Brow Lift
When the skin on the forehead starts to relax, the extra skin causes the brow and upper eyelids to appear droopy.
This drooping typically causes one to look tired and even disinterested. When this is the case, patients will find themselves constantly raising their eyebrows in order to relieve bagging skin on the upper eyelids. This in turn causes wrinkling of the forehead. These are the patients that might benefit from having a brow lift procedure.
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for browlift surgery are in good physical and emotional health and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.
A browlift may be appropriate for individuals looking to address common signs of aging in the forehead and upper face, including:
- Sagging upper eyelids
- Drooping skin of the forehead
- Forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and lines between the eyes
Procedure
Brow lift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under local or moderate sedation. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours to perform. A browlift is designed to address the effects of upper facial aging while maintaining a natural appearance and creating a refreshed, rejuvinated look. Brow lifts often are done in combination with other facial procedure for full facial rejuvination.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
The use of modern technology has made many operations in plastic surgery easier and safer. The endoscopic brow lift was one of the first operations in plastic surgery to utilize a small video scope to help aid in the dissection and elevation of the brow. For most patients, 3 to 5 small incisions can be made within the hairline to allow for access during surgery. This allows for more precise exposure and release of the tissues responsible for drooping foreheads. Once this is completed, then the brow will be precisely repositioned and secured into place.
Open Brow Lift
Not every patient will be a candidate for an endoscopic brow lift. A standard open brow lift utilizes an incision made right in the hairline. In this procedure, the incision is made right at the hairline and allows for elevation and removal of some of the excess skin. This can shorten a person’s forehead height and make for a very pleasing change. Typically, there is a little more recovery than an endoscopic brow lift.
Costs
The total cost of brow lift depends on several factors, including:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Anchoring devices
- Prescriptions for medication
In some cases, brow lifts may be covered by insurance, but these are uncommon and usually require a significant visual impairment due to excess skin to be eligible. During your consultation, and evaluation can be done to determine whether you meet the specific criteria required for insurance coverage. If you meet those criteria, our office can submit a prior authorization request to your insurance provider to determine whether your surgery may be covered.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with brow lifts, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
During your consultation and pre-operative appointment, your surgeon will take the time to thoroughly explain your procedure, discuss potential risks, and answer any questions you may have so you can feel confident and well-informed about your decision.
Recovery
Once surgery is complete, bandages will be applied to the incisions to speed up the healing process and minimize swelling. Ice packs and prescribed medication will be used to alleviate any pain or discomfort that exists while your body makes a full recovery. Typically, patients return to work after about a week, but strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Results
The results of a brow lift will be immediately apparent after surgery, but due to swelling and possible bruising, it may take 2 to 3 months to fully be appreciated. The restful look and results of a brow lift can be expected to last for years.
To find out more about browlift surgery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or fill out our online contact form.
