As we age, wrinkles and frown lines often first appear in the brow and forehead area. Genetics and environmental damage from the prolonged exposure to the sun can also accelerate the aging process. A forehead lift or brow lift can smooth out the wrinkles and correct drooping brows and heavy lids to provide a younger, friendlier appearance. A brow lift can be performed alone or with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, eyelid surgery or laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Nikko will consult with you to explain the many options available to you to restore the brow to its natural position.
During your initial cosmetic consultation, Dr. Nikko will discuss your
goals for the surgery and explain your probable outcome of treatment. He
will also help you decide which surgical approach will best meet your cosmetic
goals: the 'open' or classical method, or the endoscopic forehead lift.
You will be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients
having similar conditions, and we will explain the treatment you can expect
to receive. Before and after photos may be taken of your area to be treated
to document your results.
A brow lift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take one to two hours.
With the classical or "open" method the incision is hidden just inside or
by the hairline across the scalp and between the ears. Dr. Nikko lessens
the appearance of wrinkles by removing selected muscles and releasing tissues,
which cause the wrinkles. The eyebrows may also be elevated, and excess
skin at the incision will be removed to allow a gentle redraping of your
forehead skin.
Endoscopic or minimal-scar brow lift is performed using a tiny fiberoptic
lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed in the hairline. The lens
is attached to a camera, which is connected to a television, allowing for
visualization of the surgery. Additional half-inch incisions are made for
the insertion of tiny scalpels, scissors and retractors. Dr. Nikko performs
the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the
tiny instruments externally.
An endoscopic brow lift is particularly useful with younger patients where
the removal of excess skin is not required. With an endoscopic brow lift,
loss of sensation or hair at the incision site is minimized. An endoscopic
brow lift can significantly reduce the frown lines between the eyes, so
it is often performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery to achieve
optimal results.
If you are a candidate for this procedure, the endoscopic brow lift allows for smaller incisions resulting in minimal scarring, less bleeding, minimal numbness and a quicker recovery.
There is a minimal amount of discomfort following a brow lift. There will
be swelling and bruising that may last from seven to 10 days. For some patients
this may include the cheeks and eyelids. Keeping your head elevated and
application of cold compresses will help to reduce swelling. As your incisions
heal, you will notice some itching and possibly some numbness. These symptoms
will diminish over time. You may wear make-up after three days, and your
sutures will be removed in seven to 10 days. Strenuous activity is restricted
for six weeks.
If you are wondering if a brow lift or other cosmetic procedure might
improve your appearance, please call our office to arrange a consultation.
