Browlift

A Browlift or a forehead lift is surgery that works to restore a natural, youthful appearance to the area of the face above the eyes. As we age, unconscious emotional reactions as well as a decrease in collagen production cause lines and wrinkles to form on the face. This procedure can correct sagging brows as well as smooth the natural horizontal lines that appear on the forehead.

The Procedure

The Browlift procedure begins by rubber banding the hair on either side of the incision line. The head is not shaved, but hair directly in front of the incision line might need to be trimmed. Most doctors use a coronal incision when performing this procedure. This is a headband shaped incision that starts at one ear and runs over the top of the head down to the other ear. The incision line is placed behind the hairline so that the scar will not be visible.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will work to lift the skin of the forehead in order to allow access to the underlying muscle and tissue. Excess tissue is removed, and muscles can either be removed or re-shaped. The surplus skin at the incision line will be removed, resulting in naturally smooth skin. When the surgeon is finished, the incision is either stitched or clipped close. The head may then be wrapped in gauze pads and elastic or it may be left alone. Each surgeon operates differently.

Will It Hurt?

The procedure itself will not hurt. The patient will be placed under either a local or general anesthetic in order to alleviate any pain. After the surgery, patients will experience discomfort and numbness around the incision area, but most surgeons provide prescription medication. The incision area as well as the eyes and cheeks will be swollen but keeping the head elevated will help with swelling reduction. Swelling usually lasts for about a week or so.

If bandages were applied post browlift surgery they will be taken off a day or two after the procedure. Hair around the incision may have fallen out, but normal growth patterns will resume a few weeks after the treatment. The stitches or clips will be removed anywhere from one to two weeks after the surgery. As the incision heals the numbness will turn into itching. This means that the nerves are healing. These sensations are mild but they have been known to last up to six months following the procedure.

What Results Can I Expect?

Most patients can walk around about two days after their browlift surgery, but doctors suggest relaxing for at least a week. Patients can wash their hair once the bandages are removed but are cautioned to take extra care around the incision line. Most patients feel completely back to normal after about three weeks. Patients are usually very happy with their results. Not many realize how forehead wrinkles and sagging brows can contribute to signs of aging. This procedure provides naturally smooth skin that can take years off of anyone’s appearance.

Costs

The browlift procedure typically costs around $3,000 but this can vary based on the area in which you live, the doctor that treats you, and the overall condition of your forehead area. Most patients have only one Browlift in their lifetime whereas other patients have a second one anywhere from eight to fifteen years later. Whether a second surgery is needed or not, this is a procedure that can take years off your appearance and leave you with naturally smooth skin.