BROWLIFT (FOREHEAD LIFT)
The normal position of the eyebrows may descend with age. Some patients may also inherit a low, heavy brow. Stress and muscular activity can contribute to forehead wrinkling, creating an aged, sad, or tired appearance. A browlift restores a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the area above the eyes by raising the eyebrows and smoothing the horizontal lines of the forehead. Dr. Hyman performs browlifts often in conjunction with facelift or eyelid surgery.
Initial Consultation for Browlift Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss with you your objectives and expectations from surgery. This will involve a complete medical history and an examination of the skin, soft tissue and muscles of the face, eyelids, and forehead. Dr. Hyman will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have. Surgical browlifts can be avoided often, and Dr. Hyman may suggest a less invasive procedure.
Browlift Procedure
The forehead lift (browlift) may be performed through the endoscopic technique, in which two small incisions are used with a camera and specialized instruments. In very rare instances, Dr. Hyman uses the traditional “coronal” technique, in which a long incision is made within the hair. Both options will be discussed with you, and Dr. Hyman will make a recommendation based upon both your anatomy and personal preference.
During the coronal brow lift technique, an incision is made across the scalp and within the hair. The skin and soft tissues are elevated down to the brows, and the muscles that produce wrinkling of the forehead are released. The skin is then re-draped upwards and excess skin is trimmed to create a smooth, more youthful appearance. With the endoscopic technique, four to five small incisions are made within the hair and an endoscope (a pencil-like camera device connected to a monitor) is inserted through one of the incisions. The forehead skin is lifted through this incision, and the underlying tissues and muscles are altered to produce a smooth appearance. The eyebrows may also be lifted and secured into a high position with sutures underneath the skin or temporary screws placed behind the hairline. The procedure takes two hours and is performed under general anesthesia in the hospital or in Dr. Hyman’s private ambulatory surgery facility. Usually, our patients are able to return home the same day.
Post Browlift Surgery
Following surgery, the head will be wrapped with an elastic bandage. Most patients have temporary numbness, mild swelling, and slight discomfort around the incision. Itching at the incision site is normal and can take several months to resolve. Head elevation for several days following surgery is recommended. The dressings will be removed two days after surgery, and most sutures will be removed one to two weeks after surgery. One week off work for recuperation is suggested. Although light exercise including walking is permitted the day following surgery, strenuous exercise should be avoided until three weeks after surgery. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months until normal sensation returns.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.