Brow Lifts -
About the Operation
Indications for surgery
Droop (or ptosis) of the forehead with age can result in the eye-brows drooping partly covering the eyelid. This can give a ‘tired or angry’ look. Also the forehead can become quite lined as it ‘tries’ to keep the eyebrows elevated. Surgery can partly correct these changes by lifting and changing the shape of the brow as needed.
Surgical methods
Three different methods exist. They all cut the forehead tissues to leave a deep raw surface and elevate the brow allowing it to heal in a new elevated position. The traditional technique involves removal of skin from the scalp. This ‘open browlift’ is effective but is the largest of the operations with longest recovery time. It does leave a long scar but this is hidden in the hair. The next method uses key-hole surgery (endoscopic browlift). Only 3-4 small cuts are made in the hairline and the forehead lifted. The lift is held with some temporary screws while it heals. The final, and my preferred, method is the suspension browlift. This uses very small cuts in the hairline but uses stitches to hold the brow in a new position while it heals.
Incisions
The incisions in the hairline heal extremely well and can be very difficult to see. The larger cut of the open brow lift is hidden in the hair in most patients. However, it would be seen in bald or patients with thinning hair.
Scars
The cuts with the suspension lift are only a few millimeters long and hardly seen.
Medicines and smoking
All medical history will be sought before any surgery. Do not take herbal medicines prior to surgery or for 3 days following (arnica etc). Also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and voltarol-based tablets. It is always better if you do not smoke. If you are a smoker try and stop for five days before and after surgery as it can reduce the chances of complications.
