Brow Lift Overview
Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift techniques vary primarily in their approach to modifying the forehead skin and muscles, and thus determining the location of the incisions to minimize resulting scars. Brow lift surgery typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. The following techniques are used by Dr. Kim, customized for each patient:
Endoscopic Brow Lift
The key to the endoscopic brow lift focuses on subtle adjustments and minimal cutting. The endoscopic browlift is a minimal access technique performed by using an endoscope and specialized instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline.
- A long thin tube with a light and a tiny camera mounted on its end is inserted through one of the incisions to view the underlying muscles and tissues.
- Using an instrument inserted through another incision, the surgeon lifts the forehead tissues and anchors them in place with sutures, small screws or another technique.
- The incisions are then closed with stitches or small clips. This allows repositioning of the underlying tissue and muscle and re-suspension of the brow to give a more youthful appearance.
Endoscopic brow lift effectively elevates the medial, central, and lateral brow, and it seems to be the most effective technique for improving brow symmetry and may be the procedure of choice for patients with more than 1.5 mm difference in average brow height.
Hairline Brow Lift
For this procedure, an incision is made between the top of the forehead and the beginning of the hairline. A small amount of skin and tissue is removed from the top of the forehead, rather than your scalp. This can correct a high hairline. A hairline brow lift is often used if someone has a high, receding hairline. However, a scar might be visible along the hairline, depending on the placement of the incisions, scar healing and hairstyle.
Coronal Brow Lift
- This procedure involves making an incision behind the hairline across the top of the head, from ear to ear or primarily on the top of the head.
- Then the forehead is lifted into its new position, with the scalp in front of the incision overlapping the scalp behind it.
- The overlapping scalp is then removed, and the remaining scalp is sewn together.
This technique is not typically done in people who have high hairlines, thin hair or who are likely to lose their hair.
Direct Brow Lift
Direct brow lifts are used with patients that require to address more significant sagging of the skin.
This procedure is done by removing the skin above the eyebrows. A direct brow lift is typically done in people with bushy eyebrows. It's also a shorter surgery and can be done with local anesthesia, which numbs only part of the body.
Temporal Brow Lift
Temporal brow lifts target the outer brow area for a more lifted look This procedure is done through small incisions just behind the hairline near the temples.
Brow Lift Recovery
Recovery time will vary and may be anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks based on the size of your incisions. Your incisions are stitched, and your forehead may be taped with your head wrapped in a loose bandage to minimize swelling and bruising.
After the removal of the staples in your scalp where scars are hidden, (7-14 days) you will be ready to return to most normal activities. The timeline for your recovery varies and depends on the type of procedure you had and the type of activity you’re planning to return to.
There will be temporary bruising and numbness both at the site and also the surrounding area, which may last for up to two weeks. As with all other surgery, medication, elevated head rest and cold compresses will be prescribed to help prevent any pain or discomfort and prevent any infection.
During your recovery, avoid heavy lifting, rigorous exercise or strenuous physical activities for a few weeks after surgery.
In the video, you'll witness an actual brow lift procedure. The patient gave written and verbal permission to film the procedure. She is doing great and was extremely satisfied with the results.
