Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

A brow lift surgery can help you look rejuvenated and refreshed

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the forehead and eyebrows. The procedure is typically performed on individuals who are experiencing wrinkles, lines, sagging or drooping eyebrows, as well as hooding of the upper eyelids, which can make a person look tired, sad, or older. A brow lift can help to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance by smoothing out wrinkles and lines, elevating the eyebrows, and opening up the eyes.

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What is a brow lift, and what does it involve?

A brow lift, also known as an upper facelift or forehead lift, is a cosmetic facial rejuvenation procedure that lifts the eyebrows and tightens the forehead and skin around the eyes. This procedure targets the upper third of the face, from the corner of the eyes upward to the frontal hairline.

As we age, the eyebrows tend to droop, and the skin loses elasticity, resulting in a tired or angry appearance. A brow lift can reverse these signs of ageing by tightening the forehead and pulling the eyebrows up. There are several types of brow lift procedures available, and the optimal procedure for each patient depends on their individual needs and desired results.

Brow lift procedures are typically performed as a day case with minimal scarring, faster recovery time, and fewer side effects. Surgeons at Centre for Surgery in London can help patients choose the optimal type of forehead lift for their needs and desired results.

The procedure can be performed using several different techniques, such as the traditional technique, the endoscopic technique or the temporal brow lift. The traditional technique involves making an incision along the hairline, lifting and repositioning the forehead skin, and removing any excess skin. The endoscopic technique involves making several small incisions in the hairline and using a small camera called an endoscope to guide the surgery. The minimal incision technique involves making small incisions in the hairline and using specialised instruments to lift the skin.

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It is important to note that a brow lift is a surgical procedure, and as such, it carries certain risks and complications. It is important to have realistic expectations and to discuss them with the surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Choosing the right surgeon for a brow lift in the UK is an important decision. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a surgeon:

1. GMC Certification: It is important to choose a surgeon who is certified by the General Medical Council (GMC) and is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) or their international equivalent. These organisations have strict guidelines and standards for their members, which can help to ensure that the surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure.
2. Experience: Look for a surgeon who has experience performing brow lifts. A surgeon who has performed many brow lifts will likely have the skills and expertise to achieve the best results for you.
3. Before and After Photos: Review before and after photos of the surgeon’s previous patients. This will give you an idea of the types of results that the surgeon is capable of achieving.
4. Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon should take the time to understand your goals and discuss the best treatment options for you. They should also answer any questions you have and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.
5. Facility: Make sure the surgeon operates in a fully accredited and certified facility with adequate safety measures and protocols.
6. Reviews: Look for patient reviews online, and ask the surgeon for references if possible. This can help you get a sense of the patient experience and satisfaction.

It’s also important to remember that you should choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and that you trust to make the best decision for you. While it’s important to consider the qualifications and experience of the surgeon, it’s also important to choose someone who you feel comfortable communicating with, and who you believe will be responsive to your needs and concerns.

It’s important to note that choosing the right surgeon is only one part of the process, and you will also have to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure.

As we age, the upper face can show various signs of ageing. Some of the most common signs include:

1. Wrinkles and fine lines: As the skin loses elasticity and collagen, wrinkles and fine lines can form on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes.
2. Sagging skin: The skin on the upper face can lose firmness and begin to sag, which can cause drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids.
3. Hollow cheeks: With age, the cheeks can become hollow and sunken due to a loss of volume in the face.
4. Age spots: Sun exposure can cause age spots to appear on the upper face, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes.
5. Loss of eyelashes: As we age, the eyelashes can become thinner and less visible.
6. Forehead lines: Due to the constant movement of forehead muscles, wrinkles appear on the forehead.
7. Marionette lines: wrinkles that run down from the corners of the mouth to the jawline.
8. Crow’s feet: wrinkles that appear on the outer corners of the eyes.

It is important to note that these signs of ageing can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and a poor diet. To slow the signs of ageing on the upper face, it is recommended to protect the skin from the sun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and consider skincare treatments such as facials, botox and fillers.

RELATED: Eyelid Rejuvenation Options – Solutions for Younger Looking Eyes

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that can target a variety of aesthetic concerns in the upper portion of the face. The procedure aims to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. Some of the most common conditions that a brow lift can target include the following:

• Lines and Wrinkles: As we age, wrinkles and lines can form on the forehead due to the contraction of the muscles that control facial expressions. A brow lift can smooth out these wrinkles and lines, giving the forehead a more youthful appearance.
• Drooping eyebrows: Over time, the skin and muscles in the forehead can lose elasticity and tone, causing the eyebrows to droop. A brow lift can reposition the eyebrows to a more youthful, elevated position.
• Hooded eyelids: The skin on the upper eyelids can become loose and saggy, creating a hooded appearance that can make a person look tired or older. A brow lift can remove the excess skin, resulting in a more open and alert appearance.
• Frown lines: The wrinkles that form between the eyebrows can give the appearance of a permanent frown. A brow lift can smooth out these lines, giving the face a more relaxed and neutral expression.
• Forehead asymmetry: Certain individuals may have an asymmetrical forehead, where one side may be lower than the other. A brow lift can help to balance out the forehead, creating a more symmetrical appearance.

