Many plastic surgery patients are looking to tighten the skin on their forehead and achieve a more youthful appearance. When this is the case, they tend to ask about facelift surgery and Botox injections. However, if you are looking specifically to target the forehead, brow lift surgery is the right procedure to address your concerns. Before undergoing this procedure, your plastic surgeon will talk you through the procedure, what to expect and the recovery timeline. However, we compiled all of the general brow lift surgery information you need to inform these initial conversations with your doctor.
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What is brow lift surgery?
A brow lift is sometimes referred to as a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation. In this cosmetic surgery, your plastic surgeon aims to raise the eyebrows and smooth the skin on the forehead. Your surgeon will remove any sagging or excess skin on the forehead and reposition the muscles and tissue underneath to achieve the target appearance.
Procedure overview
There are many approaches to a brow lift procedure. Your surgeon will choose the method that best works to achieve your goals. However, there are three general steps to a brow lift that you can expect.
- Anesthesia. When you go into the operating room, your medical team administers anesthesia. You may receive anesthesia intravenously or through general anesthesia, which you breathe in through a mask. Due to the anesthesia, you are asleep throughout the surgery, ensuring your comfort.
- Making the incision. As mentioned, there are several approaches to brow lift surgery. Your surgeon may prefer an endoscopic incision, a coronal incision or an anterior hairline incision. With an endoscopic approach, an endoscope (thin camera) and special instruments are placed through small incisions made within the hairline. A coronal incision is made from ear to ear, across the top of the forehead. Finally, an anterior hairline incision is recommended for women with very high foreheads to ensure the scar is hidden. After the incision is made, tissue and muscle beneath the skin are adjusted.
- Closing the incision. After adjusting the skin and muscles to achieve the desired results, the surgeon will close your incision. He or she may use sutures, skin adhesives or special clips. Depending upon the method your doctor uses, he or she may need to remove them manually a few days later. Some sutures and adhesives dissolve naturally over time. Your doctor will inform you which you can expect post-surgery.
Risks of brow lift surgery
The risks associated with a brow lift include the following:
- Skin sensation changes. You may experience some numbness in your forehead up to your scalp after this procedure.
- Eyebrow position asymmetry. As a result of this surgery, your brows may look asymmetrical. One may be higher than the other or they may both appear very high. This issue typically resolves itself. However, any lasting asymmetry can be fixed with additional surgery.
- Scarring. Scars from this surgery may be visible, however, your surgeon should do their best to hide the scar.
- Hair problems. Hair loss is a possible complication with brow lift surgery. It occurs at the incision site. If the hair does not grow back, scar excision or hair grafting are available treatment options.
Typical recovery timeline for brow lift patients
The recovery timeline for a brow lift varies from patient to patient. It is completely dependent upon the severity of the procedure, as well as the individual’s own health condition.
After the procedure, your medical team will wrap your forehead to minimize swelling. Listen to your doctor’s specific instructions on how to care for your incisions. In the first few days, remember to rest with your head elevated and apply cold compresses for swelling. Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor and avoid touching your incisions.
If your incisions are covered in bandages, your doctor will remove them in one to three days. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to resume daily activities. It is important to note that swelling might last several weeks.
How to choose the right plastic surgeon in New Jersey
Choosing the right plastic surgeon to help you through brow lift surgery is very important. The right surgeon for you will explain every detail of the surgery, answer any lingering questions you may have and ensure you are 100% comfortable with your choice before the procedure. Seek a plastic surgeon that has experience with forehead lifts and who understands what your goals are for the surgery. Dr. Berlet helps women in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas determine if a brow lift is right for them. With over 15 years of experience and caring medical staff, our practice will answer all of your questions and help you through this experience. Contact us to learn more!