Eyebrow lift (FOREHEAD LIFT)

A Forehead Lift or “Brow Lift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the forehead.  The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal wrinkles and frown lines that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.  In a Forehead Lift, the muscles that cause the frowning or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.  Dr. Skarparis may use the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline; or it may be performed with the use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions.  Both techniques yield similar results — smoother forehead skin and a more animated appearance.

THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR A BROW LIFT

 A Forehead Lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.  Forehead Lift is often performed in conjunction with a Facelift to provide a smoother overall look to the face.  Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes, patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their surgical goals.

ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK

Complications are rare and usually minor. Yet, the possibility of complications must be considered.  In rare cases, the nerves that control eyebrow movement may be injured on one or both sides, resulting in a loss of ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead.  Additional surgery may be required to correct the problem.  Formation of a broad scar is also a rare complication.  This may be treated surgically by removing the wide scar tissue so a new, thinner scar may result.  Also, in some patients, hair loss may occur along the scar edges.  Loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line is common, especially with the classic forehead lift procedure. It is usually temporary, but may be permanent in some patients.

ANESTHESIA

Most forehead lifts are performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy.

THE SURGERY

Endoscopic Brow Lift: Four or five short scalp incisions, each less than an inch in length, are made.  An endoscope which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin.  Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and underlying tissues are removed or altered to produce a smoother appearance.  The eyebrows may also be lifted and secured into their higher position by sutures beneath the skin’s surface or by temporary fixation screws placed behind the hairline.

AFTER THE SURGERY

In Endoscopic Brow Lift patients may experience some numbness, incision discomfort and mild swelling.  Incision site pain is usually minimal. Endoscopic forehead lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation felt by patients who have had the classic forehead lift.  The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week and the temporary fixation screws within two weeks.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

Although you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery.  Most patients are back to work after a week up to 10 days.  Endoscopic patients may feel ready to return even sooner.  Vigorous physical activity should limited for few weeks.  Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.  Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks.  Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup

YOUR NEW LOOK

Most patients are pleased with the results of brow lift.  Often, patients don’t realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of ageing until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.