A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is designed to correct aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle.
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Minimizes the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes
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Improves what are commonly referred to as frown lines
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Repositions a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid
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Raises the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position
A brow lift is designed to correct all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle.
Procedural steps: Brow lift surgery can be performed through multiple limited incisions hidden within the hairline or through a single incision in the natural crease of each upper eyelid.
Results of a brow lift may be enhanced through laser resurfacing or a chemical peel that can further improve skin tone and surface appearance.
When there is significant excess skin in the forehead, an alternate technique using a wide incision across the top of the scalp may be recommended.
OUR EXPRESSIONS REVEAL HOW WE FEEL
When we are angry we may frown, creating a furrowed forehead or brow. Alow or sagging brow may make us appear sad or tired – even when we arenot. Unfortunately, for some people such characteristics are, or canbecome, permanent – either as a result of overactive muscles in theforehead and brow region, heredity, or the way in which we age. If youare bothered by the development or presence of expression lines orother signs of aging in the forehead and brow region, a brow lift (alsocalled a forehead lift) may be right for you. In general, a brow liftcorrects a low-positioned or sagging brow, smoothes furrows across theforehead and between the brows, and helps to restore a more youthfuland relaxed appearance.
It’s aprocedure to improve the appearance of your facial region between theupper eyelids and the scalp, extending to the temples. It improves lowplacement or sagging of the brows, and minimizes the appearance oflines and creases in the forehead. These conditions may be due toheredity or can be attributed to the natural aging process. In somepeople repeated facial expressions that are created by contraction ofunderlying muscles result in visible creases and deep furrows. If youhave a brow lift it can:
- Reduce furrows and other signs of aging in the forehead and brow areas, creating a softer, relaxed and rejuvenated facial appearance
- Minimize the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes
- Improve what are commonly referred to as “frown lines” – vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows
- Reposition a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid
- Raise the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position
Browlift surgery can be performed through multiple limited incisions hiddenwithin the hairline or through a single incision in the natural creaseof each upper eyelid. Results of a brow lift may be enhanced throughlaser resurfacing or a chemical peel that can further improve skin toneand surface appearance. When there is significant excess skin in theforehead, an alternate technique using a wide incision across the topof the scalp may be recommended.
A browlift can be performed alone or in conjunction with other rejuvenationprocedures such as eyelid surgery or a facelift. The procedure is bestsuited for adult men and women whose facial tissue and muscles are ingood condition and who have realistic goals for rejuvenation of theupper face. You are an appropriate candidate for this procedure if youare:
- Healthy individual who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smoker
- Individual with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement of a low, sagging or furrowed brow
Evaluation
Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome ofyour brow lift procedure. These factors will be carefully evaluated inyour consultation with Dr. Guarda. The success of your procedure,safety and overall satisfaction require that you:
- Honestly share your expectations
- Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Commit to following all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions precisely
Safety
By making the decision to consult with Dr. Guarda and following all theinstructions given, you are taking an important step in helping toassure your safety.
Dr. Guarda is a plastic surgeon certified byThe American Board of Plastic Surgery®. This certification designatesDr. Guarda of having specific training in plastic surgery of the faceand entire body.
My brow/forehead lift
Your brow lift will be individualized according tofactors such as yourskin, muscle tone, forehead height, and bone structure taking intoconsideration the specific conditions that you wish to correct.Although incisions are typically concealed within hair-bearing scalp,patients who have thinning hair or are bald may still benefit from abrow lift. All of these individual factors will be considered whendetermining the appropriate technique or combination of procedures tobest achieve your realistic goals.
A browlift is a surgical procedure; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments willnot achieve the same results, though in some instances they may help todelay the time at which a brow lift is appropriate. Brow lift incisionstypically are closed with removable sutures, skin adhesives, surgicaltape or special clips. Brow elevation may be maintained by the use ofpermanent sutures, small surgical screws, or an absorbable fixationdevice placed inconspicuously at the temples.
Duration
A brow lift may take two hours or more, depending on the extent ofrejuvenation, the techniques used and any additional proceduresperformed at the same time. Rejuvenation procedures typically performedin conjunction with a brow lift include eyelid surgery to rejuvenateaging eyes and a facelift to correct aging changes in the mid- to lowerface and neck regions.
Skinresurfacing techniques performed in conjunction with a brow lift mayfurther improve your skin tone and surface appearance. Wrinklereduction by injection (Botox®) may be recommended prior to yourprocedure to help underlying muscles fully relax before repositioningand tightening, or following your procedure to help maintain results.
Preparing For Surgery
Dr.Guarda will carefully explain the brow lift procedure you will undergo.Prior to your procedure, you will be given specific instructions thatmay include:
- Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
- Day of surgery instructions and medications
- Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
- Postoperative care and follow-up
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure Dr. Guardathat you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risksand potential complications. Risks associated with surgical brow liftsurgery include poor healing of scars, infection, blood clots, bleeding(hematoma) and areas of hair loss or numbness within the scalp, facialasymmetry and risks associated with anesthesia. Facial paralysis isextremely rare, but possible. A forehead lift may also result in anelevated hairline. Risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent.It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr.Guarda. It is natural to feel some anxiety, be this excitement for theanticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelingswith Dr. Guarda.
What to expect
A brow lift may be performed in Dr. Guarda’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and Dr. Guarda’s preference. Dr. Guarda and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
Following surgery
Once your procedure is completed, your forehead may be taped and your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. A small, temporary tube may be placed to help drain excess fluid and minimize bruising. Before being released, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
- When to follow up with Dr. Guarda
Progress and healing
Initial healing may include some swelling, numbness and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. An itchy scalp, particularly at the incision sites, is also common. Some facial movements may be restricted or temporarily impaired. These are all common conditions. Dr. Guarda will instruct you to keep your head elevated at all times until initial swelling has subsided. You will be provided specific postoperative instructions including cleansing of your face and hair. Follow all instructions carefully; this is essential to the success of your outcome. A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.