Brow Lift
Gravity is a tireless worker, always pulling the skin and support tissues downward. This can be especially hard on the upper third of the face as the brows descend and the forehead skin becomes lined. When these issues occur, they can give others the impression that you’re tired, sad, or perpetually angry. If the brows descend enough, they can actually impinge upon your eyesight, too.
The good news is that a brow lift with Central Valley Eye Medical Group can eliminate the sagging and rejuvenate the upper third of your face. This cosmetic service, performed by our fellowship-trained, board-certified providers, transforms your appearance and restores your confidence.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift addresses aging on the forehead and the brows. This surgery repositions or adjusts the muscles above the eyes and across the forehead to smooth lines and raise the eyebrows, making you appear younger and more alert.
Candidates for Brow Lift Surgery
A good candidate for forehead lift surgery includes individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Have drooping or low-positioned eyebrows that create a tired or stern appearance.
- Experience deep horizontal forehead creases or furrows between the brows.
- Are in good overall health with no medical conditions that impair healing.
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery.
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.
- Are bothered by changes in their upper face due to aging.
- Want a long-lasting solution for improving brow position and forehead lines.
Types of Brow Lifts
There are a few different methods surgeons can use when performing brow lifts.
Coronal Brow Lift
This is also known as the “traditional” brow lift. It involves a single coronal incision that runs from one ear, wraps around the forehead, and terminates at the other ear (the shape resembles a pair of headphones). This incision is hidden within the hairline.
The forehead skin is lifted away, and underlying muscles are trimmed and repositioned as appropriate. If necessary, the eyebrows may be lifted as well. The final step is to trim excess skin before redraping the remaining skin and closing the incision.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Thanks to continuing improvements in technology, the endoscopic brow lift is becoming the method of choice among most surgeons.
In this method, three to five short incisions are made within the hairline. An endoscope, a tiny instrument with a camera on the end, is inserted into one of the incisions. This provides us with excellent visual access to the treatment area without the need for a longer coronal incision. As you would expect, scarring is minimal when the endoscopic method is used.
Direct Brow Lift
A direct brow lift involves the removal of skin right above the eyebrows. The incision is hidden in the eyebrows. This type of brow lift is usually only an option for men with very thick eyebrows.
Chemical Brow Lifts
A chemical brow lift, produced by BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport, can correct some forms of droopy brows. This approach relaxes the muscles that cause the brow droop, allowing your brows to elevate. However, not all cases of brow droop can be corrected with injectables.
Recovery After Brow Lift Surgery
A brow lift procedure can cause some tissue trauma, resulting in swelling and bruising that can migrate down into your cheeks and possibly around your eyes. These symptoms should subside within 7-10 days. To mitigate some of this, we advise patients to keep their head elevated (above the level of the torso) for the first two or three days after surgery, even while sleeping.
Traditional brow lifts typically involve more numbness and discomfort along the incision line. Initial numbness will be replaced by itching that can last up to six months. Often, the hair near the incision will fall out or thin, but normal hair growth should return within weeks or a few months.
Endoscopic brow lifts will also involve some numbness due to tissue manipulation, but there is significantly less itching compared to traditional methods. This is because the incisions are minimal.
Most patients can return to work within 10 days. However, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for approximately one month to prevent an increase in blood pressure.
Why Choose Central Valley Eye Medical Group?
Central Valley Eye Medical Group stands out as the only general ophthalmology practice in the San Joaquin Valley staffed entirely by fellowship-trained, board-certified ophthalmologists. Our team offers specialized expertise in oculoplastic surgery alongside advanced training in glaucoma, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, and cornea care.
In addition to clinical excellence, our physicians are dedicated educators and researchers who contribute to the global advancement of ophthalmic knowledge. Patients receive attentive, personalized care from professionals who are committed to enhancing eye health locally and globally through nonprofit outreach, academic publications, and invited lectures.
FAQs
How Long Does a Brow Lift Take To Perform?
A brow lift usually takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on the surgical technique – endoscopic, coronal, etc. Preoperative preparation and anesthesia will also add some time before surgery officially begins.
Your surgeon will give you a more precise estimate during the consultation. This will include preparation, surgical time, and initial recovery in the operating room before you are cleared to go home or to a recovery facility.
Is Brow Lift Surgery Performed Under Local or General Anesthesia?
Brow lift surgery can take place under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The decision depends on the surgical technique, the patient's health, and the surgeon's recommendation.
Less invasive options, such as an endoscopic brow lift, may be performed using local anesthesia with sedation, allowing the patient to remain relaxed but conscious. More extensive forehead lifts usually require general anesthesia.
Your provider will review your options during the consultation and help determine the safest and most comfortable anesthesia plan for you.
Will a Brow Lift Change the Shape of My Eyes?
A brow lift is meant to elevate the position of the eyebrows and reduce forehead wrinkles, but it may also subtly influence the appearance of the eyes.
When the brows are lifted, the upper eyelids can appear more open and refreshed, creating a more alert look. That said, the procedure does not change the actual structure or shape of the eyes themselves.
Your surgeon will discuss potential aesthetic changes during your evaluation and ensure results align with your desired outcome.
Can I Get a Brow Lift Alongside Other Facial Procedures?
Yes, many patients undergo a brow lift in conjunction with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Combining procedures addresses multiple signs of aging in a single surgical session, reduces overall downtime, and produces more balanced results.
Whether a combination approach is appropriate depends on your goals, health, and the extent of correction desired. Your surgeon will review your concerns during your consultation and help you decide if pairing a forehead lift with other treatments is a good idea.
Will My Expressions Look Natural After a Brow Lift?
When a skilled surgeon performs the procedure, a brow lift should not compromise your ability to express yourself naturally. The goal of modern brow lift techniques is to create a refreshed, lifted appearance without the "frozen" or overly surprised look.
By carefully lifting the brow and adjusting underlying tissues, your surgeon can smooth forehead lines and raise drooping brows while preserving facial movement. You'll still be able to show emotion. You'll just have a more youthful, rested appearance that aligns with your natural features.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Are you ready to experience the benefits of a brow lift in Stockton, Manteca, or Modesto? Call (209) 952-3700 to schedule a consultation today!
