Eye Brow and Forehead Lift
Introduction
Dr. Mountcastle performs brow and forehead lifts to raise eyebrows and reduce ridges and furrows on the forehead, thus creating a smoother, more youthful appearance. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries. An incision is generally made across the top of the head from the front of one ear to the front of the other ear. The forehead and brows are elevated and excess skin is removed. The flap is then sutured. Newer techniques now allow us to perform Forehead Lifting through small incisions in the scalp by using an endoscope and specialized instruments. This accelerates the healing process.
Process
The brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of forehead lines and wrinkles as well as a drooping brow. The brow lift revitalizes the forehead area, restoring a more youthful appearance by smoothing wrinkles and elevating the eyebrows. The procedure may be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid lift. Good candidates for the brow lift include healthy patients who are looking to improve the appearance of a drooping brow and/or forehead and frown lines.
Procedure
The brow lift is most often performed as an endoscopic procedure in which about four small incisions are made behind the hairline. It is occasionally necessary, primarily in male patients, to make a longer incision hidden inside of a deep forehead line or, for patients with high hairlines, to combine the endoscopic approach with a small incision along the hairline. Once the incisions are made, the muscles above the eyes are incised, thus smoothing frown lines, and the brow is elevated. The incisions are then closed and a bandage may be applied to the forehead.
Recovery and Final Result
Bruising and swelling are common after the brow lift and will begin to fade within a week or so. Swelling can be reduced by keeping the head elevated as much as possible for the first few days. Discomfort tends to be minimal with the endoscopic approach, though pain medication can be prescribed if necessary. Bandages may be removed within a day or two, and the stitches or staples are usually removed within a week. Most patients can return to work in about a week, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for about two weeks..
