Introduction

A brow lift reduces the wrinkles on the forehead and corrects the sagging skin between the eyebrows and on the upper eyelids. It can rejuvenate the appearance and minimize the signs of ageing on the forehead.

The first signs of ageing start mostly at the forehead with horizontal wrinkles. Sometimes, the wrinkles and the sagging skin on the forehead gives the appearance of a permanently tired or angry face. It could also tone down or misdirect the facial reactions. Brow lift surgery will eliminate all such problems and create a smooth contour on the upper one-third of the face.
 
The surgeon can perform it as a standalone procedure or combine it with a facelift.
 

 

How Can You Prepare for the Brow Lift?

Before the brow lift procedure, make sure to do a consultation session with the surgeon to discuss all the details of the surgery. You should be ready to discuss your goals, your medical history, and the reasons for the brow lift. This will give the surgeon better insights about how to design the surgery and give you the expected results.
 
Once the surgeon evaluates your face physically and gets the lab results, he will discuss with you-
• The location of the incisions,
• The results you can expect and
• Any preparations you should take from your side.
 
Medical Changes
If you have the habit of popping in aspirin or ibuprofen, it is time to stop it. Besides, the surgeon will ask you to stop smoking 6 weeks before and make changes to your current medications if any.
 
It is also best to stop taking herbal medications or herbal supplements until after the surgery.
 
Lifestyle Changes
As the surgeon makes the incision on the hairline, he may ask you to trim your short hair on the front. The surgeon could also advise to grow out your hair till the end of your hairline if there are chances for the incision to be visible.
 
Before you leave your home for the brow lift, make sure to have enough ice in the freezer and some clean cloth to hold the ice. Have big pillows ready to keep your head elevated after the brow lift.
 

What Can You Expect During the Brow Lift?

The brow lift procedure takes about two hours after which you can return to your home.

At the beginning of the procedure, the surgeon usually administers local anesthesia. In case you are uncomfortable, you can let the surgeon know and request for general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia sets in, the surgeon starts the procedure.
 

There are three main types of brow lift procedures.
 
1. Endoscopic Brow Lift
This procedure is by far the least invasive procedure compared to the other brow lifts. For endoscopic brow lift, the surgeon makes small incisions along the hairline. Next, he inserts a tiny camera attached to the end of the scope through one incision. Through another incision, the surgeon will insert a thin instrument to cut and reposition the tissues near the brow. During this procedure, the surgeon uses tiny anchors to hook up the tissues and lift the muscles to eliminate the wrinkles.
 
The incision from an endoscopic brow lift is minimal as compared to the other procedures. This is the reason why many opt for this type of brow lift surgery.
 

2. Classic or Coronal Brow Lift

In a classic or direct brow lift, the surgeon makes one smooth, horizontal incision from one end of the ear along the entire hairline. With the help of specialised instruments, the surgeon pulls up the tissue and skin higher towards the hairline. Sometimes, the surgeon can also remove the excess fat and tissue to achieve a smooth contour through beveling.
 
During the time of closing the incisions, the surgeon may pull the forehead skin higher into the scalp, remove the excess scalp, and stitch the incisions. This step will further lift the forehead higher, thereby correcting the sagging skin.
 
Only a handful of surgeons practice classic brow lift with the introduction of other less invasive procedures.
 
3.Limited Incision Brow Lift
This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery. With the same incisions made on the hairline for the eyelid surgery, the surgeon will lift the brow area and correct the wrinkles and sagging skin. The surgeon can lift the tissues on the forehead and smoothen out the lines between the eyebrows.
 
After the surgeon completes the procedure, he will stitch up the incisions or staple it, bandage the area and keep you under observation for some time before discharging.
 

How Will Your Recovery Be Like?

The duration of the surgery depends on the type of brow lift performed – endoscopic, classic or limited incision. If it is an endoscopic brow lift, then your recovery period will be shorter due to lesser incisions. If you have temporary incisions in place, the surgeon will ask you to visit after 8 to 14 days to remove the incision.
 
Swelling
You will have some swelling and redness on your forehead and cheeks after the surgery. Placing a cold compress will help reduce the swelling. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications for the first two to three weeks. Your swelling will start to decrease at the end of three weeks and so will the pain.
 

Precautions

• To speed up the recovery process, rest your head supported atop two to three pillows.
• Make sure not to apply too much pressure on the incisions with tight bandages.
• Avoid sleeping or lying down with your face on the side as this could put pressure on the incisions.
• Do not expose the operated area to sunlight for the first one to two weeks.
• Before you take a shower or wash the forehead, get the surgeon’s approval.
 
Getting Back to Usual Routine
Once the surgeon has removed the tapes, you can start returning to your normal life. The incisions will fade over time and until then you can apply light makeup over it after getting consent from the surgeon.