Forehead Lift / Brow Lift

The descent of the upper face and brow area is a frequently encountered problem in the aging face. Heavy, horizontal wrinkles on the forehead, crow’s feet and vertical lines between the eyebrows all contribute to a prematurely aged appearance. As with upper eyelid drooping (ptosis), brow ptosis may also cause individuals to look tired or angry.

What is a brow lift/forehead lift?

Although numerous techniques exist to lift the brow and tighten the forehead, not all are the best option. We aim to apply the most efficient and least invasive techniques that will ensure a significant improvement and lasting effect. Advances in endoscopic surgery have allowed surgeons to modify the forehead lifting procedure in such a way as to minimize postoperative scarring and tissue disruption, so the endoscopic technique is often the procedure of choice if it is applicable.

The goal of an endoscopic forehead lift is to elevate the brow, reduce horizontal lines on the forehead, reduce vertical lines between the brows, and leave the patient with smoother skin and a younger, refreshed appearance. It is not uncommon to perform this procedure in concert with blepharoplasty to achieve the best surgical outcome and aesthetic appearance. A direct brow lift may be the procedure of choice if the goal is only to lift the brow to improve visual function. The procedure lifts the entire brow and the contour of the brow can be altered by varying the amount of skin excised.

Am I A Candidate For A brow lift?

If you have friends and colleagues continually asking you if you’re tired, sad, or angry, this may mean your brows are sagging to the degree that they are not only making you look older, but also tired and unhappy. As our skin and the underlying muscle on our forehead relaxes and sags, a forehead/brow lift is really the only way to reverse the trend and bring the brows back up. Dermal fillers and Botox can provide a temporary brow lift, but to achieve more permanent results, surgery would be the way to go.

Forehead Lift Before & After

Visit our Before & After Photo Gallery

How do I prepare for my forehead/brow lift?

There are no special preparations needed for this procedure. Preparation is the same as with any surgery — avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other supplements because they can increase bleeding and post-procedure bruising. Stop smoking. You’ll need to arrange for a friend to drive you to and from your surgery. That friend should also stay with you overnight for that first night.

is any Anesthesia used?

Endoscopic forehead lifting and the more direct approaches can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation (MAC) or general anesthesia.

ForeHeAD/Browlift Recovery

This surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so you will go home the same day. You will have minimum pain; however, analgesics (pain medication) will be provided at the surgeon’s discretion. You will have swelling and bruising along with numbness in the affected area for the first few days. You will be instructed to ice the area for the first 48 hours and possibly take anti-inflammatory medication. Patients usually return to work within 3-5 days.

Results

The changes made by this procedure are permanent. Proper fixation of the underlying muscles and surface skin provides a natural looking brow. It’s unlikely that your brows will sag anywhere near where they were prior to the procedure. But you do need to remember that this doesn’t stop the natural aging process, so your forehead and brows will begin to sag again, just not to the same degree.

Forehead Lift Scarring

The endoscopic forehead lift is accomplished through small incisions that are strategically placed within the hairline and scalp area, leaving obscured minimal scars. A direct brow lift approach leaves a more noticeable scar above the affected brow. Cosmetic patients should only consider the endoscopic approach for this reason.

Are there any alternative treatments to a forehead/brow lift?

While brow lift surgery will provide the most dramatic results, there are non-surgical alternatives to a brow lift. A combination of Botox and Juvederm (or other dermal fillers) is very effective. Botox can be used to relax the muscles that are pulling down the brow, and Juvederm can fill in areas to pull the brow back up into its younger position. Skin tightening procedures such as Pellevé (which tightens the skin with radiofrequency energy) can also tighten the skin above the brow.

Surgery Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks such as a potential reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, poor wound healing, and possible blood clots.

Specific to this procedure, patients may lose their hair around the incision locations, their hairline may elevate, there can be facial nerve injury, numbness in skin sensation, and itching around the incision sites.

These risks will all be discussed during your consultation.

Schedule a consultation

If you would like more information on the brow lift/forehead lift procedure, contact one of our Michigan offices today! Call 248-357-5100 today to schedule a consultation.