Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
What to Consider Before Having Brow Lift Surgery
A brow lift, which is also commonly referred to as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the browline and forehead. A brow lift can elevate droopy brows and smooth deep forehead creases or lines between the eyebrows. These worry lines and creases can make patients look tired, angry, or older than they really are. Often, patients combine brow lifts with eyelid surgery to reduce sagging skin near the eyes, or a facelift to improve the appearance of the lower portion of the face.
Types of Brow Lift Procedures
During a browlift, the first step is the creation of an incision, which allows the surgeon access to underlying tissues. The varying types of brow lifts require different incision lines. An open forehead lift allows the most access, which means that the surgeon can create the most dramatic changes. This requires an incision placed behind the hairline from one ear to the other. This brow lift procedure is also referred to as a coronal brow lift. The downside is that it carries the possibility of a longer scar. Patients with hair loss may find that the scar is more noticeable as it is not concealed behind the hairline.
An endoscopic brow lift, on the other hand, is performed through a small tube with a camera. This allows the surgeon to use a smaller incision line. Typically, the incision is located either within the wrinkles of the forehead or behind the hairline. However, the surgeon is not able to sculpt the tissue as much as is possible through the longer incisions of an open brow lift. This method is usually chosen when there is not a lot of excess skin to remove, as this is more difficult to accomplish with the smaller incisions. Endoscopic brow lifts are associated with a shorter recovery period, less post-surgery discomfort, and less visible scarring than traditional open brow lifts.
Regardless of the browlift type chosen, the surgeon gently removes excess muscle, fat, and skin through the incision and sculpts remaining tissues into a smoother and younger-looking appearance. The eyebrows may be repositioned at an elevated position on the forehead. Finally, the incisions are closed. Typically, this requires sutures, whether it is an open or endoscopic procedure.
Are you a good candidate for a brow lift?
Both women and men can undergo a brow lift. You must be in good overall health to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery, including a browlift. While most patients are between 35 and 60 years old, it is possible for adults of any age to undergo a brow lift. Ideally, some skin elasticity remains, which helps the body adapt to its new contours.
Most patients who choose to undergo this procedure do so because they are seeking to reverse signs of aging such as visible forehead lines and sagging eyebrows. Overactive muscles and heredity can also play a role in the appearance of the forehead. These conditions may make you look fatigued or angry. If people think you’re frowning when you’re not, you may benefit from this procedure. Brow lifts can result in an enhanced facial appearance, although they are not an appropriate treatment for crow’s feet or bags under the eyelids. Brow lifts typically focus on the brow line and the facial skin above this line.
If you are considering a forehead lift, your surgeon will help you decide whether this is the appropriate procedure to achieve your goals. Some patients opt for eyelid surgery, a facelift, or other cosmetic treatments. In addition, either an endoscopic or an open technique may be used for your procedure depending on your goals and personal feelings about surgery.
Finding a Brow Lift Surgeon
Besides the brow lift cost, its important to choose a plastic surgeon based on qualifications. When looking for a brow lift surgeon, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other established association such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS) or American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Although membership in any society or board-certification doesn’t guarantee a successful result most certifying boards like these require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education which can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your brow lift surgery while reducing the risk of complications.