Brow Lift

BROW LIFT

A Brow Lift, also known as a Forehead Lift, is a plastic surgery procedure that alters the upper portion of the face, particularly the area above the eyes. As we age, the skin and muscles of the forehead can lose firmness, leading to a heavy or tired appearance. Dr. Guy Watts offers comprehensive consultations and different Brow Lift techniques to help individuals gain their desired look.

What Is a Brow Lift?

A Brow Lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise the position of the eyebrows and reduce wrinkles and frown lines on the forehead. One of the primary goals of a Brow Lift is to give more contour to the forehead skin, upper eyelids, and eyebrows. There are various techniques for performing a Brow Lift, but all aim to address the excess, loose skin of the brows. Whether it’s due to genetics, ageing, or other factors, loose brow skin can have a significant impact on one’s overall facial aesthetics. A Brow Lift may help alleviate these changes and help address  the appearance.

Dr Guy Watts offers both Endoscopic and Open Brow Lift techniques and will assess your specific anatomy to determine which will provide the best results whilst reducing the visibility of incisions and optimising recovery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery

The decision to undergo a Brow Lift is a personal one, and suitable candidates are those who have thoroughly researched the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Here are some characteristics of good candidates for Brow Lift surgery:

• Age-Related Changes: Individuals who have noticed a loss of volume or firmness in their eyebrows
• Forehead Wrinkles: Those with deep horizontal creases across the forehead or frown lines between the eyebrows
• Asymmetry: Some people may have one eyebrow lower than the other and seek a Brow Lift to increase symmetry
• Good Health: As with any surgery, it’s essential that candidates are in good overall health. This means they should not have any serious medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery
• Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair the healing process, so Dr. Guy Watts recommends that patients quit smoking well in advance of the surgery and remain non-smokers throughout the recovery period
• Realistic Expectations: It’s crucial for patients to understand what the surgery can and cannot achieve. Although a Brow Lift can slightly alter your appearance, it won’t fundamentally change one’s look or solve personal problems
• No Contraindications: Some individuals might have medical or skin conditions that could make the surgery risky or reduce the likelihood of satisfactory results
• Commitment to Recovery: Recovery from a Brow Lift can take several weeks. There might be swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Good candidates are prepared for this recovery period and are willing to follow post-operative care instructions closely
• Informed Decision: A good candidate has done their research, understands the risks and potential benefits, and has discussed their goals and concerns with Dr. Watts during the consultation
• Motivated by Personal Desire: It’s essential that the decision to undergo a Brow Lift is made for oneself, not to fulfil someone else’s desires or to fit an ideal image

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WHAT CAN A BROW LIFT DO FOR ME?

• A Brow Lift can help reduce the appearance of eyebrow ptosis, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles, giving the face your desired appearance.
• Brow Lift surgery can reduce heaviness in the upper eyelid area, making the eyes appear larger and more open.
• Brow Lift surgery can increase facial harmony resulting in a more balanced facial appearance.
• Forehead creases or deep lines caused by ageing or excessive muscle movement can be reduced.
• For individuals with brow ptosis that impairs their vision, a Brow Lift may provide functional benefits by lifting the brow and reducing excess skin that could impact vision. 

A Brow Lift can sometimes be done with other cosmetic procedures such as Blepharoplasty or Face Lift to offer a more comprehensive result.
Non-surgical techniques such as dermal fillers, wrinkle relaxers and chemical peels can also be used in conjunction with a Brow Lift to optimise the results. After a thorough consultation to determine your goals and desires Dr Watts will recommend which procedure will deliver you the desired result.

BROW LIFT PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY PERIOD

How Is the Surgery Performed?

A Brow Lift requires precision and experience. The surgery’s primary objective is to remove excess skin and lift the eyebrows to a different position and reduce the amount of forehead wrinkles. The exact technique used can vary based on the patient’s anatomy, Dr. Watts’ preference, and the desired outcome. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the general process:

Endoscopic Brow Lift:

• Preparation: The patient is typically placed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation
• Incisions: Several small incisions are made behind the hairline
• Procedure: An endoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end, is inserted through one of the incisions. This allows Dr. Watts to view the underlying structures of the forehead. Special instruments are then used through the other incisions to lift the forehead tissues and anchor them into their new position
• Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or clips

Direct Brow Lift:

• Preparation: The patient is typically placed under general anaesthesia for the procedure
• Incisions: Dr Watts makes an incision directly above the eyebrows, strategically placed for optimal access and reduced scarring.
• Procedure: At the time of the procedure the skin and underlying tissues are lifted to achieve the desired eyebrow elevation and excess skin is removed as needed. The lifted tissues are secured into place using sutures, dissolvable anchors, or other techniques.
• Closure: Dr Watts closes the incision using sutures and surgical techniques to reduce visibility of the incision line.

