Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
How Long Does a Brow Lift Last?
A huntersville brow lift, which is called a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation, is a cosmetic procedure used to raise the eyebrows. A brow lift improves the overall appearance of the forehead, the brow and the area around the eyes by lifting the soft tissue and skin of the forehead and brow. Patients may be a good candidate for a brow lift if they have a low, sagging brow or brow asymmetry. A brow lift can also be used to help boost a patient’s self-confidence.
Brow lift techniques vary depending on your desired results. The specific technique your surgeon chooses will determine the location of the incisions and the resulting scars.
Your surgeon may use one of the following techniques:
- Open brow lift:The surgeon will make a long incision across the forehead. The incision will either be around the hairline or in one of the existing creases of the forehead. The surgeon will then lift the skin away from the underlying tissues, loosen the muscles and remove fat. They will then remove any excess skin, pull the remaining skin down and stitch the brow into the new location. Other names which can be used to describe the open brow lift technique include a classic, coronal or trichophytic brow lift.
- Endoscopic brow lift:The surgeon inserts an endoscope through several tiny incisions strategically placed in the scalp. An endoscope is a long, thin tube with a light at the end and is attached to a video camera. The tool allows the surgeon have visibility and work on the internal structures of the forehead. The endoscopic technique requires very few incisions, however, it may not be equally effective for all patients.
- Limited incision technique:This technique is considered a hybrid of both procedures and is non-endoscopic with limited incisions. The method uses a small portion of the ends of the coronal technique incision to elevate the exterior portion of the eyebrows under direct vision without the use of an endoscope. The incision scars are hidden behind the temporal hairline. This can even be used in balding men who have minimal temporal hair present. While this procedure does not address the center region of the brow, it can reduce the wrinkles or “crows feet” at the corners of the eyes. Because many forehead-lift procedures are performed in addition to an upper blepharoplasty, the upper eyelid incisions are also used to complete the forehead-lift procedure.
Brow lift surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Following a brow lift, the forehead may be wrapped loosely to help reduce the swelling. A small tube can also be placed along the incision site to help with draining excess blood and fluids.
As the incisions heal, you may experience some itching and numbness in the area. If the incisions are covered with bandages, your surgeon will typically remove after a few days. Sutures are typically removed within about a week of the surgery.
Your surgeon will advise when you can resume your daily activities. The swelling may be present for several weeks. The incision lines will fade and be less noticeable over time. You can use makeup to help conceal any scarring or bruising. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat after a brow lift, contact your doctor right away.
A brow lift can give your face a more youthful and restored appearance. It is important to understand that your brow lift results will not last forever. As you continue to age, your facial skin may start to droop and sag again. Sun damage can also cause significant damage to your skin.
The effects of a brow lift varies for each patient. They type of procedure used can also drastically impact the longevity of the results. For most patients, a brow lift should last for about 5-10 years.
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