What Is A Brow Lift?
Brow lift surgery, also known as a forehead lift, is a specific set of techniques that are utilized to raise the brow line to a more youthful position. Depending on the circumstance a brow lift may address only the eye area or it may lift tissue all the way to the hairline.
Aging extends beyond the formation of lines and wrinkles in certain places. For some people, the unique changes that occur on the upper one-third of the face are a primary concern. Problems that develop in this area, such as permanent creases and a fallen brow line make the face appear older, unfriendly, or sad. To correct these problems and restore a fresh, energetic look to the eyes, Dr. Stuart Lipton may suggest a brow lift.
Candidates For Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift techniques are popular among adults of all ages. Most procedures tend to be sought by individuals between the ages of 40 and 65. Some younger patients may seek this procedure to lift a naturally-low brow or address premature aging.
For people who are in good health and concerned about the change in the position of their brow line and the subsequent effect this has on the upper eyelids, brow lift surgery can be an outstanding treatment option. To find out if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation at Stuart Lipton, MD in Lewisville, TX.
What Our Patients Say
Brow Lift Techniques
Brow lift surgery may involve a number of techniques. Dr. Lipton selects which methodology will be best for each patient by conducting a thorough consultation and examination. Some of the common brow lift techniques include:
Classic Lift
The classic brow lift technique is also known as a coronal lift. This is one of the original brow lift surgeries to ever be performed. It involves one incision that runs from ear to ear across the uppermost aspect of the forehead. This technique is not performed as frequently today due to the availability of more conservative protocols.
Endoscopic Lift
The endoscopic technique is the most-utilized today. This surgery is conducted through several small incisions rather than one large one. The procedure is facilitated by a tiny instrument called an endoscope, which is attached to a camera that observes the tissue of the forehead beneath the skin. The camera also enables Dr. Lipton to easily identify and navigate around nerves in the brow area.
Temporal Lift
The temporal lift technique is often called a lateral brow lift. Also a conservative approach to rejuvenation of the upper face, this technique corrects only the outer one-third of the eyebrow. This is the first area to descend with age and the part of the brow that, when it drops, creates heaviness on the upper eyelids. In many cases, a temporal lift is combined with upper blepharoplasty.
What Procedures Can Be Combined With A Brow Lift?
Brow lift surgery is often combined with other surgical rejuvenation such as eyelid surgery or a facelift. To maximize results, patients may also schedule nonsurgical treatments such as dermal fillers, Botox, or microdermabrasion after they have recovered from surgery.
Forehead Lift Procedure With Dr. Lipton
Brow and forehead lift surgeries can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a mild sedative. This aspect of treatment is discussed during your consultation when Dr. Lipton determines which brow lift technique would be best for you and whether or not additional procedures will be performed at the same time.
Brow lifts are performed as an outpatient treatment. The surgical process can take 90 minutes to two and a half hours depending on the selected technique. During the procedure, Dr. Lipton makes one or more incisions. Through these, tissue and muscle are repositioned as necessary to raise the brow. Excess tissue may be trimmed before incisions are closed with sutures, adhesive, or surgical tape. Patients are observed for a short time after their procedure is complete.
Recovery After Forehead Lift
More conservative brow and forehead lift techniques tend to incur more subtle side effects than the classic lift procedure. Patients should expect some bruising and swelling to occur regardless of their selected surgery. These side effects may extend to the eye and cheek area. To reduce both, we suggest that patients sleep with their head elevated for several days. Discomfort after a brow lift is generally mild. If needed, prescription or over-the-counter medication can be taken as directed. In contrast to minor soreness or tenderness, patients may also experience numbness and/or itching after a brow lift.
A post-surgical follow up may take place 7 to 10 days after the brow lift. During this visit, stitches may be removed and the incisions will be observed for proper healing. After about two weeks, healing is over 90 percent complete and patients can resume most normal activities.
Are There Scars After A Brow Lift?
Surgical incisions frequently leave scars. Brow lift techniques make incisions at the hairline or just behind it, where scarring can be hidden. It can take up to 6 months for scars to reach full improvement.
Brow Lift Surgery Results
The results of brow lift surgery may be dramatic or subtle. This depends on the extent of correction that was needed to begin with. Generally, a brow lift results in a refreshed appearance, in which the eyes appear more open. Creases and lines across the forehead and between the brows are also much less obvious.
Risks Associated With Forehead Lift
The risks of surgical procedures are discussed at length during your consultation with Dr. Lipton. Some of the potential complications of a brow lift include asymmetrical results, hair loss at incisions, infection, change in the hairline, nerve injury, and dry eyes.
Will My Insurance Cover a Brow Lift?
Most brow lifts are considered a cosmetic procedure, so they are not usually covered by insurance. However, if you need a brow lift due to a medical concern, your insurance may cover the cost. It is best to check with your insurance carrier to ensure the procedure is covered prior to scheduling surgery.
How Do I Choose the Right Surgeon for a Brow Lift?
It is best to interview several surgeons prior to making a final decision. Ask each one about their credentials as well as their experience performing brow lifts. Dr. Lipton, for example, has extensive experience in performing brow lifts in addition to other complementary procedures. Be sure to ask Dr. Lipton about his experience and previous patient results in consultation.
How Do I Prepare for a Brow Lift?
After having a brow lift, you need to avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by Dr. Lipton. In general, it is best to wait until you are completely healed before resuming exercise. However, you are allowed to perform gentle exercise, such as walking, after surgery.
The cost of a brow lift varies depending on the technique used, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the case. Geographical location may also play a role. Once you are examined, Dr. Lipton and his staff will provide you with a quote for your brow lift.
Preparing for your brow lift looks different for every patient. However, you may need to discontinue certain medications prior to surgery. If you smoke, you will also need to stop at least several weeks prior to ensure proper healing.
Schedule A Consultation
Learn more about brow lift surgery and what it can do for you. Contact our Lewisville, TX office at (972) 420-0023 schedule your consultation. Stuart Lipton, MD serves Lewisville, Dallas, and surrounding areas in Texas.