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.
During a consultation, Dr. John Mancoll will review your health history and conduct an evaluation of your forehead and upper eyelids. He will then be able to discuss the options that are available to help rejuvenate your forehead and upper eyelids.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for a brow lift are individuals in good physical and emotional health. All smoking and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, should be discontinued at least 4 weeks before surgery to decrease the likelihood of complications arising. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcome of their results.
Brow lifts may be a good option if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Sagging upper eyelids
- Drooping forehead skin
- Wrinkles of the forehead, crow’s feet area, and between the eyes
Procedures
Dr. Mancoll performs brow lift procedures on an outpatient basis under deep sedation or general anesthesia.
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. Usually, Dr. Mancoll will re-suspend the brow with an absorbable fixation anchor.
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 instances, brow lifts may be covered by insurance, but these are uncommon and usually require a severe visual impairment due to excess skin to be eligible. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Mancoll will be able to determine if your surgery is covered by insurance
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.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
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.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form. He looks forward to discussing the options available to help rejuvenate your forehead and upper eyelids for a more youthful and rested look.
