When evaluating the eyes, it is important to check the position of the brow. As in other areas of the face, the eyebrows also descend as a result of aging and gravity. This may result in forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over the eyes and frown lines. People often hear comments about looking tired, older or even angry. Reversing these changes and softening the appearance can be achieved with a forehead lift and the majority can be performed using modern endoscopic techniques. Dr. Parva, board certified plastic surgeon, will perform a complete evaluation and discuss all options available.
What is a Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)?
A brow lift can have several effects:
- Eyebrows are lifted to a higher position, opening up the eyes and giving a more youthful and alert appearance
- Reposition the brow that may be contributing to the hooding of the upper eyelids
- Improve the frown lines between the brows
- Reduce the creases across the forehead that have developed from constant attempts to elevate the low brow position
When the upper face ages, the brow drops to varying degrees. When the level of the brow is below the supraorbital rim (the boney ridge above the eye) it gives an aged look. This may also contribute to the skin excess of the upper eyelids and obstruct vision. The brow position and upper eyelids, therefore must be evaluated together in order to plan appropriate treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Someone with a low brow position
- Deep creases across the forehead and bridge of nose
- Partially obstructed vision, especially when gazing upward
- Asymmetric positioning of the eyebrows
- Trauma that has resulted in a low brow position – one side or both
- A healthy individual
- Non-smoker
- Realistic goals and expectations
“Dear Dr. Parva,
I couldn’t have asked for a surgeon with more compassion and genuine concern for their patients.”
The Brow Lift Procedure:
Pre-operative planning will determine the surgical plan. There are several techniques available to elevate the brow. Commonly, the endoscopic approach is used today. In this case, 3 to 5 small incisions are made behind the hair line and a scope with a surgical video device is inserted through one of the incisions. Specialized surgical instruments are passed through the other incisions and used to loosen the tissue and muscle in order to allow the forehead to be elevated. Other techniques involve placement of incisions at the hairline at the temples or in the scalp.
If the upper eyelid skin is in excess or loose, then eyelid surgery may be combined with the brow lift procedure.
Dressings are placed as a head wrap to keep compression over the forehead. This supports the elevated position of the forehead and helps reduce swelling. Generally, the head wrap stays on for 3 to 5 days. Sutures and scalp staples may be placed and will be removed at 7 to 10 days.
Recovery and Healing:
- Care is taken to avoid any strenuous activity or lifting for the first 2 weeks
- Limit eye strain, such as reading, computer work and TV for the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Use eye ointment prescribed by Dr. Parva for 1 to 2 weeks to prevent potential dryness while sleeping
- Bruising may take 2 or more weeks to resolve
- Head elevation and massage are helpful
- The head must be kept elevated for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Cool compresses, or frozen bags of peas, are effective in reducing swelling and pain
- Recovery time is less than one week and results last for 8 to 10 years.
Results:
The elevated brow position is seen immediately
Two to 3 months before long term results are seen
Long term results vary but keep in mind that aging is a continuous process and over the years the brow will descend.
Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation
Please contact Parva Plastic Surgery for your complimentary brow lift consultation with Dr. Parva, board certified plastic surgeon today.