Browlift

What is a brow lift?

Also known as a forehead lift, a brow lift minimizes the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, improves what are commonly referred to as frown lines, and repositions a low or sagging brow.

Beauty for life

Enhancing your appearance with a brow lift

If you are bothered by expression lines or other signs of aging in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you. A brow lift:

Minimizes the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes
Improves what are commonly referred to as frown lines, vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows
Repositions a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid
Raises the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position

Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a brow lift include:

Eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes
Facelift to correct aging changes in the mid- to lower face and neck regions
Skin resurfacing techniques

A brow lift is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Brow lift surgery is a good option for you if:

You are physically healthy
You don’t smoke
You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

What to expect during your consultation

The success and safety of your brow lift procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Be prepared to discuss:

Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
Previous surgeries

Dr. Barnthouse may also:

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Discuss the options available to you for facelift and facial rejuvenation
Examine and measure different parts of your face
Take photographs for your medical record
Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of a facelift and any risks or potential complications

Preparing for brow lift surgery

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

What to do on the night before and morning of surgery
The use of anesthesia during your brow lift
Post-operative care and follow-up

Dr. Barnthouse will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. A brow lift may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

You’ll need help

If your brow lift is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Brow lift risks and safety information

The decision to have a brow lift is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Dr. Barnthouse will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

Unfavorable scarring
Bleeding (hematoma)
Infection
Poor wound healing
Anesthesia risks
Blood clots
Correctable hair loss at the incisions
Elevated hairline
Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis
Facial asymmetry
Skin loss
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching
Changes in skin sensation
Eye irritation or dryness
Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal position of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis), loose eyelid skin, or abnormal laxness of the lower eyelid (ectropion) can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures; brow lift surgery will not correct these disorders; additional surgery may be required
Fluid accumulation
Pain, which may persist
Skin contour irregularities
Skin discoloration and swelling
Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
Possibility of revisional surgery

Be sure to ask questions

It's very important to ask Dr. Barnthouse questions about your brow lift procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Barnthouse.

A special note about the use of fibrin sealants (tissue glue)

Fibrin sealants (made from heat-treated human blood components to inactivate virus transmission) are used to hold tissue layers together at surgery and to diminish post-operative bruising following surgery.

This product has been carefully produced from screened donor blood plasma for hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These products have been used safely for many years as sealants in cardiovascular and general surgery. This product is thought to be of help in diminishing surgical bleeding and by adhering layers of tissue together.

When you go home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary.

Be careful

Following Dr. Barnthouse's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Dr. Barnthouse will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Brow lift recovery

When your procedure is completed, your forehead may be taped and your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up with Dr. Barnthouse.

Be sure to ask Dr. Barnthouse specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
Are stitches removed? When?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?

The results will be long-lasting

Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures or clips will be removed. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising that remains.

Healing will continue for several weeks as the swelling dissipates and incision lines refine and fade and it may take several months for your complete recovery.

Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

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