As we age, our skin loses elasticity, leading to drooping brows that can make you look tired or less approachable. If you’ve been considering a brow lift to rectify this, you have likely asked the question, “How is a brow lift performed?” We answer this question below so you can understand exactly how the procedure can enhance your facial aesthetics and boost your confidence.
Benefits of a Brow Lift
A brow lift is a popular transformative procedure designed to elevate sagging brows and smooth forehead wrinkles to create a rejuvenated facial appearance. Brow lift techniques can range from minimally invasive to intensive, depending on the severity of the complications you are trying to address.
In either case, this transformative procedure can set the clock back years on the skin of your face. A brow lift is an innovative cosmetic procedure with multiple benefits, including:
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
- Lifting sagging skin
- Making your brows more symmetrical
- Providing an increased sense of confidence
- Being less invasive than a full facelift
Types of Brow Lifts
Different eyelid surgeons approach brow lifts with different techniques and processes. This variety provides you with more opportunities for personalized treatment that can cater to your specific goals and anatomy. There are three types of brow lifts: endoscopic, temporal (limited incision), and coronal (classic).
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Endoscopic brow lifts are much less invasive than those performed using other methods. Although less invasive, this brow lift method still yields equally desirable results. The steps of an endoscopic brow lift are as follows:
- Your surgeon will create a series of small incisions just behind your hairline.
- Using a special camera and instruments, your surgeon will lift and reposition the underlying tissue and muscle of your forehead.
- After your tissue is adequately repositioned, your surgeon will remove any excess fat and tissue to create the most natural-looking appearance possible.
Temporal (Limited Incision) Brow Lift
The temporal brow lift follows the main overall steps as the endoscopic brow lift. It differs in that it employs slightly longer incisions and is typically performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery.
- Incisions approximately 1 inch long are made slightly above each of your temples behind your hairline.
- Your surgeon then lifts and repositions the tissues located in your outer brow area.
- Using the incisions created during upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon will lift and smooth any frown lines.
Coronal (Classic) Brow Lift
The coronal method of performing brow lift surgery has fallen relatively out of use with most surgeons. Instead, they tend towards newer, less-invasive surgical techniques. That being said, the coronal brow lift is sometimes necessary to achieve a patient’s desired look. The steps of the procedure are as follows:
- Your surgeon will create one long incision that runs from one ear to the other behind your hairline.
- They will remove excess skin, fat, and tissue.
- The surgeon will reposition the remaining skin and muscles to create a rejuvenated appearance.
What to Expect Post-Operation
Everyone recovers differently, so you should not expect your recovery experience to perfectly mirror someone else’s. General expectations and tips to consider following your brow lift include:
- Walk around the day of your surgery to increase your circulation.
- You will likely be able to shower one to two days following your operation, but be mindful of and gentle with your incision sites.
- One week after surgery, you may be able to return to work if it is relatively sedentary. If your work is more physically involved, you will need to wait longer.
- You should be able to resume driving one to two weeks after your surgery if you are no longer taking prescription pain medication.
- You can gradually resume exercise routines two to four weeks post-operation.
You must follow all instructions provided to you by your surgeon. Never follow the advice or instructions of another before consulting with your surgeon first. Your surgeon is your best resource for a quick recovery with optimal results.
Potential Risks and Complications
As is true with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with the brow lift procedure. Understanding these risks will allow you to make the most informed decision for yourself.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Numbness
- Asymmetry
- Hair loss
- Nerve injury
- Skin changes
- Other complications
Despite the potential complications, most patients report satisfaction with the results of their brow lifts. In fact, 74% of patients report they are happy with the degree of lift achieved. 84% of patients who have the endoscopic brow lift—currently the most popular and prevalent type—say they would undergo the surgery again.
Long-term Results and Maintenance
A brow lift is a sophisticated cosmetic procedure that lasts years and requires minimal maintenance. This transformative procedure can be tailored to your facial structure to elevate your brows and smooth wrinkles in a natural-looking way.
If you want to refresh your appearance with a brow lift, call today to schedule a consultation with an experienced eyelid surgeon and discuss how a brow lift can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.