As we age, we start to get more drooping lines on our face, particularly around the eyebrows and on the forehead. These can not only be considered aesthetically unappealing but can make us feel older than we actually are. A brow lift is a suitable remedy to this problem.
What is a brow lift?
There are numerous benefits to having a brow lift, including:
– Achieving a more youthful appearance with raised brows
– Improves heavy brows
– Reduces hooded eyelids
– Minimises wrinkles around the brows and on the forehead
– Correct asymmetry of the eyebrows
– Elevate the brows to the correct position
Can I have other procedures alongside a brow lift?
There are many other cosmetic procedures that you can have while you have a brow lift. These procedures complement each other and work to give you a full facial rejuvenation. Popular procedures to have with a brow lift include:
– Blepharoplasty: otherwise known as eyelid surgery, a blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper and lower eyelid. You can have either an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both at the same time.
– Facelift: a facelift will alter the appearance of your cheeks, jowls and neck. This helps to tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles and reposition facial fat, making you appear refreshed and more youthful.
Procedures to have with a facelift
In some instances, it may be better for you to have one of those procedures rather than a brow lift. During a consultation with a surgeon, you will be able to discuss your wants and needs, and the surgeon will be able to recommend if a brow lift is the right surgery for you.
How is the brow lift procedure performed?
There are numerous brow lift techniques. The appearance of the brow will be the factor that decides which method is used during the brow lift surgery. The brow lift methods include:
– Traditional brow lift: this involves an incision being made above the hairline. The forehead, brow and hairline are then moved upward.
– Minimally invasive brow lift: this is best for men who have very noticeable forehead creases. The incision is made in the forehead crease and the eyebrows are then lifted. This is popular for those who wish to correct brow asymmetry.
– Endoscopic brow lift: this involves three small incisions above the hairline, and the face is then moved upward.
– Male brow lift: as the name suggests, this brow lift method is generally a preferred one for men. An incision is made at the length of the eyebrow. The skin is then pulled to become tighter and firmer. Unlike the other methods, the male brow lift pulls the skin down, rather than back. This makes the procedure popular with those who are starting to go bald, as the hairline will be moved forward rather than back.
Frequently asked questions about brow lifts
Who is a good candidate for a brow lift?
To be eligible for a brow lift, you will need to:
– Be physically and mentally healthy
– Be a non-smoker, or be able to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery and during the recovery period
– Have a healthy BMI (this is considered to be 18.5 – 24.9)
– Have low, heavy eyebrows
Why is the endoscopic brow lift not a suitable method for everyone?
There is not one singular method for a brow lift, and the method used will vary for each individual. Factors such as an elevated hairline can often be a reason people chose not to undergo this method. During a consultation, the surgeon will analyse your brows and forehead and suggest which is the best method for you.
Will the results look natural?
People can often be hesitant to undergo a brow lift because it may leave your face looking frozen and surprised. However, this is not the case at Centre for Surgery. Our experienced, qualified surgeons will leave your face looking natural and youthful.
Can I have my hairline moved forward?
Yes, you can. Using the male brow line method, the hairline can be moved forward, rather than backwards.
Are there any risks with a brow lift?
Every surgical procedure involves risks, albeit rare risks. Complications might include irritation of the nerve that provides sensation to the forehead, bleeding, and asymmetry between the two sides. Further surgery may be necessary if any complications do arise. It is also normal to experience some numbness on the forehead after the surgery, however, this will subside and feeling will return.
Can I have anti-ageing injectables instead of a brow lift?
Anti-ageing injectables will work to paralyse muscles and raise the eyebrows. However, you will need to continue to have the injectables to sustain the look. You will only need to have brow lift surgery once.
Do I need to cut or shave my hair?
While incisions are made behind the hairline, you will not need to cut or shave your hair.
What anaesthetic is used during a brow lift?
A brow lift is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep and unable to feel or hear anything throughout the procedure.
How long does the brow lift take?
It will take about one to two hours.
What will the recovery period be like?
It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort following the brow lift procedure. You will be able to take pain medication to manage any symptoms. You will experience some swelling and bruising, which will dissipate after one to two weeks. You will have to avoid any vigorous physical activity for two weeks following the surgery, as well as avoid any exposure to the sun.
Will I have scars?
This will depend on which method you have. Some brow lift methods include incisions within the hairline, which will not be visible. The utmost effort will be made to ensure the incisions are in the correct position (such as within wrinkle lines) and therefore they will not be as visible. Over time, the scars will fade and become less noticeable.