Drooping of the eyebrows, deep wrinkles in the forehead and crow's feet are common signs of ageing. Sagging or "ptosis" of the eyebrows also contributes to sagging of the upper eyelids. This results in an aged, tired, angry or sad appearance.
Upper eyelids can sag so much that they actually interfere with vision. When the brow sags too much and sagging upper eyelids affect vision, wrinkles in the forehead often deepen because the person raises the eyebrows to improve vision.
Browlift Surgery, also called a forehead lift, may:
Elevate the brow into a preferred position
Smooth out forehead wrinkles
Lessen frown lines that develop between the eyes near the nose.
To achieve the best outcome for some patients, Dr. Breidahl may recommend that the Browlift and an upper eyelid reduction be done at the same time. Browlift surgery may also be combined with facelift surgery.
A Browlift may be suitable for people who have had previous Browlift or eyelid surgery. The results are usually long lasting but vary from person to person.
To see how a Browlift may improve your appearance:
Look in a mirror and put your palms above your eyebrows at the side of your forehead.
Pull the skin up gently so that the eyebrows and forehead rise slightly. Wrinkles in the forehead, around the nose and crow's feet area may become smoother. This can give an indication of what Browlift surgery may achieve. This is best done in the presence of and in the discussion with Dr Breidahl and his nurses.
Realistic Expectations
It is important to decide what you hope to achieve from having a Browlift and to discuss it in detail with Dr Breidahl. As everyone is different, not everyone will get the same results from a Browlift.
When making a decision, keep in mind that Dr. Breidahl cannot guarantee that the surgery will meet all your expectations or that the surgery bears no risks.
A Browlift cannot halt the ageing process.
Before Surgery
Do not take any aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (such as some cough syrups), large amounts of vitamins (especially vitamin e) or anti-inflammatory medicines for at least 10 days before surgery because they increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
Stop smoking for two weeks before surgery because smoking increases the risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia, and impairs healing.
Give Dr. Breidahl a list of all the medicines you are taking, or have taken recently, including blood thinners such as warfarin and common medications such as aspirin and any herbal or homeopathic remedies.
Browlift Surgery
Browlift surgery can be performed in several ways, depending on factors such as the position of your hairline and eyebrows.
Endoscopic Browlift
Three to five short incisions (each about two centimeters long) are made above the hairline. An "endoscope" (a thin instrument with a tiny video camera) is passed through an incision and positioned near the brow. Using an instrument inserted through another incision, the forehead skin is released from the underlying bone and lifted upwards. Sutures are then placed under the skin to lift the brow.
As the forehead skin is not trimmed during an Endoscopic procedure, the hairline stays at the same level.
Elastic bandages may be placed over the treated area for a few days to assist the sutures in holding the brow's new position.
Recover from Surgery
You can usually drink fluids and eat a light meal two to three hours after surgery. When the bandages are removed a day or two later, you can shampoo and shower as normal. You can resume your normal activities in a few days, but do not smoke, undertake strenuous activity or consume large amounts of alcohol during the healing period. Most people take one or two weeks off work.
Some bruising and swelling is normal after a Browlift and usually subsides in three to four weeks. Swelling sometimes occurs around the eye and cheeks but should start to resolve in a week or two. While sleeping or lying down, keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling. You can wear makeup to disguise the temporary bruising and swelling. Some numbness of the scalp behind the scar is normal and usually permanent. Healing is usually complete within two months.
Follow Up
You will usually return to Dr. Breidahl for a follow-up after about a week. Dr. Breidahl will examine your face and answer any questions you have. Any further appointments that are necessary will be scheduled at the follow-up visit.
