedule a consultation with our experienced facial plastic surgeon, please contact us today.