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It’s important to keep in mind that a brow lift is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon who specialises in facial cosmetic surgery is necessary to determine if a brow lift is the right option for you and what specific conditions can be targeted.

A forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. The procedure is typically performed on people who have wrinkles and sagging skin in these areas, as well as those with drooping eyebrows.

To determine if you are a suitable candidate for a forehead lift, a consultation with a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery is necessary. They will consider your medical history, current health, and cosmetic goals. They will also examine your skin, bone structure, and muscle tone in the forehead and brow area.

If you are in good general health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and have specific cosmetic concerns that a forehead lift can address, you may be a good candidate for the procedure. However, if you have certain medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications, such as high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder, a forehead lift may not be recommended.

It is important to keep in mind that a forehead lift will not change your overall facial appearance or make you look like someone else. The goal of the procedure is to enhance your natural features and help you look like a refreshed version of yourself.

Traditional Open Brow Lift:

The conventional technique for lifting the eyebrows and forehead is called the open or coronal browlift, but it is not as commonly used nowadays due to newer alternatives, such as the endoscopic brow lift, which are preferred by surgeons.

The open browlift requires a large incision along the frontal hairline that runs from ear to ear. Through this incision, the surgeon elevates the deep forehead muscles and tissues and secures them in place using sutures. Next, they pull the forehead skin tightly to smoothen out wrinkles and lines. Finally, any excess skin is removed, and the wound is sutured along the hairline.

However, plastic surgeons have replaced the traditional brow lift with newer techniques due to some disadvantages, including nerve injury, scalp numbness, hairline displacement, and destruction of hair follicles along the incision. For this reason, most surgeons now prefer to perform the endoscopic brow lift, which is less invasive and results in less scarring. Nevertheless, the traditional brow lift remains an excellent option for some patients with advanced signs of ageing.

Endoscopic Brow Lift:

• An endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure that utilises a thin tube with a camera attached to it, called an endoscope, to lift the brow.
• It involves making small incisions in the scalp and lifting the skin and underlying tissues.
• This method results in less scarring and quicker recovery compared to traditional brow lift procedures

Temporal Brow Lift:

• A temporal brow lift focuses on the outer portion of the brow, specifically the temples.
• This procedure is used for patients with drooping or hooding of the outer brow, or those with wrinkles or lines in the temporal area.
• Incisions are typically made in the hairline near the temples, and the skin and underlying tissues are lifted to produce a more youthful appearance.

Transpalpebral Brow Lift – Mini Brow Lift:

• A minimal incision brow lift involves making small incisions behind the hairline rather than a longer incision in the scalp.
• This method lifts the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in a more youthful appearance of the brow.
• The recovery time is quicker, and scarring is minimal compared to the traditional open brow lift.

The type of brow lift procedure recommended will depend on a patient’s individual needs, anatomy, and goals for the procedure. A specialist plastic surgeon can help determine which method will best achieve the desired outcome.

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take between one to two hours, depending on the specific technique used.

Here are the general steps of the surgical procedure for a brow lift:

1. Anaesthesia: Before the procedure begins, the patient will be given either general anaesthesia or IV sedation to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.
2. Incision: The surgeon will make an incision on the scalp, typically in the hairline, where it can be easily hidden. There are different techniques for making the incision. One is a coronal incision, which is made across the top of the scalp; another is an endoscopic incision, which involves making a few small incisions along the hairline and using a small camera to visualise the underlying tissues.
3. Repositioning of tissues: The surgeon will then lift and reposition the skin, muscle, and other tissues of the forehead, brow, and upper eyelids. This can involve removing excess skin, tightening the muscles and repositioning the eyebrows to a more youthful, elevated position.
4. Closure of incision: After the repositioning is complete, the incision will be closed using sutures, staples or surgical glue.
5. Recovery: After the procedure, the patient will be given medication to help manage pain, swelling, and bruising. The patient must keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. The patient should expect some swelling and bruising to last for several weeks.

It is important to remember that the recovery time and results may vary from patient to patient, and it’s crucial to follow the surgeon’s postoperative instructions. It’s also important to keep in mind that the results of the procedure are not immediate. It may take several weeks or months for the final results to become visible.

It’s important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who specialises in facial surgery to discuss the best options and any risks or potential complications that may arise.

