A brow lift can:

• Reduce the frown lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that appear on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes.
• Improve furrows, the vertical folds that develop between the eyebrows.
• Raise sagging eyebrows that droop over the eyelids. Other cosmetic procedures that can be performed in conjunction with a brow lift:
• Upper and lower eyelid plastic surgery.
• Facelift. Who is a good candidate for a brow lift? You may be a candidate for a brow lift if you:
• Are physically healthy.
• Non-smoker.
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals. As we age, unsightly frown lines can appear on the forehead. Wrinkles between the eyebrows can make us look angry or “too serious.” Skin relaxation can cause the eyebrows to fall, causing our upper eyelids to droop and making us look tired. If you are bothered by these signs of aging, a brow lift might be right for you.

What can I expect during a consultation for a brow lift? During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your goals for your appearance.
• Your complete medical history.
• Your current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Your eyebrow lift surgeon will also:
• Evaluate your overall health status and any risk factors.
• Discuss your options.
• Examine and measure different parts of your face.
• Take photographs.
• Recommend a treatment plan.
• Discuss likely results of eyebrow lift surgery and any potential complications. Be sure to ask questions.

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about a brow lift? Prepare for the consultation by:

• Writing down all your symptoms with a timeline, medications, and health history, so you can systematically discuss your issues.
• Writing a list of your questions.
• Informing about your health and any health problems.
• Asking questions and demanding answers.
• Reading your medical records and bringing a copy or requesting access to them.
• Bringing a friend so they can support you. During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:
• Your goals for your appearance.
• Your complete medical history.
• Your current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Your surgeon will also:
• Evaluate your overall health status and any risk factors.
• Discuss your options.
• Examine and measure different parts of your face.
• Recommend a treatment plan.
• Discuss likely results of a brow lift and any potential complications. Be sure to ask specific questions to your plastic surgeon about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

What medication will I be given or prescribed after the surgery? Will I have dressings/bandages after the surgery? When will they be removed? When will the stitches be removed? When can I resume normal activity and exercise? When should I come for a follow-up visit? The decision to undergo plastic surgery is extremely personal. You must consider whether the benefits compared to the risks and potential complications of surgery are acceptable.

What are the risks of a brow lift:

• Anaesthesia risks.
• Bleeding.
• Elevated hairline.
• Eye irritation or dryness.
• Facial asymmetry.
• Facial nerve damage with weakness or paralysis.
• Fluid accumulation.
• Infection.
• Hair loss around the incisions.
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching.
• Pain, which may persist.
• Poor wound healing.
• Possibility of revision surgery.
• Rare risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) that can lead to pulmonary embolism with chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Skin loss.
• Unfavourable scarring. These risks and others will be fully discussed before you consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

How should I prepare for a brow lift? When preparing for eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:

• Take tests or undergo a medical evaluation.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising. You will receive written instructions on:
• What to do on the day of surgery.
• Postoperative care and follow-up. You should arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after surgery and stay with you the first night.

Brow Lift – How does it work? Step 1 – Anaesthesia Medication is administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The Incision A brow lift can be performed in various ways. Some surgeons prefer to use an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) and special instruments placed through small incisions made in the hairline. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be adjusted, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead.

Endoscopic incision Some surgeons prefer to perform an eyebrow lift through what is called a “coronal incision”. The coronal incision is created from ear to ear over the top of the head in the hair-bearing skin. The forehead skin is then lifted, and any muscle adjustment can be made under direct visualisation. The resulting scar from a coronal eyebrow lift is well concealed in the hair.

Coronal incision For women with very high foreheads, an incision just at the front hairline may be recommended. In this way, the eyebrow can be lifted without changing the height of the front hairline. The resulting scar, although somewhat more visible, can often be hidden with bangs.

Step 3 – Closing the Incisions Eyebrow lift incisions are usually closed with:

• Removable or absorbable sutures.
• Special clips. Step 4 – See the Results The results appear within a few weeks as swelling and bruising subside to reveal smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, rested appearance.

What can I expect after a brow lift? During the recovery from eyebrow lift surgery, the forehead may be taped and/or the head may be loosely wrapped to minimise swelling and bruising after the procedure is complete.

A thin tube may be present to drain excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

You will receive specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for your breasts after surgery.
• A pain relief schedule with instructions on how to take pain medication to avoid pain breakthrough.
• Specific issues to be aware of.
• Time for follow-up visits. You should keep your head elevated and not perform any vigorous physical activity for as long as your surgeon recommends. Do not use ice or heat on the area.

Recovery time for brow lift Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures or clips are removed when appropriate. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 10-14 days.

Cosmetics can help camouflage any bruising.

Although you will look presentable to the public, you will find that healing will continue for several weeks, as swelling subsides and incision lines refine and fade. It may take several months for your full recovery.

Following your doctor’s instructions is critical to the success of your surgery.

It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or movement during the healing time. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself.

What results can I expect after a brow lift? The results of your eyebrow lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve, and incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your surgery will appear over the next few months.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there can be no guarantee. Lifelong sun protection will help maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimising sun damage. A healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your surgery.