Men and women experience many different signs of aging. Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures designed to correct many of these signs, all while providing natural-looking results. A brow lift, or forehead lift, is just one of these procedures.
What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift reduces wrinkles in the forehead and on the bridge of the nose between the eyes. People tend to look others in the eyes while speaking, so aging is truly noticeable. Other effects of a brow lift include a reduction in the frown lines that appear between the eyebrows, a youthful positioning of the eyebrows, and improvement in the overall appearance of the eyes since the sagging brows no longer hide part of the eyelid, or perhaps the eyelid in its entirety.
Who Is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?
Women are the most common candidates for brow lifts, but anyone – male or female – who wants to reduce the signs of aging on the forehead and around the eyes is a candidate. These individuals should be physically healthy, and they should not smoke. What’s more, surgeons also assess the candidates’ outlook and expectations of the procedure to ensure that these are in line with the actual expected results.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Patients receive intravenous sedation (conscious anesthesia) or general anesthesia prior to the procedure to make them comfortable. Then, the surgeon makes an incision along the hairline and uses small instruments along with an endoscope (a flexible tube with a tiny camera at one end), to adjust the tissue and muscle beneath the skin and correct the wrinkles. Absorbable or removable sutures close the incisions, and the patient returns home to recover after the effects of the anesthesia diminish.
Recovering After a Brow Lift
Following a brow lift, some patients may notice a small tube attached to a bulb to drain fluid and blood, which may collect under the skin. Patients typically receive some sort of medication to manage the pain, which should subside completely within 10 to 14 days. Bruising and swelling is normal at first, and this subsides in time, as well. Although patients return to work and their normal lifestyles within two weeks, on average, it may take several months to heal fully following a brow lift.
Following Up with the Surgeon
Patients often follow up with their surgeons anywhere from seven to 14 days following the procedure for a checkup. The doctor removes the sutures, if applicable, and checks the area for infection and excess swelling. The patient’s overall health and level of discomfort are top priorities, so it is important for everyone to follow their doctors’ instructions following a brow lift in order to enjoy the best possible results.
For several months following a brow lift, patients should avoid any trauma to the general area, including abrasion, pressure, and force. In some cases, surgeons may recommend avoiding excessive movement of the eyebrows and muscles in the forehead to speed the recovery process.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re interested in a brow lift, our team at Athena Plastic Surgery can help determine the most effective treatment for your needs. Contact Athena Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and we’ll create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.