About Brow Lift Surgery
A surgical brow lift (also called a browplasty or forehead lift) is a popular procedure that helps create a lifted, younger look to the top section of the face. A droopy brow can sometimes create a tired or angry appearance. However, by removing excess skin from the forehead and raising the eyebrows, a brow lift surgically improves a sagging brow to give you a rejuvenated face. Board-certified plastic surgeon Scott Sessions of La Mesa, CA has over 20 years of experience performing brow lifts on both women and men to create a younger look. At his practice, Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre, brow lifts are often combined with facelifts for more dramatic results. Wrinkle fillers and relaxers are also sometimes used in conjunction with brow lift surgery for ideal results.
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Ideal Candidates
As we get older, skin laxity decreases and causes many areas of the face to sag. This is especially critical in the upper face region and typically affects both men and women. If you have unwanted expression lines or other signs of aging in the forehead and brow region, a brow lift may be right for you. The benefits of a brow lift include:
- Minimizing the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose between the eyes
- Improving what is commonly referred to as "frown lines"
- Repositioning a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid
- Raising the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position
Surgical Technique
Prior to surgery, you will be given anesthesia. This can be done through general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the extent of the surgery. The incision technique used during a brow lift is determined based on the severity of sag, whether the forehead is affected, and the position of the hairline. There are many approaches to consider:
- Traditional Incision
Also called the open lift incision, this technique places the incision at the top of the head behind the hairline. The traditional incision not only masks scarring but also provides a certain degree of controlled lifting during the procedure. The traditional incision works well for those with both a sagging brow and frown lines. This is the better technique if you are at risk for having a receding hairline. - Trichophytic Incision
This incision is placed right along the hairline. It allows significant lifting of the brow for women and men who have a strong hairline with little risk for recession. - Lateral Brow Lift
Also known as a temporal brow lift, this technique sets the incision inside the hairline just above the temples. The lateral incision allows the outer areas of the brow to be raised and helps with sagging that is present in the outer brows. The lateral technique also helps to correct Crow’s feet.
What to Expect
Recovery following brow lift surgery can vary with the most discomfort and swelling occurring with the traditional technique versus the lateral approach. Overall, you can expect slight bruising and swelling in the upper face near the brows and possibly around the eyes. Cold compresses may help to decrease the swelling. Dr. Sessions advises his patients to sleep upright for 3 – 4 nights following brow lift surgery, and it is important to avoid any movement or activities that may place stress on the face. Even with the bruising and swelling, the outcome can usually be seen immediately, though full recovery time is about three weeks. The results are a rejuvenated appearance that looks softer and more alert and a noticeable reduction in fine lines and sagging in the upper half of the face.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a brow lift cost?
When considering a procedure as delicate and complex as plastic surgery, finding an experienced surgeon is much more important than finding the cheapest surgeon. All plastic surgery procedure costs vary from patient to patient, depending on the techniques used, the procedure complexity, patient goals, and more. Dr. Sessions will be able to give you a good estimate of your costs after your consultation. Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre also accepts many different payment methods and can help you find low-interest financing to make your procedure more affordable.
Do I need a brow lift or facelift?
Whether you should get a brow lift or full facelift will depend on where you have sagging skin, as well as your goals. You should candidly discuss your concerns with Dr. Sessions so he can help you decide what is best for you. Many patients come in thinking they want a facelift only to discover they only need a brow lift or vice versa. With his experience, Dr. Sessions can confidently help you develop your treatment plan so you get the results you want.
What about nonsurgical treatments?
There are many nonsurgical treatments, such as laser skin tightening and injectables (like BOTOX and Juvéderm), that can provide mild improvements. However, a surgical brow lift is better if you want significant improvements and longer-lasting results. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions can go over both your surgical and nonsurgical options so you can decide which is best for you.
What technique should I choose?
Dr. Sessions will go over brow lift techniques during your consultation to help you understand the advantages of each type. He will then help you select the best technique for your needs and goals. Some of the factors that may influence your choice are your hairline (taking into account both your current hairline and your risk of future recession), the degree of skin sagging, and how much time you can devote to recovery.
Will my results look natural?
When you choose a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Sessions, your brow lift results will look natural. He will develop your treatment plan for your needs and goals so you look refreshed and younger, not tight or frozen. During your surgery, Dr. Sessions will focus on removing excess skin. The remaining skin and tissue will be smoothed so your results don't limit your facial expressions or lift your eyebrows too high.
Rejuvenate Your Appearance
Don't let your sagging brow make people think you're mad, sad, tired, or angry — schedule a consultation to learn more about a brow lift with Dr. Scott Sessions at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre in La Mesa, CA. By raising your sagging brow, you can improve your entire appearance and look younger and more refreshed. Dr. Sessions strives for natural-looking results. Your forehead lift will have others saying you look younger rather than thinking you had plastic surgery.