Brow Lift (Browplasty/Forehead lift)

With age, eyebrows descend and droop which may worsen sagging of the upper eyelids. This in conjunction with a receding hairline often makes the forehead broader and un-aesthetic. Brow lift is therefore considered in isolation or in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery depending on the aesthetics of the eyelids, brows and forehead.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE?
Brow lift may be performed in both men and women to improve the position of the forehead and the brow as well as the upper eyelids. Realistic expectations and good health are essential for a successful surgical outcome.

THE BENEFITS OF SURGERY
The forehead lift improves the aesthetic of the forehead and restores the forehead and the brow to a more youthful natural position. This change also helps in reducing the skin excess in the upper eyelids.

LIMITATIONS OF FOREHEAD & BROW LIFT SURGERY
It is worth noting that not all cases are suitable for endoscopic brow lift, as often an open lift gives better results in patients with a broad forehead. Brows tend to descend no matter what form of suspension method is used. This to some degree may be addressed with over elevation of brows, at the expenses of getting an operated unnatural look. Brow lift whilst does not obviate the need for future botulinum injections (botox), the amount required may be reduced.

CONSULTATION
During your consultation all your cosmetic concerns will be addressed in detail. The skin and structure of the forehead and eye area will be examined and discussed. Individual risks – general health, anaesthetic risks, risks of poor healing and unfavourable scars, effects of smoking, bleeding tendencies will be assessed. Both mental and emotional attitudes will also be considered because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of the surgery.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Patients with narrow foreheads tend to notice limited correction with surgery. Those with thick skin and deep forehead creases will benefit from direct brow lift and brow shaping procedure.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The procedure is performed usually under a general anaesthetic, although local anaesthetic with sedation may also be used.  There are two methods that may be adopted for the procedure.  In the first procedure (coronal lift), incisions are made along the top of the forehead, usually behind the hairline. In the second, less invasive endoscopic procedure, small incisions are made at the top of the forehead just the hairline, through which endoscopes and other fine instruments are inserted to remove muscles producing the frown lines and elevate the forehead and the brow.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST-OPERATIVELY
The forehead dressing and bandage is removed after five days. Considerable bruising around the eyes and temple is common. Recovery takes around two weeks. Numbness of the forehead and scalp may take over six months to settle.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Complications are rare. These include but not limited to bleeding and blood clots, infection, rarely temporary hair loss, numbness of the forehead and front part of the scalp.

IMPORTANT ADVICE
Please ask all questions you may have, and ascertain that your questions have been answered satisfactorily before you proceed to surgery.

Understand that this is lifestyle surgery and not an essential operation and should be considered a major intervention.

SUMMARY