CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON
BROW LIFT
What is a brow lift surgery?
Brow lift surgery, also known as a forehead lift, reverses the effects of gravity and tightens the soft tissues of the forehead to restore a more youthful contour to your forehead skin, upper eyelids, and eyebrows. Various brow-lift methods involve incisions of different lengths in different locations. A youthful brow at rest is positioned above the orbital rim, with a gradual arch laterally, and the lateral end or ‘tail’ of the brow is located higher than the medial end. At one age, it is common for the brow to assume a flat or horizontal position. If a sagging brow inhibits your facial expression, an eyebrow lift is a time-tested method for rejuvenating the upper third of your face.
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Brow lift surgery can reduce the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes, improve frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows, raise sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids, and place the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position.
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Other cosmetic procedures that may be performed with a brow lift include are upper and lower eyelid surgery, facelift , and skin resurfacing techniques
"Brow lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to fit any ideal image, especially those from social media. Choosing a procedure based on "what's new" is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement, or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you."
Who is a good candidate for brow lift surgery?
In general, you may be a good candidate for brow lift surgery if the central portion of your brow hangs down, making you look angry, and you are a female. You are unable to apply makeup on the upper eyelid if you gently lift the skin above your eyebrow into a pleasing position. It eliminates most of the excess skin in your upper eyelid, you are physically fit, a nonsmoker or have stopped smoking recently, and you have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery.
What should I expect during a consultation for brow lift surgery?
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for neck lift surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered once he understands your goals and medical condition. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation and be prepared to discuss your medical history, drug allergies, and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, previous surgeries, and your history with any noninvasive cosmetic procedures and why you want the procedure, your expectations, and desired outcome.
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Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, evaluate the elasticity of your skin, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.
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The success and safety of your brow lift surgery depend heavily on your complete candor during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement about your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.
What are the steps of a brow lift procedure?
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered to help you remain comfortable during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – Surgical procedure
Brow lifts can be performed in different ways. Some surgeons prefer using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) and special instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be adjusted, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead. The endoscopic technique requires very minimal incisions, but it may not be equally beneficial for all patients.
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Other surgeons prefer to perform a brow lift through a "coronal incision." The coronal incision is created from ear to ear across the top of the head within the hair-bearing skin. The forehead skin is then lifted, and any muscle adjustment can be made under direct visualization. The resulting scar from a coronal brow lift is well concealed within the hair.
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For women with very high foreheads, an incision just at the anterior hairline may be recommended. In this way, the brow can be lifted without altering the height of the front hairline. The resulting scar, while somewhat more visible, can often be hidden with bangs.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Brow lift incisions are typically closed with absorbable or non-absorbable sutures, which are removed within 7-10 days. Once healed, the incision lines from a brow lift are well concealed within the hairline.
Step 4 – See the results
Results appear within a few weeks as swelling and bruising subside, revealing smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, rested appearance.
What should I expect during my brow lift recovery?
During your brow lift recovery, your forehead may be taped and/or your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. It is important to keep your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling and keep it straight (no excessive twisting or bending of the neck). Do not use ice or heat on the operated area.
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You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.
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Cosmetics can help camouflage any bruising. Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures will be removed approximately one week after surgery. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 7-10 days.
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The surgical incisions mustn't be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the healing period. As swelling and bruising subside, the visible improvements from a brow lift become apparent. You must realize that recovery time varies greatly among individuals.
What results should I expect after my brow lift surgery?
The results of your brow lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve, and incision lines will fade.
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