A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a surgery that repositions a low or sagging brow and tightens skin that may be wrinkled or creased across the forehead. A classic or coronal, brow lift involves a surgery in which the surgeon makes a single incision along the hairline and ear area and then manipulates tissue, muscle, and skin to attain a smoother appearance. An endoscopic lift involves smaller incisions in which a scope is inserted and the work is completed using a camera and special instruments.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: To prepare for a brow lift surgery, you should discontinue the use of blood-thinning vitamins, herbs, and medications for two weeks before the surgery. If you smoke cigarettes, you should quit for at least two weeks before and after surgery. If you are over the age of 45, medical clearance by an independent physician may be required before undergoing surgery.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the individual patient and circumstances, a sedative with a local anesthetic or general anesthesia may be used.
- Dr. Vallecillos may decide to perform either a coronal or endoscopic brow lift. He will discuss beforehand which options are best for you, given the specific diagnosis and circumstances. The procedures are as follows:
Endotine TransBleph
The endoscopic method involves a minimal-access “trans-blepharoplasty incision” brow lift. The access to the brow is gained through incisions in the upper eyelid (the same that would be used for a blepharoplasty). This new technology combines the benefits of a brow lift and an eyelift in one procedure.
Manufactured by Coapt Systems Inc., Endotine TransBleph procedures represent innovation brow lift technology. As depicted in the photograph, Endotine implants are small triangular, “tined” implants that secure soft tissue in place of traditional interior suturing. This minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue, allows for fast healing, a shortened surgery time, and literally no additional scarring outside of the blepharoplasty scar. Additionally, the tines are bio-absorbable. Hence, as the tissue securely heals into its new re-positioned state, the implant itself gradually and safely reabsorbs into the body over the course of several months, leaving no external visible traces whatsoever.
Coronal Brow Lift
With the coronal brow lift technique, the surgeon will make an incision from ear to ear. The forehead is then lifted and any excess skin is removed. Due to the larger size of the incision, there is often a longer recovery time associated with this method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a brow lift do?
Brow lift surgery addresses signs of aging on the forehead and brow area of the face. Using carefully hidden incisions and sutures, the skin is repositioned and tightened to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Droopy brows and deep creases are immediately smoothed and lifted.
What is the difference between Forehead vs Brow Lift Surgery?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, the client’s goals will determine the proper procedural name. Brow lifts focus on tightening and lifting the eyebrow area. In contrast, a forehead lift focuses on eliminating wrinkles and deep creases on the forehead.
Is a brow lift painful?
Brow lift procedures are performed using a local anesthetic, making the surgical experience pain-free. Tenderness, discomfort, and bruising are common after a procedure. Your provider will help manage your post-operative pain with prescription pain medications.
Will I have visible scars from a brow lift?
Skilled plastic surgeons conceal brow lift incisions at the hairline, in the hair, or in a naturally occurring crease. Because of the location of the incisions, brow lifts leave clients with no visible signs of scarring. Those with sparse or thinning hair may have minimal visible scarring.
How much does it cost to lift your eyebrows?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that an eyebrow or brow lift costs $3,900. This national average does not take into consideration the type of incision chosen or additional costs like anesthesia, facility fees, testing, or medications.
What is the best brow lift procedure?
Coronal brow lifts are the most comprehensive and widely used procedure. Other brow lift techniques (endoscopic, hairline, endo-coronal) deliver results that may be a better fit for certain clients. Discuss your goals during your surgical consultation to determine your options.
What age should you get a brow lift?
Most brow lift patients are between 40 and 60 years old. Any healthy adult can benefit from a brow lift’s dramatic and lasting effects, including younger patients with heavy or drooping brows and those with early-onset worry lines or deep wrinkles.
Who is a good candidate for brow lift surgery?
Healthy adults of any age can be good candidates for brow lift surgery. People over 40 are good candidates for anti-aging brow lift procedures. Younger adults with drooping brows or early onset worry lines and deep wrinkles will also benefit significantly from brow lift procedures.
What are the risks associated with brow lifts?
While brow lift procedures are safe, all surgical procedures carry risks of rare complications. Post-procedure changes in skin sensation, numbness, scarring, facial asymmetry, and changes to the hair have rarely been reported. Reactions to anesthesia or other treatments are possible but rare.
Can a brow lift be combined with other procedures?
Brow lifts are often performed alongside other procedures to create a more comprehensive anti-aging approach to your cosmetic enhancements. Clients who undergo additional procedures simultaneously often choose eyelid, forehead, or facelift rejuvenation to accompany their brow lift.