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Plastic Surgery
Procedures
Procedures>>Brow Lift
- Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona
Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
A smoother forehead, less droopy eyelids,
less furrowed brows - these are some of the
things that can be accomplished with forehead
lift. Dr. Berardi uses forehead lift surgery
to remove wrinkles in the forehead, to lift
sagging eyebrows, and to improve the
appearance of the upper eyelids. A forehead
lift is generally a straightforward procedure
and recovery time is abbreviated compared to
many other types of plastic surgery. Despite
its relative simplicity, forehead lift is
known for significantly enhancing appearance.
Dr. Berardi can combine forehead lift with
another procedure in appropriate cases for
even more dramatic results. To find out more,
please contact us.
A forehead lift or "browlift" is a procedure that
restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the
area above the eyes. The procedure corrects
drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines
and furrows that can make a person appear angry,
sad or tired. In a forehead lift, the muscles and
tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are
removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise
the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.
The Browlift Surgical Procedure
Your surgeon will help you decide which surgical
approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals:
the classic or "open" method, or the endoscopic
forehead lift. Make sure you understand the
technique that your surgeon recommends and why he
or she feels it is best for you.
If your hair is very short, you may wish to let it
grow out before surgery, so that it's long enough
to hide the scars while they heal.
Whether your forehead lift is done in an
outpatient facility or in the hospital, you should
arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
What
is a browlift?
Sagging eyebrows and upper lids may make
you look angry, tired or worried. Browlift
surgery elevates and smoothes the eyebrows
and upper lids, reducing the vertical and
horizontal lines and wrinkles of the
forehead.
During this procedure, the surgeon
elevates the brow through incisions in the
scalp. Various techniques to elevate the brow
are used based on the patient’s anatomy.
For some patients, an endoscopic browlift
may achieve the same results. An endoscope is
a special viewing instrument that allows the
surgeon to view the surgical area while
making only small incisions at the temples
and behind the hairline on the top of the
head.
Although there's no universal opinion on
the better browlift method, many physicians
do offer endoscopic brow
lifts to their patients. Because
endoscopic procedures need smaller incisions,
there is often less scarring and a shorter
recovery period. Talk with your plastic
surgeon about which option is best for you.
Who is a good candidate?
People whose brows or foreheads are lined
and furrowed, as well as those with drooping
and sagging brows that lower the eyebrows and
eyelids, may want to consider a browlift. A
browlift reduces frown lines and deep furrows
on the forehead, although these lines usually
never disappear completely.
For best results, patients often combine a
browlift with a facelift, eyelift, laser skin
resurfacing or other procedure. During your
initial consultation, be sure to talk with
your plastic surgeon about how to achieve
your desired results.
What can I expect
after the surgery?
Patients may experience some numbness and
temporary discomfort around the incision,
which can be controlled with prescription
medication. Patients who are prone to
headaches may be treated with an additional
longer-acting local anesthesia during surgery
as a preventive measure.
Most of the visible signs of surgery should
fade completely within about three weeks.
Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed
with special camouflage makeup.
When can I resume normal
activity?
Although you should be up and about in a
day or two, plan on taking it easy for at
least the first week after surgery. You
should be able to shower and shampoo your
hair within two days, or as soon as the
bandage is removed.
Most patients are back to work or school in a
week to 10 days. Vigorous physical activity
should be limited for several weeks,
including jogging, bending, heavy housework,
sex, or any activity that increases your
blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or
sun should be limited for several months.
What are the risks of a
brow lift?
Every type of surgery has risks, but you
can usually help prevent complications by
carefully following your physician's
instructions. It's important to talk with
your plastic surgeon before surgery to be
sure you understand the potential risks and
complications. If you don't understand
something, ask!
Some risks specifically associated with
browlift include:
- Hair loss around the scars
- Large scars, but this is rare
- The inability to raise your eyebrows
or furrow your brow
In nearly all cases, these problems
improve with time. If necessary, your surgeon
may recommend minor revision surgery to
correct any problems.
How should I prepare for
my browlift procedure?
Your physician will give you specific
instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
Some general guidelines include:
- If you smoke, you will need to stop
at least two to three weeks before your
surgery.
- Follow your doctor's directions
regarding which medications and
supplements you should stop taking
before and immediately after surgery.
- If you have short hair, you may want
to let your hair grow long enough to
cover the incisions and scars you'll
have after surgery.
How long will it take me
to recover?
Because you'll have anesthesia during
browlift surgery, plan to have someone to
take you home after your procedure and help
you for the next day or two. Once at home,
sleep with your head elevated for a few days
until some of the swelling goes down. Most of
the swelling or bruising will subside in two
to three weeks.
You may experience temporary forehead
numbness. You can usually control any pain or
discomfort with medication your doctor will
prescribe.
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