Brow Lift
WHAT IS BROW LIFT SURGERY?
This procedure is also known as a forehead lift. A brow lift aims to reverse the effects of gravity and tighten the soft tissues of the forehead to restore a more youthful contour to your forehead skin and brow, creating a more youthful yet natural appearance.
You may be a good candidate for brow lift surgery if :
- You have sagging eyebrows
- You have deep creases in your forehead
- You have crow’s feet or deep frown lines at the root of your nose
THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Brow lift surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and normally takes up to 2 hours to complete.
The procedure involves the making of a long incision across the forehead, either around the hairline or in one of the creases of the forehead. The skin is then lifted away from the underlying tissues. Muscles are loosened and fat is removed. Any excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is then pulled down and the brow is then stitched into its new position.
You will be in hospital for between 4-6 hours and will be discharged the same day.
Brow lift surgery may also be combined with other surgical procedures such as an eyelid lift, facelift or rhinoplasty.
Brow lift surgery is performed at Lingard Private Hospital or Warners Bay Private Hospital.
While a brow lift can make you look younger, it will not stop the ageing process.
RECOVERY & HEALING
After surgery, your head may be wrapped in bandages which will be removed the next day. You may develop bruising around the eyes which will disappear in a few days.
BENEFITS OF A BROW LIFT
- Restores a youthful and natural arch of the eyebrows
- Diminishes forehead wrinkles
- Helps open up the eyes
- Helps eliminate a tired or angry look
- Reduces the appearance of sagging upper eyelids
- Improves the appearance of “crow’s feet” wrinkles at the corner of the eyes
- Smooths the appearance of a furrowed brow
- Removes excess skin
MEDICARE CRITERIA
Brow lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, as such, there is no rebate from Medicare or your health fund.
With any procedure you choose to undergo, potential risks and complications can occur, and it is vital to understand them before deciding on surgery.
Some general risks and complications of surgery may include:
- Heavy bleeding from an operated site
- Wound Infection (treatment with antibiotics may be needed)
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
- Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars that are raised, red and thickened scars. These scars may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia
Specific risks and complications associated with brow lift surgery include:
- Temporary numbness at operated site(s) and/or nerve damage resulting in permanent numbness at operated site(s)
- Numbness may be replaced by intense itchiness, which typically resolves within several months as nerves heal
- No movement or poor movement of the forehead muscles in the first days after surgery
- In rare cases, permanent injury to the nerves that control eyebrow movement can result in asymmetry of the eyebrows.
- The hairline may raise slightly
- Temporary hair loss may occur near the treated area
- Hair thinning or loss may appear next to the line of the incision
- Revisional surgery may be necessary to correct complications.
Dr Kirstin Miteff will go into more depth about the associated risks and complications during your consultation.