How A Brow Lift Can Make You Look Younger And Happier
Upper eyelid heaviness can cause the appearance of being tired or grumpy, no matter how youthful or energetic you feel on the inside. A brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) can solve the issue of low flat brows, heavy upper eyelid skin (hooding), brow asymmetry, prominent forehead wrinkles and deep frown lines in the forehead.
What causes upper eyelid and brow heaviness?
As we age, volume loss and increased tissue laxity in the forehead can cause brows to drop. This can not only affect the appearance, but field of vision as well.
How can the appearance of heavy brows and upper eyelids be improved?
A brow lift elevates the brow to a more youthful position while softening frown lines and forehead wrinkles. Elevating the brow pulls the upper eyelid skin tight. Some individuals will get the best result from combining a brow lift with an upper eyelid skin excision (or blepharoplasty). The forehead lift also softens frown lines and forehead wrinkles.
Surgical Techniques
There are a few ways we can approach the brow lift with no visible scarring. Endoscopic and hairline brow lifts are performed in the surgery center under general anesthesia. A lateral (temporal) brow lift may be performed in the office under local anesthesia.
List of Services
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Endoscopic IncisionList Item 1
The endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive technique used to elevate the brow and relax forehead lines. Multiple small incisions are concealed within the hair-bearing portion of the scalp and two longer incisions in the temple region. Previous to this technique, the brow and forehead lift was performed using a long incision that extended from ear to ear across the scalp. Technology and surgeon innovation now allows the procedure to be done with tiny cameras through small incisions. All incisions are well-concealed within the hair-bearing scalp.
This technique is best for patients with a normal-sized or shorter forehead as it does make the forehead appear slightly taller.
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Hairline IncisionList Item 2
For patients with a taller forehead, the hairline brow lift may be a better option. This procedure raises the brows while shortening the forehead. The incision is made along the frontal hairline in a zig-zag fashion to mimic the natural hairline.
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Temporal IncisionList Item 3
The temporal brow lift is a smaller brow lift procedure that allows elevation of the lateral brow only with incisions concealed in the temple hair. This procedure is ideal for patients who have adequate positioning of the medial brow but the descent of the lateral brow (often leading to upper eyelid hooding).
Recovering From A Brow Lift
At-home recovery from a brow lift takes about 7-10 days. Immediately after surgery, a light compression head wrap is kept in place and removed the following day. By the end of two weeks, all scalp sutures are removed. No staples are used. A headache and nausea are common in the first 24 hours, and we prescribe medication for these symptoms. The first night after surgery, you will feel a dull ache and tightness around your forehead. Every day thereafter, any discomfort will reduce significantly. It is normal to take opiate medication as needed up to a week after surgery, but most transition to regular Tylenol within the first week. The feeling of tightness will decrease over the course of weeks.
Swelling and bruising are expected and mostly subside in the first 2 weeks. Most bruising may be concealed with cover-up as it gradually fades. On average, 90% of the swelling subsides by 6 weeks after surgery. In the end, all swelling and bruising will go away.
Patient Reviews:
"Dr. Patel is an artist. After consulting with two other plastic surgeons, I consulted with Dr. Patel regarding my much needed browlift with forehead reduction. I’m so glad I saw his ad on RealSelf because he was the best fit for my needs. I also decided to get Permalip implants at the same time because aging was taking a toll there as well. My surgery and recovery went well. I am very pleased with my results."
"Dr. Patel performed a brow lift and upper blepharoplasty and my results were absolutely beautiful. The two procedures erased ten years of age and the constant look of being tired all the time. His before and after computer pictures helped me understand how I would look after the procedure and his explanation of what to expect after the surgery was very helpful. I am thrilled with my results."
Interested in scheduling a brow/forehead lift?
Our boutique office specializes in customized plastic surgery treatments for the face and neck. Dr. Anand D. Patel is double board certified with the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. His concentrated background in the face and neck allows mastery of both the technical and artistic challenges of these areas. He approaches the brow lift with the intent of making the patient look younger, not different, surprised or scared.
During the consultation, Dr. Patel will review the changes you would like to make and their potential impact on your brows, eyes, and life. He will also discuss your medical history and your current concerns, then examine your scalp, brow, and eyelids to determine the optimal combination of procedures for you. After the consultation, there is a second visit before surgery called a "pre-op." At this visit, he will go into much greater detail about how to best prepare for the coming surgery. At Visage Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer a wealth of information about optimizing your recovery, ensuring proper healing, resuming normal activities, and avoiding complications.
Click here to schedule your phone consultation today!
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