What is a surgical brow lift?

Some people are very self conscious of their prominent frown lines, forehead lines, forehead creases or forehead wrinkles. Others are worried about droopy or sagging eyebrows and feel that they are frowning or looking tired all the time. If you are concerned about the appearance of your upper face and have perhaps tried muscle-relaxing injections but feel you need a different approach, then a surgical browlift (also called a forehead lift or eyebrow lift) may be worth considering.

In simple terms, a browlift is an upper face lift. The forehead is redraped to give a smoother, more youthful appearance, especially around the eyebrow area. An eyebrow lift is particularly effective when combined with upper eyelid surgery. If you feel that your eyes make you look tired all the time, the combination of a surgical browlift with upper eyelid surgery can help restore a fresher, more open and alert appearance to your face.

Who is suitable for a surgical brow lift?

If your eyebrows have drooped down so far that they interfere with your vision you are an ideal candidate for an eyebrow lift. If you are having a surgical face lift or upper eyelid surgery, it may be appropriate to consider an eyebrow lift at the same time. If deep frown lines or forehead lines are troubling you, a surgical brow lift may be one answer, although muscle-relaxing injections may be a better choice. Generally, people in the 40 to 60 age range benefit the most from browlift surgery.

Are there different types of surgical brow lift?

There are two main types of browlift:

• open brow lift, in which a section of skin is removed either from above the eyebrows or above the hairline
• endoscopic brow lift, in which a small telescope is used beneath the skin; excess tissue can be trimmed or eyebrows can be lifted and fixed in place using sutures or titanium anchors under the skin.

The endoscopic brow lift has the advantage that the scars are much smaller and completely hidden in the hair line – the recovery is therefore quicker and any scars less noticeable. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for you at your consultation. Much will depend on your hairline, your upper eyelids and whether other surgery is planned at the same time.

What happens during a surgical brow lift?

All surgery takes place at a private hospital in Bristol. You will be given full instructions on how to prepare well before the day of surgery. Your operation will require a general anaesthetic, but you can normally go home the same day. Shaving your hair is not required. A forehead lift typically takes 1 – 2 hours and longer if combined with other procedures. Very occasionally a small drainage tube needs to be left in the wound which is normally removed the next day.

Recovery from a brow lift

You will obviously need to rest and allow the healing process to take place. Initially the use of ice packs and resting in a head up position may help reduce any swelling. Mild painkillers for a few days are usually all that is needed. You should avoid stooping or heavy straining for a week or so, and it is best not to wear your contact lenses for a few weeks. Any bruising or swelling typically takes 2 - 3 weeks to resolve. Any sutures are normally removed 7 – 10 days after a forehead lift and you would normally be fit to return to work at that point.

Are there any risks of side effects of a brow lift?

Serious complications are rare when browlift surgery is carried out by a Consultant Facial Surgeon. As with any operation, there is the risk of bleeding, infection and damage to nerves.

It is normal to have blurred vision for a few hours after your operation – this may be due to ointment used to protect the eye, swelling of the conjunctiva or the effect of local anaesthetic on the eye muscles. This usually resolves within a few hours.

Your eyes may be slightly dry and sore for a few weeks after browlift surgery – you will be given eye drops to help with this.

Your upper eyelids may not open properly due to the tendon or muscle damage and this may require a remedial operation. Your eyelids may not close properly after an eyebrow lift – this is usually due to swelling and resolves on its own.

Some people describe headaches after browlift surgery, perhaps related to stitches being too tight – this is usually only temporary. Temporary or permanent hair loss at the incision sites occurs rarely.

What results can I expect after a surgical brow lift?

The upper part of the face and the eyes are very important in expressing emotion. Forehead creases and frown lines can make you look sad, stern or perplexed. Droopy eyebrows, especially if you also have eye bags, can make you appear tired. An eyebrow lift, perhaps combined with upper eyelid surgery can make you appear more refreshed and alert, turning back the clock perhaps 5 – 10 years.

A surgical brow lift cannot alter the quality of your skin; if this is a concern we can provide other solutions such as a glycolic peel or laser skin rejuvenation. You may also be interested in muscle relaxing injections and eye bag removal.

How much does a surgical brow lift cost?

Our fee for surgical brow lift is £2850 – any hospital charges are extra.

For a fact sheet on the lateral browlift, please click here.

Please phone me on 0117 3250325 for a free consultation with our surgeon.