Brow Lift

Wrinkles and frown lines often first appear in the brow and forehead area. A forehead lift or brow lift can smooth out the wrinkles and correct drooping brows and heavy lids to provide a younger, friendlier appearance. A brow lift can be performed alone or with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery or laser skin resurfacing.

 

What will happen during the brow lift consultation?

During your initial cosmetic consultation, Dr. Nikko will discuss your goals for the surgery and explain your probable outcome of treatment. He will also help you decide which surgical approach will best meet your cosmetic goals: the 'open' or classical method, or the endoscopic forehead lift. You will be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients having similar conditions, and we will explain the treatment you can expect to receive. Before and after photos may be taken of your area to be treated to document your results.

How does a brow lift work?

A brow lift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take one to two hours. With the classical or "open" method the incision is hidden just inside or by the hairline across the scalp and between the ears. Dr. Nikko lessens the appearance of wrinkles by removing selected muscles and releasing tissues, which cause the wrinkles. The eyebrows may also be elevated, and excess skin at the incision will be removed to allow a gentle redraping of your forehead skin.

What is an endoscopic brow lift?

Endoscopic or minimal-scar brow lift is performed using a tiny fiberoptic lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed in the hairline. The lens is attached to a camera, which is connected to a television, allowing for visualization of the surgery. Additional half-inch incisions are made for the insertion of tiny scalpels, scissors and retractors. Dr. Nikko performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally.
An endoscopic brow lift is particularly useful with younger patients where the removal of excess skin is not required. With an endoscopic brow lift, loss of sensation or hair at the incision site is minimized. An endoscopic brow lift can significantly reduce the frown lines between the eyes, so it is often performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery to achieve optimal results.

What are the benefits of an endoscopic brow lift?

Smaller incisions
Minimal scarring
Less bleeding
Less hair loss
Minimal numbness
Quicker recovery

What is recovery like?

There is a minimal amount of discomfort following a brow lift. There will be swelling and bruising that may last from seven to 10 days. For some patients this may include the cheeks and eyelids. Keeping your head elevated and application of cold compresses will help to reduce swelling. As your incisions heal, you will notice some itching and possibly some numbness. These symptoms will diminish over time. You may wear make-up after three days, and your sutures will be removed in seven to 10 days. Strenuous activity is restricted for six weeks.

If you are wondering if a brow lift or other cosmetic procedure might improve your appearance, please call our office to arrange a consultation.