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Small Incision Brow Lift
A forehead lift or "browlift" is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.
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 furrows or 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.
Complications are rare and usually minor when a forehead lift is performed by a qualified oculoplastic surgeon. 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.
Infection and bleeding are very rare, but are possibilities.
For a better understanding of how a forehead lift might change your appearance, look into a mirror and place the palms of your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently draw the skin up to raise the brow and the forehead area. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.
There are certain medical conditions that could cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to develop large scars. Be sure to tell me if you have had previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications -- including aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.
Most forehead lifts are performed under local anesthesia, combined with intravenous sedation. You'll be awake but relaxed, and although you may feel some tugging and mild discomfort, your forehead will be insensitive to pain.
You may prefer general anesthesia, in which case you'll be asleep through the entire operation.
To do the small incision technique I will make 2 to 4 short scalp incisions, each less than an inch in length, and hidden behind the hairline. An endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, may be used and is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing me 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. The elevated tissues are secured into their higher position by sutures beneath the skin's surface or by a temporary fixation system called the “endotine” (see the link to the manufacurer - coapt systems). A blepharoplasty is usually required as well as a brow lift. This makes the procedure easier in some ways as the endoscope is not always required as there is direct access to the brow via the blepharoplasty incision.
When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with stitches and the area will be washed. Gauze and an elastic bandage may also be used.
The stitches used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week.
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. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed.
Most patients are back to work or school in a week to 10 days. Vigorous physical activity should limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. 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.
Most patients are pleased with the results of a forehead lift. Often, patients don't realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.
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