Brow (Forehead) Lift
The natural process of aging leads the skin and other soft tissues of the brow to gradually lose their youthful elasticity and firmness. This can cause the forehead to “descend,” giving someone the appearance of being tired, upset, or sad—even when they feel content. Brow lift surgery, also called a forehead lift, elevates the tissues that have begun to sag, trims excess skin, and smooths deep creases for a rejuvenated look. Men and women alike often receive this procedure, which offers natural-looking results when performed by a skilled board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Robert Schlenker.
Who is a good candidate for brow lift surgery?
Age is not the most important factor, but health can be. Dr. Schlenker will discuss your concerns, evaluate your characteristics, and review your medical history to establish whether brow lift surgery is ideal for your needs and goals. We also want you to understand what can be achieved by this treatment. During your initial consultation, we will take the time to explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
Where are the brow lift incisions located?
There are several techniques that can be used, and the approach preferred by Dr. Schlenker will depend on your individual anatomic needs and desired outcome. The most common options are the open (or coronal) brow lift, endoscopic brow lift, and limited-incision brow lift. Incisions typically will be hidden within the hairline, so they can be as inconspicuous as possible once healed. The open and limited-incision techniques allow for more comprehensive removal of excess skin, but the appropriate modality for you will depend on several factors.
Your care and comfort are our highest priorities, and our skilled medical team will walk you through your customized treatment plan so that you can be well-informed and involved in the process. If you have questions about anything, we encourage you to voice your thoughts so we can provide exceptional service.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to a brow lift?
If fine lines and wrinkles are the primary concern and your skin otherwise has good elasticity, cosmetic injectables may be sufficient to achieve your aesthetic goals. If sagging brow tissue is contributing to your dissatisfaction with your appearance, however, neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic could worsen the effect. We can review your options during your initial consultation. In many cases, a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatment can provide the optimal effect.
How long will recovery after brow lift surgery take?
You should be able to return home the same day as your operation, where we encourage you to settle in and take it easy for one to two weeks, depending on your individual rate of healing. This estimate may vary from your personal experience, and we suggest listening to your body to determine if you’re ready to return to normal activity. You should continue abstaining from strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks. Initial effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and tightness in the treated area, and these symptoms should gradually fade as you recover. We will provide prescription medication to manage your pain and enhance your comfort. Dr. Schlenker and his medical team will provide additional instructions for after-care tailored to your needs.
To receive a customized treatment plan to achieve your cosmetic goals, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation.