Brow Lift / Endoscopic Brow Lift

The brow lift and endoscopic brow lift are two surgical procedures that can reduce signs of aging in the upper third of your face.  While both procedures have similar aesthetic goals, the endoscopic technique is a less invasive method that many plastic surgeons are now performing on a regular basis.

The brow lift is an effective procedure for rejuvenation of the forehead and eye area, an important part of your facial appearance.  By gently lifting the underlying tissues of the brow, the brow lift can correct age-related issues such as:

  • Lines and furrows
  • Asymmetric brow
  • Glabellar lines
  • Crow’s feet
  • Excess eyelid skin

If wrinkles and lines are localized in the forehead, a brow lift is usually done as a single procedure.  In other cases, the patient will benefit from facelift surgery or eyelid surgery during the same procedure.

Are You a Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

You might find that as you grow older, changes occur in your forehead and around your eyes.  The brows gradually descend, resulting in visible lines and creases on multiple areas of the forehead.  Loose skin seems to collect on the eyelids, making you appear tired or unhappy.  Problems such as these are indications for a brow lift or endoscopic brow lift.  Through surgery, Dr. Ljung gently elevates the brows to restore their natural arch and create a smoother forehead.

What to Expect During Your Surgery

A brow lift will typically require about 1 to 2 hours total operating time.  General anesthesia is an option, but local anesthesia has become a common choice with the less invasive brow lift techniques.

Your face is cleansed thoroughly and the hair is tied back and/or trimmed.  After anesthesia is administered, the doctor makes 4 or 5 small incisions behind your hairline.  The surgical endoscope, a small viewing instrument, is used to see your underlying tissues during surgery.  The tissues of the forehead are lifted or partially removed and the shape of the brow is altered to exhibit a smoother appearance.  By gently elevating the brow, the area around your eyes is also opened up. To maintain the results as you heal, Dr. Ljung fixates the brow and closes the incisions with sutures.

After Brow Lift Surgery: How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery time varies, but the endoscopic technique will typically require less downtime than a traditional brow lift.  Expect to rest for at least 7 days before returning to your normal routine.  Some nausea, numbness, mild swelling and discomfort is normal, but should be nearly resolved after 3 weeks.  Pain medications can help you manage discomfort as you recover from your brow lift.  If it’s necessary to remove staples or fixation devices, you’ll need to return for follow-up appointments after 1 week and 2 weeks, respectively.

Possible Complications

All surgery, including the brow lift, carries some uncertainty and risk.  Possible adverse events or complications that can occur with this procedure include nerve damage, scarring, alopecia along scar edges, loss of sensation along incision line, itching, infection, bleeding, asymmetry, overcorrection, and unsatisfactory results.

To learn more about the endoscopic brow lift in Wilmington, contact Azalea Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.