Your Brow Lift Questions Answered

According to polls, most adults have at least a little something they’d like to improve about their appearance. Often, the desired improvements have to do with age-related changes, such as heavy eyelids, jowls, or descending eyebrows. For people who are interested in more dramatic and long-term results, plastic surgery offers outstanding solutions. For example, some of the negative effects of aging can be corrected with brow lift surgery. Here, we discuss some of the basic questions about brow lift surgery to help you begin to discern if the procedure may be right for you.

How is a Brow Lift Performed?

Our team specializes in three different techniques for brow lift surgery. These techniques include:

• Direct Brow Lift, in which an incision is made at the brow line
• Endoscopic Brow Lift, in which incisions are made behind the hairline
• Pretrichial (Temporal) Brow Lift, which requires a slightly longer incision at the hairline

All brow lift techniques are performed under an anesthetic. Patients do not feel any discomfort during the outpatient procedure. Through the incisions, the surgeon lifts the superficial tissue and skin to be tauter. They also tighten underlying muscles so the brows sit at their proper, youthful position near the upper orbital rim. The procedure can take one to two hours, or longer if ancillary procedures are performed at the same time.

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Every situation is unique and may take its own time for full healing. In general, patients are expected to recover quite well within 10 to 14 days of their brow lift. At that time, they can go back to work or school and resume most light activities. The surgeon may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for two to three weeks or more, depending on the progress of healing. During recovery, patients will manage swelling and bruising, discomfort, and incision healing. The incisions may need special care for the first week, such as applying ointment or wearing a dressing over the skin. Our office provides an outline of post-operative care directions for each patient so there are no questions about what to do, not do, and what to look out for after surgery.

What are The Benefits of a Brow Lift?

The cosmetic results of a brow lift differ for everyone. However, the objective is to recreate the natural, youthful shape and height of the eyebrows using the most appropriate technique. With the eyebrows at their optimal position, patients may notice that their upper eyelids also do not appear as heavy. In this way, the brow lift can result in younger-looking eyes. Lines and creases on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and at the outer corners of the eyes may also smooth out after the brow lift.

Would I Be a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Most adults can be good candidates for plastic surgery procedures. The brow lift is suitable for people who are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia without major risk factors, and who have realistic expectations for their surgical outcome. A thorough discussion during the consultation visit can clear up any questions that patients have about the procedure, recovery, expected results, and more.

A brow lift offers many benefits. To learn more about this procedure and what it could do for you, contact us and schedule a visit in St. Peters or St. Louis.