The brow can show visible signs of aging, such as descent of the brows, loss of brow arch, brow asymmetry and sagging upper eyelid skin. The forehead tends to develop wrinkles and sagging skin. Often such signs of aging can be lessened through non-surgical means such as laser resurfacing, peels, fat transfers, dermal fillers or botox injections. However, in some cases a brow lift is the best option.
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that reduces the signs of aging and restores youth to the forehead area. The procedure is used to minimized creases and lines across the bridge of the nose and the forehead, as well as reduce frown lines. A forehead lift also lifts the eyebrows, allowing the eyes to look more alert, open, and youthful. The brow lift can be done alone or with the RefreshLift, facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery or laser resurfacing.
There are different brow lift procedures depending on the degree of brow ptosis (sagging). Dr. Dahan most commonly performs the endoscopic brow lift procedure which uses an endoscope through small hidden scalp incisions to release the muscles responsible for frowning, lifts the brows and rejuvenates the forehead. During the procedure, Dr. Dahan rejuvenates the area above the eyes so that wrinkles and drooping skin are corrected, and the eyebrow arch is restored.* In patients with minimal to moderate changes related to aging of the brows, mini-brow lift or lateral brow lift may be performed.
The symptoms that motivate individuals to get a brow lift are common signs of aging such as:
However, the endoscopic brow lift may also improve or in some cases cure some migraine and tension headaches as it releases entrapped supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves which are thought to be one of the causes.*
“Dr. Dahan did my facelift and brow lift last year and I love the results. Natural looking, nobody could figure out what I did, just kept hearing I look great! What more could you ask for?”*
The endoscopic brow lift, like other lift procedures, can revive the problem area, resulting in a fresher, younger appearance.* This rejuvenation is accomplished with tightening and elevation of the underlying brow tissues.
Dr. Dahan’s endoscopic brow lift technique usually only uses three short incisions hidden behind the frontal hairline. Using a tiny viewing endoscope instrument, the doctor can see the underlying tissues and perform the brow lift. Using specialized instruments, the tissues are gently lifted off the forehead bone, the frowning muscles are released and the brows are lifted into the desired position and fixed in place. The goal is to achieve a natural, youthful position of the brows and forehead without a surprised look or raised hairline.* Dr. Dahan’s endoscopic brow lift does not require the old fashioned long incision in the scalp which would leave patients with an unnaturally high forehead and hairline, and a numb or itchy scalp.
The operating time for the brow lift is between 45 minutes to 90 minutes. It is most commonly performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option.
During your consultation, Dr. Dahan will be sure to go through all the risks associate with undergoing an endoscopic brow lift. In addition to risks associate with all surgery, risks of a forehead lift include the following:
If you are concerned about these possible risks, be sure to talk to Dr. Dahan about all your concerns prior to your procedure.
Patients who do not require a full Brow lift can opt for a mini-brow lift which can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. Dr. Dahan frequently offers this procedure to patients who only wish to minimally lift the brows or wish to balance uneven brows. This is a great technique to improve the arch in patients with brow flattening.
You can expect to return to your normal routine within five to nine days after surgery. Directly after surgery you may experience numbness, nausea, incision discomfort and mild swelling, symptoms that can be controlled with pain medication. A snug compression bandage is worn for five to eight days after surgery. Head elevation and ice compresses also help to decrease the discomfort, swelling and bruising which are usually only minimal. Avoid rigorous activity for several weeks and limit sun exposure for several months. You can expect the results of the brow lift to last between five to ten years.*
Tired of seeing those pesky common signs of aging every day when you look into the mirror? Consider having a brow lift! For more information about Brow lift surgery, please contact Dr. Dahan’s office at (775) 826-4477.
*Individual Results May Vary
Phillip Dahan, MD, FACS. All rights reserved.
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