1. What is a brow lift?
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to return the brow back to its natural, refreshed position. We tend to get horizontal wrinkles across our forehead-why? Because we all tend to raise our brows in order to reduce the fold above our eyes that can begin to affect our peripheral vision (and, lets be honest, raising our brow makes us look better in a selfie). A brow lift relieves this tension by raising the brow-so you don’t constantly flex your forehead muscles that can give you a chronic headache or strain.
2. What is the difference between blepharoplasty and a brow lift?
A Blepharoplasty reduces the fold above the eye by reducing fat pockets and excess skin. The fat pockets come forward as the skin loses elasticity and ages. A brow lift raises the brow to further reduce the fold above the eyes. Our brows fall due to an involuntary muscle pull that often creates the “11’s” between the brows, as well as genetic factors and gravity pulling the brow down.
3. Is a brow lift (forehead lift) better to raise sagging eyelids than a blepharoplasty?
One procedure is not better than the other, rather, they compliment each other. We see a lot of patients who wish for the entire fold above the eye to be gone with a blepharoplasty (reducing the skin above and eye) but here is what most people do not understand- 50% of the fold often is caused by a low brow position. If the brow is not raised, and the entire fold is removed, this would make the brows even lower! Often, combining a brow lift with a blepharoplasty can optimally reduce the lid fold with a natural refreshed look because it keeps your face in it’s natural proportions.
4. Can asymmetric eyes or eyebrows be fixed?
Most of us have some level of asymmetry in our facial anatomy. Surgery may help balance some level of brow asymmetry (and Botox can also play a key role in balancing the brows as well!)
5. Will I have visible scars after surgery?
What can I do to lessen scars? The incisions that are created for the brow lift are hidden in the hairline. Depending on the thickness of the hair in the area will determine visibility. We also have a scar recovery gel that is wonderful to expedite the fading of a scar!
6. Non-surgical ways to help sagging brow area?
Botox is the best non-surgical option to reduce the tension in the brow and as Botox causes the brow depressor muscles relax. Subsequently, you will start to see the lifting muscle in the forehead win the “tug of war” and then you experience the magical “botox brow lift.”
7. What is recovery from brow lift like?
You may have some bruising and swelling after surgery that will resolve in several days as you ice the area.
8. What is an endoscopic brow lift?
An endoscopic brow lift is a procedure that uses a small microscope through 3-5 small incisions in the hairline to place the brows in a natural position. As a Board Certified Oculofacial Surgeon with over 25 years experience, I can tell you with confidence that this can be achieved without the “surprised” look (we all know those people that look like they are in a permanent wind tunnel). An endoscopic brow lift can achieve a refreshed, youthful look , allowing your eyes to again be your best feature as they are the first place someone looks when people meet you.
Before Endoscopic Brow Lift
After Endocsopic Brow Lift
To see real patients that have benefited from the Hidden Incision Endoscopic Brow Lift, click here.
9. Can you use injectables for a brow lift?
Yes! Although Botox cannot create the lift that a surgical hidden incision brow lift can, it can relax the stressed, tired area between the brows as well as prevent the brow from becoming lower! If you do have a hidden incision endoscopic brow lift procedure, we also encourage you to treat your brow AT LEAST twice a year in order to keep those brows lifted! A brow lift doesn’t stop gravity, nor does it completely eliminate muscular movement between the brows, therefore, Botox is a great partner to the surgery to extend the life of the lift and keep your eyes looking their best.
If you have further questions, all of these can be answered with a customized facial analysis at the Sherman Aesthetic Center to determine what is right for your eyes and your face.
