Brow Lift

Potentially.  A brow lift will help to reduce excess skin on the upper eyelid and “hooding” on the lateral part of the upper lid.  Often people think they need the eyelids to be treated; however, a brow lift alone may sufficiently treat the eyelids. For this reason, one should always assess the brow and eyelids together.

In cases where drooping brows obstruct vision, a brow lift can improve field of view.

Possibly.  Some types of brow lift can elevate the hairline, others can lower it, and some techniques leave the hairline unaltered.

Botox can give a very subtle amount of brow elevation if placed in between the eyebrows and at the crow’s feet areas. However, this is typically a very mild amount of elevation. Botox in the forehead for forehead lines will actually lower the brow, not lift it, so it should be avoided in patients who are already worried about a dropped brow. Dropping the brows can make the eyelids look heavier as well.

Brow lifts are often performed as an extension of a face lift and/or in conjunction with blepharoplasty to address the entire eye area.

Brow lifts are commonly performed for patients in their 40’s to 60’s, but younger patients with genetic factors such as heavy brows may also benefit from the procedure.

Initial recovery from a brow lift typically takes about 1-2 weeks, during which most swelling and bruising subside. Full recovery that includes the fading of scars and resolution of small amounts of swelling can take several months to a year.

Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within one week. For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 2 weeks for recovery.

We typically ask patients to remain in town for a period of 1-2 weeks before flying. However, car rides of 2-4 hours are ok the following day in most cases. We would still like to see you for a postoperative visit at the one-week mark.

Very light activity such as a brisk walk or a light stationary bike is encouraged as soon as you feel ready for it after surgery. Moderate exercise is usually resumed in about two weeks and heavy exercise in one month.

Yes, any skin incision will leave a scar. If the incisions are created and closed meticulously, the scars are typically imperceptible at 6-12 months, sometimes sooner. Proper postoperative care will help the scars heal better and faster. This includes sun block, silicone gel, and avoiding sun exposure during the healing phase

Depending on the type of brow lift, the incisions can be very variable. Traditional “old-school” brow lifts are called coronal brow lifts, and this involves an incision across the top of the scalp. Newer types of brow lifts can involve as few as two small incisions in the hairline, each about a centimeter or less. One type called a transfollicular brow lift has the benefit of allowing the hairline to be lowered. A minimally invasive or “gliding” brow lift requires only tiny “poke” incisions. There is also a lateral brow lift, which is commonly done as an extension of a face lift.