A drooping brow can create a tired or sad appearance, even on our best days. If you constantly look fatigued, a brow lift—also known as a forehead lift—can smooth sagging skin and restore a rested, refreshed look to the upper face. Unlike a comprehensive facelift, a brow lift only treats the forehead; however, this effective facial rejuvenation procedure has the power to reduce expressions of anger or worry as the brow is lifted and horizontal forehead lines are smoothed. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Wesley Schooler, MD, FACS, can perform a surgical brow lift with consideration of your unique needs to help you attain your cosmetic goals.
Who is a Candidate for a Brow Lift?
If descended eyebrows are conveying negative emotions like stress or anger, a brow lift can be a long-lasting solution to rejuvenate the upper third of the face. Good candidates for the procedure typically exhibit drooping brows or some degree of skin and muscle laxity in the region. Patients who struggle with horizontal brow creases or frown lines can also benefit from the procedure. In addition, those considering a brow lift should:
- Be in good health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
- Have realistic expectations for the procedure
- Not be a smoker, or stop smoking six weeks before and after surgery
A brow lift can address the forehead, but the procedure isn’t intended to remove excess skin or sagging tissue around the eyes. If lax skin around the eyelids is causing wrinkles or a “hooding” of the upper lids, your concerns may be better resolved with blepharoplasty, which targets puffiness or drooping of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Many patients exhibit sagging skin in both regions and opt to undergo a joint procedure for the best possible rejuvenation.
A brow lift can address the forehead, but the procedure isn’t intended to remove excess skin or sagging tissue around the eyes. If lax skin around the eyelids is causing wrinkles or a “hooding” of the upper lids, your concerns may be better resolved with blepharoplasty, which targets puffiness or drooping of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Many patients exhibit sagging skin in both regions and opt to undergo a joint procedure for the best possible rejuvenation.
How is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?
A brow lift is an outpatient facial plastic surgery performed under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Depending on which technique is most appropriate for your cosmetic goals, Dr. Schooler may place the incision behind the ear or within the hairline for discreet scar placement. Dr. Schooler will then gently lift the brow while removing excess skin and fat. If the muscles have descended, Dr. Schooler will also reposition the layer of musculature to correct a heavy brow.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift improves upon traditional brow lift techniques, generally leading to shorter incisions, reduced swelling, and less discomfort during the recovery period. With the endoscopic approach, Dr. Schooler makes a few small incisions behind the hairline and utilizes a tiny surgical camera to see the underlying tissues of the forehead. He is then able to achieve a more youthful brow with less invasiveness than traditional techniques, removing excess skin and fat while realigning the muscle layer. The incisions are typically closed with sutures, and the entire procedure takes one to two hours.
What is Recovery From a Brow Lift Like?
A brow lift generally involves minimal recovery, even less so when an endoscopic procedure is utilized. After being driven home by a friend or loved one, Dr. Schooler advises resting with your head elevated above heart level. Light ambulation (walking around, standing, etc.) is encouraged one day after surgery to prevent blood clotting, but vigorous physical activity should be avoided for at least four weeks. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within one week, and certain exercises can be performed after two weeks according to Dr. Schooler’s instruction.
How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?
There are many factors that go into determining the cost of a brow lift. You can rest assured that you will receive a personalized quote after your needs are evaluated in a consultation with Dr. Schooler. Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center makes it easy to manage the costs of surgery by accepting plastic surgery financing from reputable lenders, such as CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit. Both options offer qualified patients a number of different low- to no-interest payment plans to choose from, providing a suitable arrangement for virtually any budget. If you have any questions, a friendly member of our office can help! Please contact our practice for more information about the cost of brow lift surgery.
Questions? Dr. Wesley Schooler performs a range of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures to resolve your aesthetic concerns. If you would like to schedule a consultation or speak to a member of our team, please contact Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center today.