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November 24, 2023

Types of Brow Lift Surgery: A Guide

Written by: Dr. Rachel Mason. Posted in: Blog
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Enjoy a transformative journey into the world of forehead rejuvenation as we address some of the intricacies of different types of brow lift surgery. Uncover the artistry behind each of the brow lift techniques guiding you towards a refreshed and revitalized expression of timeless beauty.

Whether seeking a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic brow lift procedure, this brow lift procedure guide will empower you with insights into the diverse options available in the world of brow lifts.  We want to help you make informed decisions on your path to a more refreshed appearance.

Brow Lift Overview

A brow lift or forehead lift is a cosmetic surgery that tightens and lifts the excess skin on your forehead. This cosmetic surgical procedure tightens the sagging skin covering the temporal brow bone and reduces forehead wrinkles and lines that develop on the forehead and brow.

Many of these lines and wrinkles were caused by our facial expressions, like frown lines, or from sun exposure. As of 2012, brow lift procedures were the sixth most popular facial cosmetic procedures in the US.

During the Zoom Boom, the brow lift has surged in popularity as many Americans have noticed on video cameras that they have a sagging brow. This can make them look older and even obstruct vision in the worst cases.

Below are some important considerations when you’re thinking about a brow lift.

Insurance May Cover The Cost

Health insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost of cosmetic surgery. However, a brow lift may be covered by insurance if you can prove that it’s medically necessary.

Some patients have skin sagging over the eyes to the extent that it blocks vision. Ensure you check with your insurance provider and be ready to provide documentation from your doctor that the procedure is to correct a medical problem.

A Classic Coronal Brow Lift Is Most Common

A coronal brow lift or forehead lift imparts a revitalized look to your face by repositioning the tissues of the forehead. This classic brow lift addresses sagging forehead skin, lifts drooping eyebrows, and smoothens the forehead, resulting in a more youthful appearance for the upper part of the face.

Once you are under anesthesia, your cosmetic surgeon will make one continuous incision that starts at your ear and goes across the crown of your forehead to your other ear. Some surgeons may make the incision at your hairline.

Next, the surgeon lifts your forehead skin, cuts away extra tissue and excess fat, and tightens the muscles if needed. Your surgeon may place your eyebrows a bit higher for a more youthful appearance.

Endoscopic Brow Lift Reduces Recovery Time And Minimal Scarring

An endoscopic brow lift surgery involves small incisions in contrary to a regular brow lift. There are just three small incisions that measure only 1.5 cm. Since these are behind the hairline, it obscures the incision site, so there is no visible scar.

During the procedure, your surgeon will insert a scope to view the underlying tissue and muscle. This lets your surgeon quickly cut extra skin and tissue before stitching the incisions. This minimally invasive brow lift involves faster healing and minimal swell.

Temporal Brow Lift Is Another Option

This type of brow lift is a minimally invasive brow lift that your cosmetic surgeon can do under local anesthesia. It’s a mini-version of the endoscopic brow lift described above. This cosmetic procedure can produce superior results with little downtime following this brow lift technique.

Brow Lifts are Fast

Whether you have a traditional or endoscopic brow lift, it’s not a lengthy surgery. Most plastic surgeons can perform a brow lift in about an hour. It is an outpatient procedure and you can go home on the same day.

Discomfort Is Minimal

Many people worry about the pain they will have after plastic surgery. The good news is the pain from a brow lift is minimal. You might experience some bruising and swelling, but less if your surgeon performed an endoscopic lift.  This is a minimally invasive procedure.

The swelling could make your brow skin feel tight at first. You can help this problem by resting with the head elevated, which will reduce swelling in a few days. Within a week or so, most bruising and swelling will fade.

General Anesthesia May Be Unnecessary

Surgeons and patients have their own preferences and feelings about anesthesia during different brow lift procedures. You can be administered anesthesia , but it takes longer to wake up, and the risk of complications is somewhat higher.  The brow lift also can be performed with local anesthesia and a sedative. Some people prefer that option because it takes less time to recover.

Over the counter pain medication can mask some of the mild pain following your procedure.

types of brow liftBrow Lift Can Be Combined With Other Facial Procedures

The eyebrow lift corrects the signs of aging on your forehead and brow, so some people want a facelift or eyebrow lift surgery to transform their entire face. Make sure you talk to your plastic surgeon about the possibility of pairing other surgeries with your brow lift.

Brow Lift Recovery

After about a week of brow lift recovery, your surgeon will remove your stitches. You can resume light exercise and activities. After another week, you should be able to return to strenuous exercise.

Questions and Answers

What can you not do following a eyebrow brow lift?

For the first few days, most people need to refrain from engaging in intense physical activities, including athletics and intercourse. You can resume light walking three days post-surgery. Aerobic exercise, weight training, heavy lifting, and straining can be gradually reintroduced two weeks to three weeks after the brow lift procedure.

What is the downtime for a temporal brow lift?

Sutures or stitches will typically be removed one week after the surgery, and most individuals can usually return to work within seven to 10 days post-procedure. Throughout the recovery period, patients might encounter common side effects, including swelling, bruising, or numbness in the brows and forehead.

How long will a temporal brow lift last?

Due to its less-invasive nature, a this brow lift has a shorter time span compared to more extensive surgeries. Typically, one can anticipate the effects of a temporal brow lift to last for approximately 3-4 years.

What is the difference between a direct brow lift and indirect brow lifts?

In the direct lift, an incision is made just above the brow, whereas the indirect brow lift positions the incision within a well-defined horizontal forehead or eyelid crease.

What is different between endoscopic and direct brow lift?

Endoscopic lift surgery is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a brow lift with a significantly reduced healing time. Typically conducted under light sedation, this procedure lasts approximately one hour.

Request A Brow Lift Consultation Today

Interested in a Las Vegas brow lift consultation? Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rachel Mason today! She will review the options and various brow lift techniques that are possible for your eyelid surgery, discuss your goals and help determine if you’re an ideal candidate for brow lift procedure.

References

Brow Lift Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brow-lift/about/pac-20393257

Zoom Calls – Plastic Surgery Procedures On The Rise. (2020). Accessed at https://fortune.com/2020/10/03/zoom-calls-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-procedures-botox-fillers/

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