FOREHEAD & EYEBROW LIFT
Forehead/Eyebrow Lift
(Browplasty)
Who is a candidate for a forehead/brow lift?
A drooping brow, deep forehead creases and/or a cleft between the eyes can make a man or woman’s face look angry, tired and sad. These indications can accompany other signs of aging, or may present themselves as independent features. A browlift can be done alone or along with other facial improvements.
Heavy smokers are not good candidates. A thin or receding hairline may require special techniques in order to hide the scars and still get a good result.
How is it done?
In its basic form, a forehead or brow lift repositions the muscles of the forehead thereby raising the brow line. If the tissues between the brows and eyebrow have sagged to the same level, a forehead lift is indicated. By elevating and tightening the eyebrows, forehead skin and associated muscles, a more youthful and alert expression is created. As a byproduct, frown lines and forehead creases mildly improve. However, if the brow is “over elevated” the patient could have a permanently “surprised” look that is not easily corrected.
There are two alternative techniques used to accomplish the lift. One technique involves a long horizontal incision at the hairline or further back depending upon forehead height and scalp hair density. The second technique is endoscopic where three small incisions are made for a scope to guide microsurgical instruments to the target area—similar to arthroscopic surgery. There is a “temporal lift” that corrects only outer, lateral eyebrow drop. That is performed through an incision at or behind the temple hairline, above the ear. Muscles are elevated and secured through the use of undetectable permanent sutures, tacks or a Velcro-like device.
The type of technique used is dictated by the condition of the underlying tissues and structure. Endoscopic can be used in the majority of patients. Coronal is used when excess sagging skin must be trimmed or when an underlying forehead deformity dictates reshaping of the bone. A skilled surgeon can make the underlying muscle corrections and tighten the skin without obvious scars.
Forehead and eyebrow lifts are done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Recuperation
You will awaken with a head wrap or compression garment following your surgery. This will be removed after one or two days. Most patients find that keeping their head elevated and using cold compresses reduces swelling and discomfort. Normal activities can resume after 7 days providing there are no complications. Stitches or staples are usually removed within 10 days. You may notice some temporary asymmetry at the hairline or thinning hair at the incision sites but these are temporary.
Other Options
Facelift, Eyelid lift, Laser resurfacing
Click here for Facelift
Click here for Eyelid lift
A word about financing…
Forehead or Brow lifts can be made very affordable through our partners at Care Credit or MedChoice Financial. Visit them at www.drzoran.com/financing Our patient coordinator will be happy to answer any of your questions or assist you with the necessary paperwork.
Insurance Notes
A forehead or brow lift is considered purely aesthetic and as such is not covered by insurance.
Ask Dr. Potparic
What is the difference between endoscopic and coronal techniques?
In endoscopic technique, there are one inch incisions made where a scope can be guided for microsurgical correction similar to colonoscopy or arthroscopy. This visualization with a video camera gives the surgeon complete control over the procedure. This technique gets the best results when no excess sagging skin is present, particularly with male patients and/or those with a receding hairline. A coronal lift is hidden inside the hairline and crosses the scalp. Great results can be achieved and excess skin is eliminated, but the scarring and amount of lift is left to the surgeon’s skill so be sure you are confident in his or her experience level.
Does a browlift look better if my eyelids are done at the same time?
These two surgeries often done in tandem for the best overall result. It depends on degree of improvement you expect with just one of the procedures. Your consultation and imaging session should bring clarity to your particular situation.
Can the nerves in my forehead be injured? What can be done if that happens?
Yes, that is a possible complication. It is wholly temporary and will resolve itself over several months.
I heard that patients could get the same results non-surgically with something called CO2.
Ablative laser resurfacing of the forehead can tighten mild or moderately sagging skin and eliminate expression lines. The CO2 laser you are talking about actually removes the upper layers of skin. It is widely used for forehead lines, crow’s feet and to smooth smile lines. It can refine a surgical procedure but cannot presume to take the place of one. Recovery time is significant as the skin heals—redness may take weeks to fade. Your skin will be ultra sensitive for up to a year. Similar results can be achieved using dermabrasion and/or deep chemical peels.