Brow Lift
A brow lift is surgery that corrects a droopy brow that is commonly associated with age. Over time, aging and gravity lead to descent of the eyebrow. Thinning of the forehead skin is also accompanied by wrinkling and this is exaggerated by contraction of the forehead muscle to keep the eyebrow up to improve the visual field. The brow lift corrects these concerns and may be combined with a facelift for more complete rejuvenation. Undergoing a brow lift can reverse the signs of aging, eliminating deep forehead wrinkles and brow sagging. Even young people can be good candidates for the procedure, especially if they have a genetic predisposition to premature aging or the development of a heavy brow.
Why Have a Brow Lift?
You may want to consider a brow lift if you are interested in raising the position of your eyebrows. The brow lift can also improve heavy or sagging eyebrows which may contribute to sagging eyelids. A forehead lift is frequently performed in conjunction with a brow lift to smooth the wrinkle lines on your forehead or frown lines between your eyebrows. The surgery creates a softer, more youthful, and alert appearance. Plus, the lift also brightens your eyes, giving them a sparkle that was once lost. Anybody who wants to improve signs of aging around the forehead area may be a good candidate for the procedure, but you need to discuss potential complications with your doctor first.
Brow Lift Procedure
In most brow lift procedures, the procedure is done under a general anesthetic. Some less invasive brow lift procedures can be done under local anesthesia in the office. If you are very anxious, general anesthesia may be a better option for you.
Three types of brow lifts are commonly performed today: endoscopic browlift, open lift, and temporal lift. In each procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will spend time removing or tightening muscles and skin causing wrinkles and sagging. The endoscopic lift, unlike other methods, does not require a long incision. Instead, Dr. Walton makes just a few incisions in the scalp and uses a small camera to view the muscles and tissues in the brow. Small anchors will secure the tissue, creating a more youthful lift. The smaller the incisions, the shorter the recovery time and the less scarring.
Following the procedure, Dr. Walton will staple or stitch the incisions closed. When you leave the surgical center that day, you will have a sterilized bandage that covers a large portion of your face, possibly even wrapped around your chin. This can be uncomfortable, but it is also important to promote healing.
Dr. Walton will see you in 1-2 days following surgery to remove the bandages and check the progress of your healing. You will return a week later to have the sutures and skin staples removed.
Are you a Candidate?
The ideal candidate for a brow lift will be physically and emotionally healthy with a realistic outlook for the surgery. It is also beneficial that the brow lift candidate is not a smoker. Most men and women who experience unsightly lines caused by wrinkles or sagging in the forehead are eligible for the procedure.
Brow Lift FAQs
How long will the procedure last?
The duration of the surgery itself depends on a few different factors, but it will not take longer than a few hours. First, it depends on the type of procedure Dr. Walton will be performing. It also depends on how many other procedures you are undergoing at the same time. Many patients prefer to combine the brow lift with a facelift or rhinoplasty to maximize the results. Once complete, the results of the brow lift can last up to 10 years.
What can I expect after my brow lift?
You should expect your forehead and brow to feel sore when you come out of surgery. You should keep your head elevated as much as possible post-surgery. Dr. Walton may give you some ointment to apply to the stitches and staples during the post-operative period. You likely will not be able to drive or stay home alone for two days following the surgery. About one week after the procedure, you will be asked to come in to have your stitches and staples removed. This is usually a pain-free process. You may also notice some bruising or swelling of the forehead and around the eyes following the brow and forehead lift procedures. This is normal.
Are there risks to having a brow lift?
As with any surgery, there are some side effects associated with the brow lift; however, the side effects tend to be minimal. Scarring and infection may occur, as can some loss of sensation at the site of the incision. Rarely, patients experience difficulty moving their eyebrows. There are also risks associated with anesthesia, loss of hair, facial asymmetry, and itching. Make sure to call Dr. Walton if you experience a high fever or excessive bleeding following surgery.
When can I return to work after the procedure?
Most patients return to work about 10 days after the procedure. Some return sooner, and some return later. If you had an endoscopic procedure, you are likely to feel better within just a few days. Still, you should avoid heavy lifting and exercise for at least three weeks after the surgery.
How should I prepare for a brow lift?
There are some things your Dr. Walton will ask you to do before you can undergo the surgery. For example, you may be asked to stop smoking for several weeks before the procedure. Dr. Walton may also ask that you avoid taking certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen and avoid drinking alcohol in the days leading up to surgery to minimize bleeding and bruising.
Next Steps
The next step to achieving your cosmetic goal for a brow lift is to call our office for a consultation. This one-on-one time allows you to investigate all the available options and to get to know Dr. Walton. You will never feel pressured to choose surgery, and we recommend that you bring a family member or trusted friend with you to be sure you ask all the questions you wish. Your consultation fee is applied to any surgery plan.
For an appointment, please call Chicago Plastic Surgery, LLC office at 312-337-7795, or contact Dr. Walton by filling out our online form. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your brow lift transformation here in Chicago.