A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate and lift the forehead and brow area. This procedure aims to address sagging or drooping eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines, which can make a person appear tired, angry, or older than they actually are.
During a brow lift, a plastic surgeon will make incisions either directly on the scalp or within the hairline, depending on the specific technique used. There are several approaches to performing a brow lift, including:
- Traditional Brow Lift: In this approach, the surgeon makes an incision behind the hairline across the top of the head. The forehead skin is then lifted, excess tissue is removed, and the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened as needed. The incision is then closed with sutures.
- Endoscopic Brow Lift: This is a less invasive technique where smaller incisions are made within the hairline. The surgeon uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to visualize the underlying structures and make adjustments. This technique often results in smaller scars and a shorter recovery time.
- Temporal or Limited Incision Brow Lift: This technique involves smaller incisions placed in the temple area or behind the hairline. It is suitable for individuals with less significant sagging in the brow area.
After the necessary adjustments are made to the underlying tissues and muscles, the skin is repositioned, and any excess skin is trimmed. The incisions are then closed with sutures or other techniques, and the surgical site is typically bandaged.
A brow lift can provide several benefits, including a more youthful and refreshed appearance, a reduction in forehead wrinkles and frown lines, and an overall more harmonious facial balance. However, like any surgical procedure, it also carries risks and potential complications, such as infection, scarring, nerve damage, and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes.
It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual goals and needs, discuss the available techniques, and determine if a brow lift is the right choice for you. They can provide personalized recommendations and guide you through the pre-operative and post-operative processes.
Can a brow lift be done under local anesthesia?
Cost of facelift and neck lift surgery varies greatly based on factors such as location, surgeon experience, and case complexity. As a result, a facelift and neck lift could be done for as low as $10,000 in some practices, or as high as $100,000, or more, in others. Regardless, it’s important to find a surgeon and team where you feel a connection, so at whatever the price you recognize and appreciate the value.
Does a brow lift get rid of forehead wrinkles?
A brow lift can often smooth out forehead wrinkles by reducing strain on the muscles of your forehead. By lifting the brows to a more rejuvenated position your forehead muscle (called the frontalis) has to work much less, and as a result, you see less lines in the skin. There are other treatment options as well, such as Botox injections, which may be more appropriate or helpful.
Does a facelift include a brow lift?
A facelift doesn’t necessarily include a brow lift, but at the Cohen Clinic for Plastic Surgery, the two procedures are often done together during the same surgical session for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. In addition to rejuvenating the eyes, combining a brow lift with a facelift allows the facelift incisions to be slightly shorter and reduces potential issues like skin bunching in the temples. Additionally, by having the two treatments done together, you only need to go through one recovery period, allowing you to fully enjoy your results much more quickly than if they were done separately.
Does brow lift change eye shape?
While a brow lift can certainly change your facial appearance, a well-performed brow lift should not change your eye shape. It focuses primarily on your forehead and eyebrow area. Eyelid surgery, such as a blepharoplasty or “eyelid lift”, is better suited to changing the shape of the eyes.
Does endoscopic brow lift raise hairline?
A properly performed endoscopic brow lift should raise the hairline and eyebrows together. As a result, while the hairline may be slightly elevated following the procedure, the distance between the hairline and the eyebrows should remain fairly constant. This way, any change in forehead size overall is minimal. If you’re worried about your hairline, don’t hesitate to bring it up to Dr. Cohen so he can review all your options and put you most at ease.
