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BROW & FOREHEAD LIFT

A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, surgically corrects drooping eyebrows and softens worried or angry expressions that result from frown lines. Many patients are unhappy about the appearance of their eyes, and may seek surgery to reduce the excessive fold in their upper lids (blepharoplasty). While sometimes this is an effective fix, in many instances, the lid is not the problem. Heavy or drooping eyebrows and forehead can give the appearance of excess upper lid skin, and lid surgery will not correct this problem.

 Try this: while looking at your eyes in a mirror, place a finger over the outer edge of each brow and gently lift upward. Did this improve the appearance of your eyes? If so, you are probably a candidate for a brow lift.

Previously, a brow or forehead lift was an extensive surgical procedure, involving a large incision almost across the entire scalp just above the hairline, called the coronal (or open) brow lift. Today, the lift is accomplished much more simply. Under local anesthesia (numbing of the skin) and conscious sedation (“twilight sleep,”) three small (1”) incisions are made, and the tissues of the forehead and brows are elevated off the bone and repositioned to a higher level. These tissues are then held in place with a device called an Ultratine (see below.)  Within a few weeks, the tissues naturally adhere to your bone in the new position, and the Ultratine is no longer needed. For this reason, the device is designed to dissolve in a few months. This type of surgery has much fewer complications and a much more rapid recovery time than the coronal lift.

 In my opinion, this fixation device is superior to the suture method. Many brow lifts are accomplished by holding the tissues in their new position with a suture. While effective, all of the pressure of holding up the issues is placed on a single string-like suture. With the Ultratine, there are several (usually 5) prongs or tines that hold up the tissues, thereby distributing the load more evenly.  The result is a more youthful, relaxed, and refreshed appearance.

 POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:

 Although this is a relatively simple and safe procedure, complications can occur with any surgery. Swelling, itching, bruising and temporary numbness are common. In some patients, the Ultratine device may be palpable (can be felt trough the skin) for a few weeks. Rarely, infection, bleeding, long-term numbness and device failure (and therefore loss of lift) can occur. In addition, the anesthesia itself has certain rare but potentially serious complications. This is not a complete list of all potential complications. These will all be discussed with you in detail during your office visit, and will be detailed in your consent form.

 RECOVERY

 There may be some local brow and scalp swelling and discomfort for a few days after surgery, but this is usually relieved by mild pain relievers. We will provide you with some pain medications prior to going home. Bruising under the eyes is common, and usually disappears in 5-7 days. For the first few nights, we will ask you to sleep with your head partially elevated, and will have you ice the area frequently. Most patients are able to return to work and social activities within a week.

If you’re like most brow lift patients, you’ll be very pleased with your refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Although it may take several months to see the final results, you’ll probably agree that your new look was worth the wait.                   

The length of time your brow lift lasts will vary. A number of factors, including heredity and lifestyle, all play a role in your long-term results. Although you will appear younger, remember that you are still continuing to age. In the future, you may also want to make additional surgical improvements.