Browlift and Mini Eyebrow Lift
Browlift and Mini Eyebrow LiftA Browlift (Forehead Lift) is a procedure designed to treat drooping eyebrows or deep wrinkles in the forehead. Most people who are candidates for this procedure complain of constantly looking tired or angry, but not feeling tired or angry. It can be combined with other procedures, and often is combined with blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift).
It is important for our surgeons to not give you that “surprised” appearance that is often seen. In fact, the best outcomes result from a subtle refreshed and well-rested look. In general, women’s eyebrows have a natural curve and are higher in their resting position, while men’s brows are straighter across and they are placed more closely to eyelid complex. Thus, both men and women are candidates for browlifts. We tailor each browlift for the individual patient, to ensure that the most appropriate height and shape are achieved for each face.
During your consultation, our surgeons will carefully examine your forehead and eyelid complex. At that time, he will discuss your options, both surgical and non-surgical.
A browlift is typically done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Occasionally a non-endoscopic brow lift can be done under local anesthesia, depending on the anatomy. For most patients, a minimally invasive endoscopic approach is used. In this technique, our surgeons will make five small hidden incisions within the hairline and farther within the scalp. Through these hidden incisions, the entire forehead is lifted. The muscles that created the angry appearance of the central forehead are transected so that normal facial expressions still appear, but the deeper lines are removed.
Occasionally, an endoscopic forehead lift is not appropriate, such as for those individuals who have tall foreheads. In these instances, an endoscopic browlift will only create a taller forehead with a hairline that appears more receded. In this situation, we typically perform an “open browlift”. The incision for this type of browlift is still hidden within the hairline. However, in this type of forehead lift, there is a resection of skin.
There is generally very little pain and swelling from this procedure. There is some numbness that resolves within weeks to months following surgery. The sutures are removed typically between days 7-10. Most patients are ready to return to work within about a week, and regular exercise within 3 weeks.
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a browlift. In some patients, it is more appropriate to treat this area with injectables such as Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, Juvederm®, or Restylane®. Please ask our physicians if this is right for you.