Brow Lift: Widen Your Choices With Various Types Of The Procedure

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift is a procedure in which the eyebrows and forehead are rejuvenated by reducing wrinkles, smoothing out furrows, and in some cases even repositioning drooping eyebrows. This is generally an elective cosmetic procedure not covered by insurance; most patients pay out of pocket $3000-$8000 for the procedure. It is usually preformed by a plastic surgeon at an outpatient facility.

Patients may be put under with general anesthesia if preferred, but usually only a local anesthetic with IV sedation is required. No hospital stay is required for recovery and most patients are able to return to work and all daily activities within ten days. Patients must avoid vigorous activity for four weeks and a complete recovery may take even longer than that.

There are a few different types of brow lift procedures that patients may choose from, however to choose which procedure would be best, patients ought to consult with their plastic surgeon.

The traditional method requires an incision to be made at the top of the forehead behind the hair line. Through this incision, excess fat and tissue are removed and muscle and skin are tightened. Doing this allows the surgeon to smooth out wrinkles in the forehead and lift the eyebrows if needed.

Endoscopic brow lifts are more commonly preformed today than the traditional methods. During an endoscopic lift microscopic surgical tools and a camera are inserted under the skin through small incisions. Surgeons are able to do the entire browlift using this less invasive technique, resulting in minimal scars and quicker recovery time.

A very new surgical method requires a surgeon to place drill holes in the skull and insert a bioabsorbable endotine implant into the hole. A surgeon will first pull the tissue away from the skull and into the desired position, and then they will insert the endotine implant through the tissue into the pilot hole in the skull.

The endotine essentially tacks the tissue into the skull in the correct position. The tissue then heals to the bone and the endotine is then absorbed into the body. Patients do report that they can feel the endotine until it is absorbed into the body.

Another method of brow lifting is the use of Botox and other injectable fillers. These fillers are very popular and effective in smoothing out the forehead, but they cannot lift the eyebrows nor are their effects permanent.

There are risks to all methods of brow lifting including nerve damage, bleeding, hair loss, infection, and complications due to anesthesia. Most risks and side effects are rare; however patients can avoid most complications by finding a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to work with. If the surgery is successful patients will be left with a long-lasting youthful and smooth brow.