Browlift
A browlift is a surgical procedure to stabilize, or elevate the eyebrows. Often a browlift is combined with a facelift or blepharoplasty in the setting of full facial rejuvenation. A browlift can dramatically enhance the youthfulness of the face by taking weight off of the eyelids and eyes.
Treatment Time
1-2 hours; the procedure can be done purely under local anesthetic or under a general anesthetic when in combination with other procedures.
Incisions
Browlift incisions vary. In males, incisions can be directly above the eyebrows, at the hairline, or behind the hairline. In females the incisions are commonly at the hairline or behind the hairline in the temple.
Benefits
A browlift is a powerful operation to rejuvenate the upper third of the face while making the person appear younger, reduce forehead wrinkles, and make the eyes appear more open and refreshed.
Technique
Incisions are made in the skin and down to the layer of tissue above the bone. Tissue is lifted off the bone with blunt dissection and then sutures are used to secure the brow to its new position. The incision is closed and a basic dressing applied, with no drains used.
Recovery
In isolated brow lifts, recovery is generally 1-2 weeks. There can be bruising affecting the eyes and cheeks which will resolve quickly.
Risks
The risks of browlift include bleeding, infection, alopecia (hair loss at the incision site), wound healing complications, asymmetry, and poor aesthetic result.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are healthy, do not smoke, have clear expectations, have low or asymmetric brows, deep forehead wrinkles, and a desire to improve their overall facial appearance.
Adjunct Procedures
A browlift is commonly performed in the setting of a facelift of upper/lower blepharoplasty. Since a browlift addressees the upper third of the face while a facelift address the lower two thirds (cheek and jawline), they work harmoniously to provide a youthful appearance.