Guide to a Youthful Look: Browlift Procedure

Key Points Worth Noting

• A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure that elevates the skin and soft tissue of the forehead to enhance eye area, correct drooping brows, and address forehead wrinkles. It can give improved self-confidence and facial symmetry.
• Several types of brow lift techniques are available, including an endoscopic brow lift, temporal brow lift which targets the outer eyebrow area, and the more invasive coronal brow lift, which offers dramatic changes by removing excess tissue and fat.
• It is important to follow the post operative recovery instructions. The brow lift procedure involves a recovery period where patients must follow aftercare instructions for optimal results, and while the procedures offer long-term results and are generally safe, they come with potential risks such as scarring, skin sensation changes, and asymmetry.

Understanding Brow Lifts: The Basics

A brow lift, often referred to as a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation, is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the forehead and surrounding eye area by:

• Elevating the skin and soft tissue through brow lift treatment,
• Addressing excess loose skin and smoothing forehead wrinkles,
• Enhancing the appearance of drooping brows to provide a refreshed, natural look.

This procedure, known as an eyebrow lift, is particularly beneficial for individuals whose brows have shifted downward with age, creating a look of fatigue or concern. If you have frown lines or excess upper eyelid skin you will also see a benefit.

Types of Brow Lift Procedures

There are several browlift techniques, they include the classic or coronal brow lift, endoscopic brow lift, and temporal lift.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The endoscopic brow lift stands out for its minimally invasive nature. In this procedure:

• Small incisions are made along the hairline,
• A tiny camera is used to view the underlying tissues,
• A surgical telescope is used to assist in lifting the forehead tissues,
• The procedure results in minimal scarring,
• It is conducted as an outpatient service under anaesthesia,
• Multiple small incisions are hidden within the hairline.

Once elevated, the brow tissues are secured in place using techniques like sutures or small screws to hold the new contour. The endoscopic brow lift results in raised eyebrows and provides a refreshed appearance.

Temporal Brow Lift

The temporal brow lift is another technique that rejuvenates for the brow area. This procedure is made through incisions about an inch long made just behind the hairline near the temples. These incisions are concealed within the hair without the need for shaving any part of the hair.

This procedure, known as an effective eyebrow surgery lift, primarily targets the outer portion of the eyebrow, offering subtle yet noticeable rejuvenation by lifting the sagging brows to cultivate a fresher and less fatigued appearance. Eyebrow lift surgery, also known as temporal brow lifts, can be performed as a day case under a general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia for a minimal recovery period. In some cases, upper eyelid surgery or upper blepharoplasty may be combined or even a face lift with this procedure for enhanced results.

Coronal Brow Lift

The coronal brow lift is a more traditional approach to brow lifting. In this procedure, an incision is made across the forehead to remove excess tissue and fat. By raising the soft tissue and skin of your forehead and brow, a brow lift can give your face a more youthful appearance.

This procedure is more invasive than the previously mentioned techniques but offers more dramatic results. It is ideal for individuals seeking significant changes in their brow and forehead appearance.

Preparing for Your Brow Lift Consultation

During the consultation, We recommend that potential patients should be prepared to:

• Explain their expectations, what they hope to achieve in the surgical procedure,
• Provide a medical history, including any medications, vitamins,
• Come prepared with a list of questions,
• Express any concerns about the procedure.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Brow Lift Options

Surgical brow lifts offer more dramatic, long-lasting results but are invasive and have a longer recovery period.

A non-surgical brow lift treatment offers subtle enhancements with minimal recovery time, suitable for those with less severe brow sagging or those avoiding surgery.

Non-surgical brow lift techniques include:

• Botox ( botulinum toxin injections): strategic placement can lift the eyebrow area,
• Dermal fillers,
• Ultherapy: can tighten the area above the brow, but you will have to repeat it every 12 months,
• Thermage: can tighten the brow area, but repeat treatments are necessary every 12 months,
• Thread lifts: more invasive, they can lift the outer brow, they will need repeating every one to three years.

These treatments offer quick, temporary improvements to the brow area and are popular for their minimally invasive nature.

The Brow Lift Procedure: What to Expect

Patients can expect to have the procedure performed under a general anaesthesia or with local anaesthesia with sedation. Strategic placement of incisions is a crucial part of the procedure, either concealed within the hairline or in forehead creases to minimise visible scarring.

The goal of a brow lift is to achieve a rejuvenated facial appearance.

Brow lift surgeries take place in a hospital as a day case procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare Following a Brow Lift

Following the procedure, patients should expect a recovery period. After a brow lift, the forehead may be bandaged, and a small tube might be inserted to drain excess fluids. Dressings are usually removed one to two days after surgery, and the drainage tube is removed within the first or second postoperative day.

We advise that patients keep their head elevated. Most patients are able to engage in light activities within a week after a temporal brow lift. We advise to avoid strenuous activities or sport for at least 4 weeks.

It’s crucial for successful long-term results to follow the prescribed aftercare, including keeping the head elevated, avoiding too much activity, and reporting any unusual discomfort.

Potential Risks and Complications

While brow lift surgery is generally safe, it does come with potential risks and complications. These include:

• Scarring,
• Changes in skin sensation,
• Asymmetry in brow position,
• Hair problems,
• Typical surgical risks like bleeding, infection, and adverse reaction to anaesthesia.

Different brow lift procedures pose unique complications. Some common complications include:

• The hairline lift often requires revision,
• The direct lift commonly leads to numbness,
• Temporal lifts are likely to cause asymmetry,
• Endoscopic lifts may lead to hair loss.

Scarring from brow lift surgery becomes less noticeable with time and can often be hidden in hair or natural skin creases.

At your detailed consultation our plastic surgeons will explain the treatment plan, anticipated outcomes, and potential risks specific to brow lift surgeries so you will understand the important aspects of the procedure.

Achieving Long-Lasting Results: Maintaining Your New Look

To maintain the results of a brow lift, patients are advised to:

• Avoid direct sunlight on the face,
• Use sunscreen with SPF30 or higher,
• Continue with a proper skincare routine,
• Initially use gentle products such as mild shampoo and soaps.

This will help to preserve your youthful appearance.

Final results from a brow lift surgery are more evident after several months and are designed to be permanent, despite the natural process of ageing. For those who opt for non-surgical brow lifts, repeat treatments will be necessary to maintain the results, as these treatments are not long-term solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next steps for your brow lift procedure

A brow lift can provide a significant rejuvenation to the eye and forehead area, offering a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Whether choosing a surgical or non-surgical method, it’s essential to understand the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks. At Kensington Medical we can help you decide what is the best option. A consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons who can advise you on the best approach to achieve your goals.

Call or book a consultation with one of our Kensington Medical facial surgeons in Harley street or Wimbledon to find out more.