Browlift
What is a browlift?
A browlift procedure raises the brow, and re-opens the area around the eye creating a refreshed, youthful appearance. It may be combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Why have it?
As we age the skin loses elasticity and the underlying muscle in the brow stretches, leading to horizontal wrinkles lines and furrows (worry lines), and 'sagging' of the brow. This can create the impression of a tired or sad face, with an aged appearance. When this is severe, vision can be affected.
Excess skin in the upper eyelid which appears with increasing age, may also be present and to achieve full rejuvenation of the eyes, upper eyelid surgery may be performed at the same time.
Reasons not to have it
Smoking can increase the incidence of complications from browlift surgery. It may be wise to delay surgery until smoking is stopped or cut down. Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding by preventing blood from clotting. If you are taking aspirin, you will be asked to stop this for at least ten days before the procedure.
Further information
Consultation
Your brow and upper eyelids will be examined. You will be asked about your general health, your medical history and any previous surgical procedures.
Procedure
There are 2 types of browlift procedures: open (where the skin is excised); endoscopic (keyhole surgery).
Endoscopic brow lift:
Five small incisions are made in the scalp. Through one of these incisions an endoscope with a small camera on the end of it is inserted and passed forward beneath the muscle layer on the brow. This layer is lifted and secured to raise the eyebrows. Some of the muscles at the inner eyebrows are weakened to remove wrinkles in this area.
Open brow lift:
An incision is made behind the hairline from ear to ear. For men with a receding hairline the incision is hidden within the forehead creases. The muscle layer is weakened and lifted and excess skin is trimmed away. The incision is sutured.
Anaesthetic
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Length of stay
1 night following the operation.
Risks/Possible complications
Early (1-2 days):
Frequent
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Temporary numbness
Infrequent
- Bleeding (haematoma)
- Headaches
Later (after one week):
Infrequent
- Scars - can be lumpy, unsightly
- Nerve injury
- Numbness at front of scalp
- Asymmetry
General anaesthetic
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Chest infection
- Allergic reaction to drugs or tape
Recovery
Immediately after the operation
- You will feel bruised and sore and there will be some swelling
- Pain is usually moderate and controlled with standard painkillers
- For the open procedure a drain may be place for 1-2 days
After return home
- Socialising with friends 1 week
- Return to work at 1-2 weeks
- Driving at 1 week
- Swelling and bruising up to 2-3 weeks
- Return to gym and strenuous activity 1 month
- Final result 3 months