You will be able to leave the clinic on the same day as your eyebrow lift procedure once the anaesthetic effects have worn off.

You will have dressings applied to the forehead and may have two small drains, which will help to remove any excess fluid. These will be removed after the first two days. You mustn’t get the dressing wet to avoid moisture getting into the wound and potentially delaying wound healing. One of our postoperative nurses will remove any stitches that are not dissolvable after four to seven days.

Pain Management:

• Pain is usually minimal after a brow lift procedure, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain medication from the surgeon.
• It is important to take the medication as directed and not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of the medication have worn off.

Swelling and Bruising:

• Swelling and bruising are common after a brow lift procedure and typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.
• Ice packs and elevation of the head can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Wound Care:

• The incisions from a brow lift procedure will be closed with sutures or surgical staples.
• The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the incisions, which may include cleaning the area, avoiding certain activities, and wearing a headband or similar dressing to protect the incisions.

Activity Restrictions:

• Patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least one to two weeks after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications and allow proper healing.
• Light activity and work can typically be resumed within one week, but more strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.

Follow-up Visits:

• The surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and make sure the incisions are healing properly.
• Any concerns or problems should be reported to the surgeon during these visits.

Final Results:

• The final results of a brow lift procedure will become apparent once the swelling and bruising have resolved, typically within a few weeks to several months.
• The results of a brow lift are long-lasting, but the ageing process will continue and may result in some subtle changes over time.

It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully during the recovery period to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome from the procedure.

You will have to wear a compression garment which will help to reduce swelling. Ensure that you avoid any strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for three weeks following the brow lift. You may need to take up to one week off work. However, this will vary from person to person.

Brow lift surgery is a commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with the brow lift procedure.

Risks and Complications of a Brow Lift Procedure:

1. Anaesthesia Complications:

• As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications from the anaesthesia used during a brow lift.
• These may include allergic reactions, breathing problems, or changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
• These risks can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced anesthesiologist.

2. Infection:

• Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and taking antibiotics as directed.

3. Bleeding:

• Bleeding is a risk after any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by avoiding certain medications before the procedure and carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care.

4. Nerve Injury:

• There is a risk of injury to the nerves that control the forehead and eyebrows, which can result in changes in muscle function or sensation in the area.
• These risks can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.

5. Scarring:

• Scarring is a risk with any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and avoiding exposure to sun and other sources of UV radiation.

6. Asymmetry:

• Asymmetry is a risk after any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and discussing the desired outcome and expectations in detail.

7. Poor Healing:

• Poor healing is a risk after any surgical procedure, and the risk can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and avoiding exposure to sun and other sources of UV radiation.

8. Revision Surgery:

• Revision surgery may be necessary to correct any complications or unsatisfactory results from a brow lift procedure.
• The risk of revision surgery can be reduced by carefully selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and discussing the desired outcome and expectations in detail.

It is important to discuss the risks and potential complications of a brow lift procedure with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and to carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions for pre- and post-operative care to reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

Several factors will determine the overall cost of your brow lift procedure, and the final quotation will be given after your face-to-face consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.

• Browlift alone or browlift combined with blepharoplasty or other facial rejuvenation procedure
• Local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic
• Primary or revision brow lift

Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators, who may be able to give you a rough costing before having a consultation for a brow lift procedure.

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Always remember that price should never be the determining factor when it comes to choosing your provider. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instil in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.

Further Reading – medical references

ASPS USA – Brow Lift Surgery

1. Over ten years experience with all types of brow lift surgery – endoscopic brow lift, short-scar mini eyebrow lift and the traditional open browpexy
2. We regularly receive patients from overseas at our London facial cosmetic surgery specialist centre.

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This was overall a great experience, all the staff at Centre for Surgery were friendly and put me at ease. It is a nerve wracking thing to go through an op but the staff were so nice. Mr Ertan has got a great team around him. On the day of the operation everything went smoothly to plan, there was no delay or holdups, I had another consultation with Mr Ertan who confirmed what was going to be done and that I was still happy to proceed. I was prepped for the procedure, I met with the anaesthetist who again was really nice and put me at ease explaining his role. After the procedure I woke up with the nurse by my side making sure I was OK and checking on me, I was able to stay in the clinic until I was ready to leave and was not rushed at all. I was well looked after from the start to the point when I was discharged. Post operation I was staying at a local hotel it was so close there was no point in even getting a taxi and I was able to walk back where my partner was waiting for me. I was expecting a lot of bruising to both my eyes but there was very little if any by the time the cast came off after 7 days, I am now at the two week post operation point and it is healing well with no outwardly visible bruising or scaring. The next milestone is a checkup at the 6 week point with my surgeon. If you're thinking of having something like this done I would highly recommend getting in touch with Centre for Surgery.

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