What is a Brow Lift?

As we age, the skin of the forehead can begin to sag, resulting in low, heavy brows and deep sideways lines or vertical lines between the brows (the elevens). A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, tightens the tissues on the forehead to create a more youthful contour to the forehead, upper eyelids, and eyebrows.

Who is a Candidate?

People who have sagging or low eyebrows that create a sad, tired, or grumpy appearance, or those with deep lines and hyperactive muscles are good candidates for brow lift surgery. During a consultation with Dr. Sweat, it will be determined if you are a good candidate, and you can discuss your desired surgery outcomes and go over any questions you may have.

The Procedure

There are three different techniques that can be used to perform a brow lift procedure. These include the open brow lift, endoscopic brow lift, and limited incision brow lift.

Open Brow Lift

During an open brow lift, an incision will be made along the forehead around the hairline or in the creases of the forehead. Muscles will be loosened or removed, and excess skin will be removed. The incision is most often hidden in the anterior hairline.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

During an endoscopic brow lift, a long thin tube with a camera attached at the end (endoscope) will be inserted through small incisions in the scalp. This tool allows the surgeon to work on internal structures of the forehead without creating large incisions and is more appropriate for those with hyperactive muscles than excess skin.

Limited Incision Technique

The limited incision brow lift is a hybrid of both procedures and is non-endoscopic with limited incisions. Scars are hidden in the hairline or brows in men with receding hairlines. This option is best to address wrinkles at the corners of the eyes.

The Results

After your brow lift, bruising, swelling, and numbness are common temporarily. Sutures will usually dissolve on their own. Many patients are able to return to work within a week but should avoid heavy lifting and straining for upwards of six weeks. Full recovery time can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Sweat.