Forehead/Brow Lift

A browlift, or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that smoothes out the forehead, while raising the upper eyelids and reducing frown lines. A browlift erases many of the effects of aging, leaving you with a smoother, more youthful looking appearance. It can minimize forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, furrowed forehead and frown lines. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a face lift or eyelid surgery.

A browlift is most commonly performed on women and men in their 40s- 60s to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity.

How the surgery is performed
The surgeon performs the procedure by making an incision at the level of the ear and extending it upward and across the forehead. The incisions are placed as close to the hairline as possible in order to minimize the visibility of scars. Once the incision is made, the surgeon removes the appropriate muscle and tissue. Excess skin is trimmed away and then sutured or clipped into place. A gauze dressing or elastic bandage is applied. If the surgeon recommends endoscopic surgery, you will have three or five small incisions at the hairline or further back on the scalp. Both techniques will yield similar results. A browlift usually takes about one to two hours to perform, depending on the extent of the procedure. The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia.

What to expect after surgery
Following the procedure, your forehead will be wrapped in gauze. This dressing will be removed after a day or two and your sutures will be taken out within the first week. You may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication for you to manage your discomfort. Temporary numbness will be replaced with an itching sensation as it subsides. It sometimes takes months for this to fully disappear. Bruising and swelling are normal after surgery. Keeping your head elevated and as still as possible for the first several days will help keep the swelling down. Bruising typically subsides after two to three weeks. Camouflage make-up can be used to conceal bruising after the first week.

Resuming work and other activities
The usual time to return to work is seven to ten days. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. You will need to limit exposure to sun for several months to promote healing of your incisions.