Browlift Surgery
What is a browlift?
A browlift is a procedure which raises drooping eyebrows, improving heaviness from the upper eyelids and helps to reduce frown lines. The skin of the forehead is lifted and smoothed, and the muscles that cause wrinkles are adjusted.
Who does this procedure suit?
Those with drooping eyebrows, deep furrows between the eyes and loss of skin elasticity creating excess skin in the upper eyelid. This may be affecting vision and making them appear older and more tired than they actually feel. Some patients choose browlift with other procedures such as a eyelid surgery, lower face and neck lift, lip or nose procedures and skin resurfacing.
What results will I expect?
Correcting eyebrow drooping and smoothing the skin of the forehead may help you appear less heavy and tired, and more youthful and alert. However it’s important to remain realistic. A browlift won’t stop the aging process and future effects of gravity, and cannot remove all wrinkles, especially if they are deep.
Before and After Photos
What’s the first step to take?
During your first consultation your surgeon will discuss what you’d like to achieve, any expectations you have, questions about the procedure, medical history and current medication. Your brow area will be carefully examined so that the surgeon knows your individual needs. Please do not wear any make-up for this assessment. We will provide as much information as possible so that you feel comfortable and informed, and if you feel overwhelmed in any way we encourage you to make a second consultation so that you feel confident with your decision.
How do I prepare for surgery?
Please ensure you have arranged someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out at home for a few days. If you have had previous issues with bleeding or you bruise easily please inform your surgeon as soon as possible. To reduce risk of bleeding and bruising please make sure to:
- Avoid pain relievers and Vitamin E two weeks before surgery. Panadol, and vitamins B and C are safe to use.
- Inform your surgeon if you take any herbal medicines that may affect clotting and the anesthetic.
- Avoid smoking before and after surgery so as not to restrict circulation to the area and delay healing. Giving up is best.
- Inform us immediately if you’ve had any infection (cold or flu) the week before your surgery.
- Hair coloring may be used 1 week before surgery but must be avoided for 3 weeks after surgery.
What happens on the day of my surgery?
We will guide you to prepare for surgery so that your procedure and recovery go smoothly. On the day bring your toiletries, any medication needed and loose clothing or a night gown that doesn’t need to be lifted over your head.
- If your procedure is in the morning – do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.
- If your procedure is in the afternoon – do not eat or drink anything after 8.00am.
What should I expect during surgery?
Your anesthetist will discuss the use of either a general anesthetic or light sedation with a local anesthetic. Whichever you choose, you will be very comfortable and experience no pain during the surgery.
Type of procedures:
Open Browlift: the scalp is lifted from the brow bone area and mobilized to the area above the eyebrows. The muscles causing lines and wrinkling can then be modified in the appropriate way. The forehead and scalp is then redraped over the bone and any scalp excess is removed, which leaves the eyebrows elevated. The scar is hidden inside the hairline however may occasionally stretch and be seen when the hair is parted. Recovery for this procedure is approximately 3 weeks.
Endoscopic Browlift: Five small incisions are made within the hair in which the procedure is performed. The covering of the brow bone area is incised and carefully protect the nerves to the scalp. The brow is elevated to the ideal position and held by sutures and temporary small screws into the outer bone for approximately 2 weeks, or by a slow self-dissolving plate (called an endotine), that hook into the area. The endotine take several months to dissolve and may be felt when touched but not visible. The redraping of the brow elevating muscle will produce a lift, achieving a pleasing result. Recovery for this procedure is approximately 2 weeks.
For those with a high hairline, the incision can be made in such a way that the hairline is lowered. Your surgeon will discuss these types of procedures and the best option for you.
What should I expect after surgery?
- As with all surgeries, there will be some pain experienced afterwards. To ease discomfort our staff can provide prescription pain relief.
- You will wake with a dressing and bandage around the head to apply pressure, reduce swelling and keep the brow in the new position. The bandage will feel tight however needs to be kept on for 5-7 days. If you have had eye surgery as well, you may have eye bandages and ice packs on this area.
- A follow up appointment will be made 2 weeks after to assess that the wound has healed well and to remove the bandages, sutures and screws. This is not a painful experience.
- Your sutures are placed in your hairline and will heal well over a few weeks. The scars will go through the normal healing process of initially being red and itchy, then red and lumpy, which settles in 6-8 weeks.
What are the possible side effects?
- Bruising and swelling – usually worst in the first 72 hours which gradually settles.
- Scalp numbness – This often resolves in a few months however in rare cases, partial loss of sensation of the forehead or scalp can be permanent.
- Itching – can occur in the scalp and forehead for up to several months.
- Scarring – often minimal however healing varies between patients.
- Allergy – may occur to tapes and dressings used for the forehead. Please inform us if you develop a rash, itching or burning in this area.
What are the risks and complications with this procedure?
- Infection – is rare however antibiotics help to minimize risk.
- Hairline alteration – your surgeon will discuss this with you.
- Hair loss – can occur around the incision lines. In other areas hair usually returns in 2-3 months.
- Forehead lag (temporary forehead paralysis) – usually recovers over 8-12 weeks.
- Skin death – very rare however is usually within the hair and minor corrective surgery can help.
- Lagophthalmos (inability to fully close the eyes) – very rare.
Please call our office if you experience any of the following: excessive pain or bleeding, abnormal swelling or fever during the first 24 hours.
