Brow Lift (Forehead Lift) in Bellevue, WA
Schedule A ConsultationEven with BOTOX® being so popular for reducing the “11’s” and subtly raising the eyebrows, we are experiencing an ever increasing demand for a more permanent solution for eyebrow elevation.
It has been over 20 years since Dr. Stephens worked with his colleagues in developing the invisible hidden-incision, endoscopic-assisted brow lift. The procedure has remained effective for a subtle and elegant eyebrow elevation that softens the forehead and opens the area around the eyes.
Prior to this, forehead lifts, also called brow lifts, utilized the “traditional coronal” brow lift, consisting of an incision that extended from the top of the head to each ear. While this is effective and is still used by some surgeons, it is very aggressive and can result in an extremely “surprised” look as well as a significant numbness of the scalp; the scar can also be a problem.
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Brow/Forehead Lift Candidates
Often, our patients who request a “brow lift” confide that their friends and colleagues say that they look angry or tired where they are actually very happy and energetic people and want their face to express this. In the competitive marketplace, people may have jobs and professions where they need to look approachable and relaxed. The forehead lift should never look surprised but should provide a softened, refreshed appearance.
Do I Need a Brow Lift or an Eyelid Lift?
In some cases, patients ask if they need to have the skin of their upper eyelids removed, (an upper eyelid blepharoplasty). While they may need this, the skin around the eyebrow above the eyelid also needs to be moved to allow the area above the eye to open up. In fact, in some cases, there is a heavy brow and a “deep-set eye” that has been there since youth but is now more relaxed and now crowds the area around the eyes where a brow lift alone is the best treatment. The brow lift can often improve the upper vision, the visual field in the area impairing vision.
What Are the Different Types of Brow Lifts?
Dr. Stephens generally performs two types of brow lifts depending on the quality and looseness of the skin, the endoscopic brow lift and the subcutaneous brow lift. In some cases, such as a facelift, the lateral brow lift is often utilized to take up the residual skin above the sideburn although it can be performed as an isolated procedure.
The Endoscopic Brow Lift
This is indicated In younger patients with tighter, firmer forehead skin. The endoscopic approach lifts the whole area of the forehead, brow, and temples as well as the area around the outside of the eyes. It also can be used to remove the frown muscles that create those “11’s” and frown lines between the eyebrows.
It is performed utilizing small, hidden incisions behind the hairline that are unnoticeable once they have healed. There is a remarkably short recovery and hair loss is avoided. A specialized, tiny telescope is placed through these small incisions to provide remarkable direct access to the forehead structures.
This Technique:
- Utilizes four to five tiny incisions, resulting in minimal hidden scars behind the hairline
- Uses an endoscope (a tiny telescope that utilizes a camera and light source) and specialized instruments that allows the surgeon to visualize and manipulate the internal structures under microscopic vision
- Allows for a faster recovery time and less pain
- Does not efficiently eliminate excess skin in older patients or those with loose skin
The Subcutaneous Brow Lift:
This is used in older patients or those with loose skin. The hairline approach is used and the skin is lifted in the more superficial-subcutaneous plane that is immediately below the skin, between it and the forehead muscle to tighten it and reduce the forehead wrinkles in addition to lifting the eyebrows.
With This Technique:
- An incision is hidden along or within the hairline above the forehead
- The skin is lifted above the deeper structures in the forehead to give the surgeon more access to looser skin
- Excess skin is removed, and the new brow position is secured as the incision is sutured together
- The hairline can also be lowered by using an extended hairline approach
- Numbness behind the incision may persist for nine to 12 months
- Does not affect the frown muscles; however, these may be approached through the upper eyelids
Brow Lift Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine which brow lift technique is right for me?
During your consultation, Dr. Stephens will review the areas of your concern and show you what the browlift and eyelid surgery will do to change your appearance. Some people may clearly need just a brow lift procedure while others just need to have the skin removed around the upper eyelids,where some will need both procedures for an optimal result.
The amount of correction you require and a variety of other factors will be taken into consideration to help determine the right technique for your individual needs.
How do I know if I need eyelid skin removal, (a blepharoplasty) combined with my brow lift to rejuvenate my eyes?
Sagging brows as well as excess tissue in the eyelids can contribute to vision impairment and drooping in the upper eyelids. To determine if a brow lift alone will correct this condition, place your fingers just above your eyebrows and lift them into a more favorable position. If most of the skin in the upper eyelid is improved, a brow lift is most likely right for you. If excess tissue in the eyelid remains, eyelid surgery may also be needed to rejuvenate the eyes.
Lower eyelid surgery can also be performed at the same time to remove excess skin and bags below the eyes.
Are brow lifts painful?
Endoscopic and subcutaneous brow lifts have very little pain but you may have a headache for a few days.
Is there much bruising after a brow lift?
There usually is some bruising around the areas surrounding the eyes that may be bruised for up to several weeks.
Can I combine my brow lift with other procedures?
Yes. A forehead lift is commonly combined with other surgical procedures to improve the appearance of the face and neck.
Some of the more commonly combined procedures include:
How long does it take to recover after a brow lift?
You will be advised to sleep with your back and head elevated for the first five to seven days after the procedure, and mild activities such as walking can be performed during this time. Most patients can return to work one week after surgery, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting must be avoided for at least a few weeks.
Dr. Stephens and his staff will give you specific instructions to follow after your procedure to ensure the safest and most effective recovery.
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