Gliding Brow Lift:

• Preparation: Before the procedure, general anaesthesia is administered for patient comfort and safety.
• Incisions: Small incisions are made within the hairline or forehead creases, strategically placed to allow access while reducing visible scarring.
• Procedure: Dr Watts gently separates the skin from underlying tissues, creating a “glide path.” Brow tissues are then lifted and repositioned to achieve the desired result, employing techniques such as internal sutures for secure anchoring.
• Closure: After the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures to reduce scarring. Patients receive postoperative care instructions for managing discomfort, swelling, and bruising, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Each technique has its advantages and potential drawbacks. The best method is determined based on the patient’s specific needs, hairline position, degree of forehead wrinkles, and other factors.

Recovery after Brow Lift

Recovery from a Brow Lift is a crucial part of the surgical process and understanding what to expect can help the healing process. The steps are typically as follows:

• Immediately Post-operative: After the surgery, the forehead may be taped or wrapped to reduce swelling. In some cases, a thin tube may be placed to drain any excess blood or fluid.
• First Few Days: Swelling and bruising are to be expected but will begin to subside after a few days. Keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling. Cold compresses can also be beneficial.
• Pain Management: Some discomfort is expected, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended, but always consult with Dr. Watts before taking any medication.
• Suture Removal: If non-dissolvable sutures or clips are used, they are typically removed within a week or two.
• Activity Restrictions: Strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks or up to 6 weeks. It’s essential to follow Dr. Watts’ specific guidelines to avoid complications.
• Long-term Recovery: While most of the noticeable swelling and bruising will diminish within a couple of weeks, the healing process continues for several months. The incision lines, initially noticeable, will fade over time and become less visible though they will not disappear completely.
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with Dr. Watts are crucial to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
• Final Results: The full results of the Brow Lift will become evident once all swelling has subsided, and the forehead has fully healed. This can take several months.

Risks of Brow Lift Surgery

Plastic surgery comes with inherent risks. It’s crucial for patients to be aware of potential complications and make informed decisions. Anaesthesia is used in most surgical procedures for patient safety and comfort. However, in rare cases, it can lead to complications such as allergic reactions, lung infections, stroke, and even heart complications.

Also, keep in mind that all surgeries result in some form of scarring. While Dr. Watts often uses techniques to reduce and strategically place these scars, some patients might experience hypertrophic or keloid scarring, which is raised and more prominent. It’s essential for anyone considering plastic surgery to thoroughly research and understand these risks. Read more about risks and potential complications of plastic surgery.

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FAQs about Brow Lift Surgery

Who is a suitable candidate for a Brow Lift?

• An suitable candidate for a Brow Lift is someone who has brow ptosis or low-positioned eyebrows that create a tired appearance.
• They may also have deep horizontal creases across the forehead or frown lines between the eyebrows or across the top of the nose.
• It’s essential for candidates to be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Are there any potential risks or complications associated with a Brow Lift?

• Like any surgical procedure, a Brow Lift comes with potential risks. These may include infection, poor wound healing, hair loss at the incision sites, facial asymmetry, nerve injury leading to facial weakness, and anaesthesia risks.
• It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks with Dr. Watts during the consultation.

How long do the results of a Brow Lift last?

• The results of a Brow Lift are long-lasting. While the procedure can deliver visible results, it doesn’t stop the ageing process. Over time, the forehead tissues will gradually settle, but most patients enjoy the benefits of the procedure for many years. Factors like genetics, overall health, and skincare routine can influence the longevity of the results.

Will there be visible scars after a brow lift?

• Watts makes every effort to place incisions in specific locations, such as behind the hairline or within natural skin folds. As a result, scars from a brow lift are well-concealed. Over time, with proper care, these scars will fade and become less noticeable.

How soon can I return to work after undergoing a Brow Lift?

• Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within 7-10 days post-surgery. However, the exact recovery timeline can vary based on the individual and the specific technique used.
• It’s essential to follow Dr. Watts’ post-operative care instructions and avoid strenuous activities until cleared to do so.

Medical References about Brow Lift

• Brow lift – Mayo Clinic
• Brow Lift: What It Is, Procedure Options, Surgery & Recovery – Cleveland Clinic
• Brow Lift Procedure Steps – ASPS

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PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.