With age it is common to see the formation of forehead wrinkles, frown lines and heavy eyebrows. These signs of aging can begin to become noticeable in as early as your thirties. A brow lift or forehead lift is a surgical procedure that is extremely effective in reversing these common signs of aging. Often times patients will mistake a dropping brow for heavy eyelids, it is best to see a specialist to determine what is going on and the best course of treatment to correct these issues.
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift tightens excess skin, smooths forehead wrinkles and lifts the eyebrows back into their natural position. A brow lift is a surgical procedure that can be performed a couple of different ways. The first option is to have this surgery performed endoscopically. This option is minimally invasive and involves several small incisions being made just behind the hairline. With this technique, there is less risk of numbness and scarring. The recovery time is also much quicker with this approach. Other techniques to accomplish a brow lift requires a longer incision to lift the brow or can lower a high hairline. With this technique the incision is typically made across the entire forehead, but once healed it hides well in the hairline. Because of the larger incision, it does require more sutures and a longer recovery period.
A direct browlift can be done in office under local anesthesia and skin is removed just above the eyebrows on both sides. This is usually done where horizontal forehead lines are present to hide the scar. This method is more visible and will take more time for the scars the heal. It is often done in older patients.
An individual who is considering a brow lift is commonly a candidate for a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) surgery. Brow lifts are often accompanied by upper eyelid surgery for total rejuvenation to correct a dropping brow and heavy eyelids.
What causes an individual to look surprised?
Just like any facial rejuvenation surgery, a brow lift can also be overdone causing the individual to look surprised. The surprised look occurs when the forehead is pulled too tight, when this happens the brows are then positioned higher on the face. Therefore, it is so important to trust your face to an experienced facial plastic surgeon. When done correctly a brow lift can be a great improvement and have a very natural outcome.
View before and after photos of browlifts
Benefits of a Brow Lift:
- Long-term correction of frown lines and forehead wrinkles
- Can improve eyelid appearance
- Safe and effective
- Endoscopic approach allows for well-hidden incisions and less scarring
- Restores youthful appearance
What can be expected with recovery?
Once surgery is complete patients can expect to have a drain and facial dressing applied to prevent excessive bruising and swelling for 24 hours. Over the next 7 to 10 days sutures are removed and light activity is recommended over the first week. Depending on each individual, strenuous activity may be restricted a bit longer. Following surgery, the patient can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and some pain and discomfort. After approximately 2 weeks the patient may return to work and cover up residual bruising with makeup. A brow lift is an effective and safe surgical procedure and is one of longest lasting surgical procedures.
Eyebrow Thread Lift
A thread lift is a non-surgical option for lifting the brow. It requires no surgery and can be an option for many. The results are temporary and will have to be repeated at some time. Thread lifts in general last 12-18 months but can be shorter. Utah Facial Plastics and UFP Aesthetics offers several non-surgical and surgical options for facial rejuvenation, making it a one stop shop for all those needs.
For a brow lift consultation with our specialized facial plastic surgeons in Draper or Layton, Utah, please contact our office at (801)776-2220.