We understand that it can be frustrating when it seems like you look more angry or tired than you feel because of aging in the brow. Non-surgical options don’t always get you the long-term results you’re looking for, and long-term facial rejuvenation is its own reward. We take a customized, natural approach to producing subtle, refreshed results so that you feel like yourself again.
Over time, many patients show signs of aging in the forehead as a result of movement, loss of volume, or genetics. This can cause the skin and tissues of the brow to sag and become heavy, even hooding the eyes. The brow lift is a surgical procedure that can lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues of the forehead. It accomplishes this through small, unobtrusive incisions and the use of an endoscope.
If you’re showing significant signs of aging in the brow that can’t be corrected through non-surgical means, a brow lift may be your best option. As with any plastic surgery procedure, you should be in good health and have no medical conditions that could compromise your safety during or after your procedure. If hooded eyes are your main concern, you should be sure to discuss your options for eyelid surgery, since these two procedures can sometimes complement each other. Many patients also opt for a facelift or neck lift along with their brow lift, which can be performed within the same surgical session. You can also benefit from non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or skin treatments after your brow lift to extend your results.
Although your brow lift procedure will be unique to your goals and anatomy, there are generally two different ways that a brow lift can be performed. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option is best for you.
This method offers very subtle and natural results using small incisions that are hidden inside the hairline to allow the use of an endoscope. Patients that don’t require extensive rejuvenation can benefit greatly from endoscopic techniques that offer the benefit of less downtime and scarring.
We can perform a brow lift procedure at our private, accredited facility in St. Joseph. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which is only administered after you’re comfortable and prepared. Then, a predetermined incision is performed within the hair or hairline to gain access to the underlying tissues of the brow. Any sagging fat can be repositioned or removed for an improved contour, and loose muscles can be sutured into an upright position. Then, the skin is redraped over the rejuvenated brow and any excess skin is trimmed away. The incisions are then closed with sutures. Overall, this process can take between one to two hours, depending on how extensive your surgical plan is.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school after around two weeks of downtime, in order to give themselves plenty of time to manage swelling and discomfort. This can be aided with prescribed medications, although you may notice that your brow feels tight or stretched— this is normal, as your skin will need to adjust to the new contours. You should avoid exercise or strenuous activity during this time, as well as certain skincare products or cosmetics which can aggravate your incisions. It’s also important to avoid sun exposure, as this can exaggerate scarring and the risk of hyperpigmentation. We can, however, recommend the best scar management systems for your goals to use during your recovery. A brow lift can reverse signs of aging, but it can’t prevent them from developing further as a natural part of the aging process. Be sure to speak with our experts about non-surgical options like Botox® to extend your results.
A brow lift can be a great way to refresh your upper face and smooth wrinkles. Your first step in your brow lift process is a consultation with our experts at our St. Joseph office. To schedule a consultation, contact us by calling or filling out our online form.
