Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

Surgical Procedure

This procedure involves raising the eyebrows and underlying muscle, to smooth the forehead, minimise frown lines and correct abnormally low eyebrows to their original position. The incision usually starts at ear level, runs across the top of the forehead (hidden behind the hairline) and then back down the other side. Once the incision has been made and the underlying tissue has been removed, the brow will be lifted and the excess skin at the incision removed. The wound is then sutured or stapled closed.

This procedure may also slightly stretch the upper eyelids, resulting in a younger appearance.

Hospital Admission

1 NIGHT

Duration of Operation

1 HOURS

Anaesthetic

LOCAL ANAESTHESIA

Pre Operative Care

Before surgery please inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and any medication that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
To eliminate the chance of post op. bleeding you should avoid aspirin and any medication containing aspirin or brufen for two weeks prior to surgery.
You should also not smoke for 2 weeks prior to surgery as smoking can affect your reaction to the anesthetic and slow down the healing process.
Patients that suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery. If you have short hair, you may wish to let it grow so that you will be able to easily conceal the scar while it is healing.
Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

Post Operative Care

Your surgeon will remove any dressings within 24 hours of your procedure.

The stitches or staples will usually be removed after 1 week.

You may experience some discomfort, which can be controlled with pain medication. Each individual is different. You may have no discomfort other than a feeling of tightness. Infections are extremely rare; however antibiotics are administered to avoid any potential risks. There may be some swelling and bruising around the eyes, but this will generally fade within 2 weeks of the surgery.

For the first month patients should avoid any strenuous activities such as jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that may increase your blood pressure. Exposure to the heat or sun should be limited for several months following surgery, including spas and saunas.

Risks and Complications

The most common risks are swelling, bruising, infection, scarring, bleeding and numbness, or change in sensation, due to nerve damage. Although you may experience a change in sensation or numbness this is usually temporary and gradually rectifies itself within 12 months of the procedure.

If you have fine or thin hair, the scar may be more visible than with candidates who have thick hair. Hair does not grow through scar tissue, although if necessary there is a very reliable procedure to correct this later by hair transplant. These risks are reduced, but not eliminated, with a new procedure where the brow is lifted endoscopically.

Very occasionally, nerve damage may lead to a loss of ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead. Additional surgery can correct the problem. Loss of sensation along or around the incision is also common, but this is usually temporary. Rarely does this affect patients permanently.

Results

Almost all patients are happy with the results and achieve a younger appearance. The procedure can minimise the effects aging for years.

Brow Lift Vs Brow Suspension

Brow suspension requires fewer and smaller incisions as the procedure is performed endoscopically. This means that it is less invasive than the traditional brow lift procedure or laser treatment, however brow suspension may only last up to 6 years, and then the procedure may need to be repeated. Usually two small incisions are made in the brow and another two in the hairline, directly above the eyebrow incision. A catheter is then used to tunnel underneath the skin, between the brow and hair line incisions, pulling the muscle tight. Then sutures are used to hold the eyebrows in an elevated position. This is a relatively new procedure and it is vital that you obtain a highly qualified and skilled surgeon who has been trained and recognized in this procedure. Younger patients may not need a brow lift as a combination of Botox, New fill and Laser Treatment combined, should provide optimum results.