Most people wish they could slow down the aging process. With all the plastic surgery options available today, it is very easy for people to appear younger longer and to achieve the look they want. One of the most popular options is the brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, a cosmetic procedure designed to raise the eyebrows and minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the forehead. As the procedure becomes more popular, more prospective patients ask, “How is a brow lift performed?” Continue reading to discover the answer to this question and find more information about brow lifts.
How Is a Brow Lift Performed?
A brief overview of the brow lift will help you understand how this procedure is performed. This procedure repositions the forehead skin and underlying muscles in order to raise the brows, smooth out wrinkles, and open up the eye area. The resulting look is refreshed, alert, and youthful.
There are various techniques available for the brow lift, and your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your facial structure, aesthetic goals, and skin condition.
Step 1: Consultation
During the consultation or initial meeting, you and your surgeon will discuss your desired outcomes, your medical history, and any concerns or apprehensions you may have. Your surgeon will examine your forehead and brow and answer any questions you may have. If they see that combining another procedure, such as eyelid surgery, with the brow lift will be greatly beneficial, they will make the recommendation.
Step 2: Anesthesia
During the day of the procedure, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia to keep you from feeling any pain. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be used, depending on the technique the surgeon will use and on what you have discussed during the consultation.
Step 3: Incision
A brow lift can be performed in various methods. The type of incision used depends on the method.
The Endoscopic Brow Lift
This procedure is the most common and the least invasive. The small incisions made behind the hairline are usually 1 inch or less in size. The surgeon inserts surgical instruments and a thin camera called an endoscope into these incisions. The forehead tissues are carefully lifted and secured in their new position using sutures or small anchors. This technique usually results in minimal scarring. Additionally, recovery time is significantly faster.
The Coronal Brow Lift
This traditional lift involves a single long incision made behind the hairline and going from one ear to the other. The skin of the forehead is lifted, excess tissue is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled. Although the coronal brow lift provides dramatic results, it is not commonly performed today due to the longer incision required. Furthermore, the recovery time for this method is longer.
Hairline Brow Lift
This incision is not made behind the hairline, but along it, making it ideal for patients with high foreheads. This placement allows the surgeon to shorten the forehead while lifting the brows. This type of lift may be very effective, but it requires a highly skilled surgeon, as if it is not done carefully, the scar it leaves may be more visible than those of other methods.
Step 4: Adjusting Muscles and Tissue
After making the incisions, the surgeon adjusts the underlying muscles and tissue. If you have overactive muscles that cause deep wrinkles, these may be weakened or released. Your surgeon will then reposition the skin and trim any excess. This will result in a smoother, younger-looking appearance.
Step 5: Closing the Incisions
Once everything is properly placed, the surgeon will use staples, skin adhesives, or sutures to close the incision. Sometimes, the surgeon may need to place temporary drains to remove excess fluid during the first few days after recovery.
Step 6: Recovery
Most patients can go home on the same day of the procedure. Here is what recovery looks like for most patients.
- Swelling and bruising may be experienced during the first week or two.
- Pain may be managed with the help of a cold compress and pain medication.
- After 7-10 days, stitches or staples are removed.
- Most patients may return to normal activities after 10 to 14 days.
- Strenuous work or activities should be avoided for a few weeks.
- The final results become more visible as the swelling continues to subside for the next few months.
You must follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth healing and recovery process.
Consult a Surgeon Today
A brow lift is a transformative procedure that not only lifts your eyebrows, smooths your forehead, and gives you a younger-looking countenance but also enhances your overall appearance. It will also boost your confidence and cause positive changes in your life beyond aesthetics.
Consulting with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon will keep your expectations realistic and provide you with the professional guidance that will help you make an informed decision. Contact us today and discover how we can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.