As we age, gravity becomes our biggest enemy. Deep wrinkles form in the forehead and drooping in the brow area can occur, portraying a tired or sad facial expression. Botox and other neuromuscular toxins are great options for temporarily lifting the forehead and brow area early on. However, for patients who are seeking a more permanent solution or with more advanced aging of the brow, a brow liftor “forehead lift” may be the answer. There are many different methods used to effectively lift the brows and forehead, but in my opinion, the most effective and long-lasting methods are the Endoscopic Browlift, the Mid-forehead Brow Lift, the Lateral Temporal Lift, and the Trichophytic, or hairline brow lift.
The Endoscopic Brow Lift uses small incisions made by a surgical endoscope behind the hairline to elevate sagging skin and muscle and counteract the forces that cause a sagging brow. The procedure loosens forehead skin and elevates the brows by releasing the brow from its attachment ligaments and then repositioning the forehead skin and brow upward into a more youthful position. The Endoscopic Brow Lift is considered minimally invasive, resulting in fewer incisions, swelling, and a faster recovery. It is optimal technique for almost all individuals in need of a brow lift.
The Mid-forehead Brow Lift removes skin and muscle centrally in the forehead, elevating the brows to a more youthful position. Incisions are made within the deep wrinkles so that the resulting incisions are concealed within the skin lines and imperceptible after healing. The advantage of this technique is that less of the forehead and scalp tissues need to be loosened at the time of surgery to elevate the brows theoretically resulting in less tissue trauma, as well as a more direct approach to the brow structures as well as better access during the operation. The Mid-forehead Brown Lift is most appropriate for people, usually men, with high hairlines and numerous deep forehead wrinkles.
The Lateral Temporal Brow Lift is a quick effective way to target the outer eyebrows, the outer corners of the eyes, as well as the temporal area. The excess hooded skin of the lateral eyebrow and eyelid is tightened through incisions that are made at the temples behind the hairline. This technique can also provide benefit for folds and small wrinkles in the forehead, glabella, and crow’s feet. A Lateral Temporal Brow Lift is ideal for anyone who wants to get rid of wrinkles and sagging near the outer brow and eyelid.
The Trichophytic, or hairline brow lift is a method in which the incision is placed directly in the hairline to best camouflage the incision. The brows are elevated while the hairline is not. While it is an older method it is still an option in people who need skin and muscle removed in addition to a brow elevation and absolutely do not want any change in the position of their hairline. This method is not as advantageous in men who have a high likelihood of hair loss, as this may eventually reveal the scar as further hair loss occurs.
The recovery period for Brow Lift surgery differs based on the procedure. Bandages are removed the day after surgery and bruising and swelling are both common within the first 48 hours after surgery. The most common complaint from patients following a Brow Lift is numbness to the forehead that will diminish after a few months. Consulting a dual board certified facial plastic surgeon is important when considering a Brow Lift to ensure the best possible results.
