Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures in Philadelphia

Brow Lift Cosmetic Surgery

Most middle aged women and men begin noticing the first signs of facial aging in their late 30s and early 40s. Most notice aging around 40 when our eyebrows begin to settle. Brow position refers not only to our eyebrows but also to the excess tissue in our upper eyelids. Patients feel their eyes look smaller or tired. Few patients realize that their eyebrows may need treatment in addition to their eyelids. When discussing eyelid or orbital rejuvenation with a patient, it is easy to demonstrate how they will look with their eyebrows elevated. A brow lift can make a patient look refreshed and more open eyed without looking surprised or startled. Additionally, a brow lift may reduce forehead wrinkles and frown lines.

Your Surgical Options

There are three different approaches to brow elevation—endoscopic, hairline and coronal (top of the head). An endoscopic brow lift uses two or three 1 inch incisions just behind the hairline. A camera called an endoscope is then inserted and used to free the brow so they can be elevated. This procedure has been commonly performed for about twenty years and uses modern technology to allow brow elevation through limited incisions. Unfortunately, results are often unpredictable; while some patients achieve their goals, others may experience minimal long term improvement. Endoscopic brow lifts are most useful in patients who are averse to long incisions or desire only subtle brow elevation. Hairline and coronal brow lifts are more traditional techniques and involve longer incisions, at the hairline or about 4 inches behind it. Though these two techniques each result in scalp numbness, they tend to elevate the brow more effectively and reliably than an endoscopic lift. However there is no right way to perform a brow lift. As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, the advantages, and disadvantages of a given technique have to be considered in light of a patient's goals and preferences.

The setting and recovery for brow lift depend on whether it is done alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift. When done as the only procedure or with a blepharoplasty, a brow lift can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Brow lifts usually result in swelling and bruising for a few days and most patients report moderate discomfort. Recovery is rapid and most patients can return to work within a week or two.