It used to be that cosmetic surgery was for the over fifty crowd. Patients waited until they looked awful and then asked for "the works". Their results were dramatic, but, unfortunately, everyone could tell they just had surgery. Today, nearly one-third of those seeking facial rejuvenation are between 35 and 50 years old.

Wrinkles and frown lines often first appear in the brow and forehead area. A forehead lift or browlift can smooth out the wrinkles and correct drooping brows and heavy lids to provide a younger, friendlier appearance. A browlift can be performed alone or with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or laser skin resurfacing.

Your consultation
During your initial cosmetic consultation, your doctor will discuss your goals for the surgery and explain your probable outcome of treatment. Your doctor will also help you decide which surgical approach will best meet your cosmetic goals: the "open" or classical method, or the endoscopic forehead lift. You will be shown several before and after photographs of patients having similar conditions, and we will explain the treatment you can expect to receive. Before and after photos may be taken of your area to be treated to document your results.

The procedure
A browlift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take 1 to 2 hours. With the classical or "open" method the incision is hidden just inside or by the hairline across the scalp and between your ears. Your surgeon lessens the appearance of wrinkles by removing selected muscles and releasing tissues, which cause the wrinkles. The eyebrows may also be elevated, and excess skin at the incision will be removed to allow a gentle redraping of your forehead skin.

Endoscopic browlift
Endoscopic or minimal-scar browlift is performed using a tiny fiberoptic lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed in the hairline. The lens is attached to a camera, which is connected to a television, allowing for visualization of the surgery. Additional half-inch incisions are made for the insertion of tiny scalpels, scissors and retractors. Your surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally.

An endoscopic browlift is particularly useful with younger patients where the removal of excess skin is not required. With an endoscopic browlift, loss of sensation or hair at the incision site is minimized. Since an endoscopic browlift can significantly reduce the frown lines between the eyes, it is often performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery to achieve optimal results.

What are the benefits of endoscopic browlift surgery?
Smaller incisions, Minimal scarring, Less bleeding, Less hair loss, Minimal numbness & Quicker recovery

What about insurance?
Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. However, when a browlift is performed to correct a sagging forehead and/or brows that are interfering with your vision, if may be covered in part or in whole. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider for information on the degree of coverage. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding payment arrangements.

What will your recovery be like?
There is a minimal amount of discomfort following a browlift. There will be swelling and bruising that may last from seven to ten days. For some patients this may include the cheeks and eyelids. Keeping your head elevated and application of cold compresses will help to reduce swelling. As your incisions heal, you will notice some itching and possibly some numbness. These symptoms will diminish over time. You may wear make-up after three days, and your sutures will be removed in seven to ten days. Strenuous activity is restricted for six weeks.

If you are wondering if a browlift or other cosmetic procedure might improve your appearance, please call our office to arrange a consultation.