Brow Lift
(Forehead Lift)
Quick Facts about Brow Lift
Medical Names: Brow Lift, Forehead Lift
Estimated Cost: $3,000 - $7,000
Type of Anesthesia: Local, General
Total Recovery Time: 1 week, Down Time 1-3 Days
Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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A brow lift or forehead lift is a procedure that rejuvenates the area above the eyes by smoothing the horizontal forehead wrinkles, minimizing vertical frown lines between the eyes and raising the eyebrows. A brow lift is an effective surgery that enhances the brow or forehead area due to loss of skin elasticity, stress, age and gravity.
There were 55,518 brow lifts performed in 2005, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Did You Know?
Brow lifts are frequently combined with other plastic surgery procedures including facelift or eyelid surgery. This adds to the overall cost, but also reduces the amount of time the patient is rehabilitating.
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THE BROW LIFT PROCEDURE
Brow lift surgery is performed in a hospital or plastic surgery center and usually on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and a mild sedative. Brow lift surgery lasts one to two hours. In more complex situations or in the case of multiple procedures, a general anesthetic and an overnight stay may be required.
The plastic surgeon will assess your facial structure, skin and hairline to determine the appropriate brow lift method, including the placement and number of incisions. Once the incisions are made, the forehead skin is lifted, the underlying muscle and tissue are removed and excess skin is trimmed. Temporary screws may be installed beneath the hairline to hold the elevated brow in place. The surgeon will close the incision areas with stitches or staples and apply a gauze bandage.
After brow lift surgery, patients may experience moderate bruising or swelling, which should disappear within the first week. Any numbness of the skin will disappear as the nerve endings heal. It is important for the patient to keep the head elevated for several days to minimize swelling. Bandages will be removed within two to five days. Stitches will usually be removed during the first week.
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BROW LIFT PROCEDURE OPTIONS
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and preference, the surgeon will utilize either the conventional or endoscopic method for brow lift surgery. To address specific conditions, temporal and mid-forehead brow lifts are available.
Coronal Brow Lift: Also known as the classic or traditional method, the coronal method requires an incision from ear to ear across the top of the scalp. This method extends the length of the forehead and raises the hairline, making it ideal for individuals who have shorter foreheads. Coronal brow lift is the easiest brow lift to perform and has few complications. Due to numbness, hair loss and lengthy recovery time, coronal brow lift is no longer the preferred treatment method by most plastic surgeons. In some cases, it may be the most effective way to address a patient's particular needs.
Endoscopic Brow Lift: Endoscopic brow lift utilizes a small camera, known as an endoscope, which is inserted through three to six tiny incisions made within the hairline. Since the skin is not removed with this procedure, it is not recommended for patients with excess brow or forehead skin. Given the minimal scarring, it is ideal for balding or receding hairline patients. Overall, endoscopic brow lifts can produce the same results as a traditional lift with minimal loss of sensation, less scarring, no hair loss and faster recovery time.
Temporal Brow Lift: Also known as lateral brow lift, this method is suitable for patients who simply need to raise drooping skin and tissue around the outer eye. The temporal brow lift will not raise the mid-brow or forehead area but it may reduce crow’s feet. Scars are well-hidden and numbness of the forehead and scalp is minimal. Temporal brow lift is considerably less invasive than a coronal brow lift.
Mid-forehead Brow Lift: Suitable for patients with extremely heavy brows or deep creases in the forehead. With mid-forehead brow lift, the incision is made directly into a deep furrow of the brow or forehead. Upon healing, the scars lighten and should completely disappear over time.
IS A BROW LIFT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidate for Brow Lift
The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, is mentally stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with a brow lift. Men and women who have extensive creasing, wrinkles or frown lines are prime candidates for a brow or forehead lift. Candidates with good skin elasticity and under the age of sixty will see the greatest results. Individuals with an inherited low or heavy brow can benefit from brow lift surgery.
Other Considerations for Brow Lift
At your initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the options, risks and limitations of each technique and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review your the pre-surgery preparation instructions and the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results. The principle risk of brow lift surgery is infection; therefore it is critical to follow the postoperative instructions given to you by the surgeon for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues with your plastic surgeon.
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BROW LIFT PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. Prices range from $3,000 to over $7,000 for a brow lift and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as prescriptions.
Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
BROW LIFT PROS & CONS
Pros
| Significant decrease of wrinkles and frown lines in the brow area and forehead |
| Restoration of a smoother and more relaxed looking forehead |
| Replaces an angry or tired appearance with a softer facial expression |
| Brow lift procedure recipients report a greater sense of well-being
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Cons
| Effects of the brow lift will diminish over time, due to aging and gravity |
| Minor discomfort, bruising and swelling; will dissipate within one or two weeks |
| Permanent scarring, although strategically placed; will become flatter and lighter over time |
| Loss of sensation around the scars; will subside within a few months
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| Time off from work; generally one week
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT BROW LIFT - FAQ
What are the benefits of having a brow lift?
A brow or forehead lift will remove or diminish wrinkles and creases in the brow area and forehead and improve the overall appearance of the patient. Recipients of this procedure report increased self-esteem. Anyone who has experienced normal and extensive wrinkling or creasing in their forehead due to genetics, age, sun exposure or gravity can greatly benefit from a brow or forehead lift.
Is a brow lift permanent?
Like any procedure that involves the removal of skin or the reversal of time, a brow lift will last a very long time but is not permanent. Over time and as gravity takes effect, the forehead will start to wrinkle, age and crease. However, for a person having forehead lift surgery in their forties, the effects will remain well into their sixties.
What kind of anesthesia is used for a brow lift?
With a brow lift, local anesthesia is almost always used. The patient may request or the surgeon may prefer a general anesthetic based on specific requirements. It is important to discuss your preferences and medical history with your surgeon.
What are the standard postoperative instructions for a brow lift?
After brow lift surgery, you can expect moderate swelling and bruising in your cheek and brow areas for one week; your surgeon may prescribe medication for pain and swelling. To help alleviate swelling, it is important to elevate your head for several days. Stitches or staples will be removed within one week; temporary fixation screws will be removed within two weeks. You should be careful not to bend over or lift heavy objects for two or three weeks. You may experience mild to moderate itching for up to two months. Call your doctor immediately if you have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or experience excessive swelling or bleeding. Most patients can return to work within one week, depending on your rate of recuperation.
How do I find a plastic surgeon that specializes in brow lift and is right for me?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is the most important step in the success of your cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. You want a board certified plastic surgeon that has the best skills and training to help enhance your appearance and achieve your desired results. For a complete picture of brow lift, read the information on this site and make a list of questions. Then find the surgeons in your area and review each surgeon’s qualifications and specialties, practice philosophy, articles, before and after photos and patient testimonials. This information can assist you in making an educated decision in choosing the brow lift option and specialist right for you.
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