Facial Sculpting

Forehead  Lift

 

A Brow or Forehead Lift can revitalize drooping or lined foreheads, helping you to look less angry, sad or tired. Using either traditional or minimally invasive (endoscopic) methods, Brow Lifts involve the removal or alteration of the muscles above the eyes to smooth lines and raise the eyebrows for a more youthful appearance.  The procedure is often combined with other operations like Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) and Face Lifts to improve the look of the eyes and other areas of the face.

 

While Brow Lifts are typically performed on patients aged 40-60 to counteract the effects of aging, anyone with lined or inelastic skin on the forehead, whether it’s caused by muscle activity inherited conditions, or injury are eligible.  The procedure is performed in our surgical center under local anesthesia and sedation.

 

 Consultation:

During this meeting, Dr. Brill will discuss the changes you want to make in your appearance, the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.  He will evaluate your face and assess the tissue as well as the degree of skin laxity.  He will get a complete medical history, give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guidelines for eating and drinking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications.  As with any surgery, please be sure to inform us:

 

        About any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).

        If you have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation, have a history of
        unusual or poor scarring, or cold sores– like herpes or shingles.

        If you have any serious medical conditions.

        About all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).

        If you have had previous plastic surgery.

Dr. Brill will evaluate your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure. This exam will allow Dr. Brill to determine the procedure right for you.  In some cases, Dr. Brill orders routine laboratory tests prior to surgery.  During your consult, take this time to ask all the questions you have about the surgery you are considering.  He will be happy to address any concerns you may have such as:

 

 

A  Good Candidate:

Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for a Brow / Forehead Lift, or Genioplasty:
 

        Sagging or low position of the eyebrows, creating a tired or sad appearance.

        Deep horizontal creases across the forehead

        Frown lines, or furrows, between the eyebrows and sometimes across the top of
         the nose.

The face usually portrays the first visible signs of aging. Gravity and changes in eyebrow shape and position results in the brow area looking aged.  Most patients requesting evaluation for a Forehead Lift or Face Lift feel that their facial features do not reflect their youthful spirit and energy level. They are looking for ways to refresh and rejuvenate their appearance.

 

 

Procedure Details / Expectations:

Brow Lifts may be performed in one of two ways: with conventional methods, in which the incision is hidden beneath the hairline (for patients with thinning or receding hair, who are bald or who have had previous surgery in the area, the incision will likely be moved somewhere less conspicuous); or with an endoscope, in which a tiny camera and instruments are inserted through a few small incisions.  Both techniques produce similar results.  You and Dr. Brill will discuss which option is the best for you.

 

Traditional Brow Lift: First, the patient’s hair is tied with rubber bands near the incision site.  Then the surgeon makes a coronal (headphone-shaped) incision behind the hairline, stretching between the ears and across the top of the forehead.  The incision may be placed further back or made along the skull bone joints to minimize visibility in patients with thinning hair or who are bald.  Then the forehead skin is lifted, tissue is removed, muscles are adjusted and the eyebrows may be lifted.  Excess skin is trimmed and the incision is closed with stitches or clips.  The site is washed and the rubber bands are removed.  Some surgeons will protect the stitches with gauze or bandages.

Traditional surgery patients may experience some numbness and discomfort at the incision. Numbness could be replaced by itching, which will subside within six months.  Your head may need to be elevated for two to three days to reduce swelling.  Bandages are removed in one to two days, and stitches or clips are taken out in two weeks.  Hair near the incision may fall out or thin, but normal growth should return within weeks or a few months.

Endoscopic Brow Lift: After the hair is tied as with the traditional procedure, the surgeon makes three to five short incisions (less than an inch long) behind the hairline.  The endoscope is placed in one so the surgeon can see beneath the skin without having to make a large incision, while he or she lifts the skin and adjusts muscles through the other incisions.  If the eyebrows are lifted they will be stitched or screwed (temporarily) into place.  The site is washed and the rubber bands are removed.  Some surgeons will protect the stitches with gauze or bandages.

 

Endoscopic surgery patients may experience some numbness, discomfort and swelling around the incisions, though there is less itching than with traditional surgery.  Stitches or staples are removed in a week; temporary fixation screws are taken out within two.

 

With both procedures, you will be on your feet and able to wash your hair in a few days, and many patients return to work or school in 7-10 days or less.  Swelling and bruising should fade by the third week.

 

 

Recovery:

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes varies greatly between individuals. Elevation of the head is extremely helpful in reducing the initial post-operative swelling. Dr. Brill may also advise you to use ice packs intermittently.  You should avoid Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for the first few days after your surgery.  Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke should be avoided to prevent delays in the healing process.

 

After the procedure you will feel groggy.  Your face may be placed in a special compression garment to control swelling and help the newly-sculpted skin adhere to the tissue underneath.  Some of the stitches will be absorbable, and some may have to be removed during a follow-up visit.  After a brief stay in the recovery room, you will be allowed to go home.

 

Initial healing usually occurs in 10-14 days.  Sutures are usually removed within the first 1-2 weeks.  Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 3-4 weeks.  All swelling is gone in 3-6 months.  The scars fade in 6-24 months depending on your skin.

 

 

Other Options:

An additional procedure that may enhance the result is Liposuction, Face Lift, or Reshaping of the nose.  There are many optional procedures that you can discuss with Dr. Brill at your appointment.

 

 

Cost / Insurance:

 

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.

Approximate Cost Range: $2,000-$5,000.  This price is only an average as fees vary according to patient needs.  At your consultation, you will be given exact fees, which include but are not limited to surgery, operating room, anesthesia related fees, and follow up visits.

 

** This is only an Average.  Fees vary according to patient needs.**

 

 

Risks / Complications:

Fortunately, when performed by Dr. Brill, a competent surgeon, complications are infrequent and minor in brow lift surgery.  All patients will experience some bruising and swelling for a few days after the surgery.  Complications are rare and usually minor but may include temporary numbness, nerve injury, hair loss along scar edges, formation of a broad scar requiring surgical correction, and infection and bleeding.  The most common risks associated with this type of surgery include, but are not limited to, a reaction to the anesthesia used, excessive bleeding, infection, visible scarring, possible asymmetry or irregularities, and possible changes in nerve sensation.  The nerves that control eyebrow motion can rarely be injured on one or both sides resulting in inability to wrinkle the forehead or raise the eyebrows.

 

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation.  All surgical procedures have some degree of risk.  Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

 

Notes:

You are also at increased risk for complications from a procedure if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc.  You will want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with Dr. Brill before you choose to undergo surgery.

 

Patients with very short hair may want to let it grow before surgery to better camouflage the healing scar.

Frequently asked Questions:
List of commonly asked Brow / Forehead Lift Questions 

There are many different variations of the Forehead procedures that improve the position and shape of the eyebrow and forehead areas. Ultimately, the Brow Lift will allow you to turn back the hands of time to better reflect your youthful spirit. To schedule a consultation for a Brow Lift contact us today at:
 

352-331-7987 or 1-800-428-8419

 

 

The information on plastic surgeon Dr. Roger T Brill’s website is not to be taken as medical advice. The content on these pages have been created only to provide information about plastic surgery procedures available at the Surgery Center of North Florida.  The information contained herein is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or other healthcare professionals.  We strongly recommend that prospective patients independently confirm all qualifications and expertise of the selected surgeon by contacting the medical boards and surgical societies to which they belong. View our Disclaimer Page and Privacy Policy.