Brow Lift Procedure

A brow lift procedure is a detailed surgical operation that can be done quickly or in conjunction with several other facial cosmetic enhancements.

Deciding if it's right for you

If you have taken on signs of aging like frown lines, wrinkles, and droopy eyebrows on your forehead, then a brow lift procedure could be the solution. Take a look in the mirror and pull back the skin of your forehead with both hands. This best approximates the final result of a brow lift procedure. If you feel that it makes a big difference, then call a surgeon and ask for a consultation.

Finding the right surgeon

Make sure to check the credentials and background of the plastic surgeon. He or she should have accreditation for proper training and equipment. A surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations, and help you better understand what the surgery will entail and result in. If after your consultation you are satisfied and wish to pursue the surgery, then you can set up the surgery date.

Pre-op

Your plastic surgeon will give you details on how to prepare for the surgery. There may be stipulations about eating, drinking, smoking, and taking medications before the operation. It's usually a good idea to grow out some hair to help conceal the scars as they heal.

If your hair is very short, you may wish to let it grow out before surgery, so that it's long enough to hide the scars while they heal.

Ins and outs

Most brow lifts are done on an outpatient basis. That means you will have the surgery at a surgeon's office and only under light anesthesia. More extreme operations will require an inpatient procedure with general anesthesia at a hospital.

Outpatients are awake while the surgery is being done, and can walk around immediately after. An inpatient will have to stay overnight and rest while the effects of the heavy anesthetics wear off.

Surgery length

Both the endoscopic and traditional method requires roughly 30 minutes to two hours to complete.

Recovery

Patients receiving the traditional brow lift will experience numbness and slight pain around the entire length of the incision. Prescription drugs may be necessary to keep the discomfort level down. Swelling may be a significant problem that you can avoid by keeping your head up for a few days even when sleeping. Most swelling subsides within a few weeks.

Some patients notice an itching sensation as the swelling and numbness go away. This is a normal reaction as the nerves in the scalp heal. Hair loss and thinning can occur around the incision but return to normal in a month or so.

Endoscopic patients typically have reduced symptoms and a quicker recovery, simply due to smaller incisions. Most patients return to regular life in a week, and most symptoms should be gone within a month. The results are immediately visible and will last up to ten years.