Brow Lift in Northern Virginia
A low brow can make us appear to be permanently frowning, tired or sad. A brow lift can be used to treat a low or sagging brow, resulting in more open eyes, better definition and space above the top eyelid, reduction of frown lines and a smoother forehead.
Traditionally the brow lift procedure involved a delicate incision parallel to the hairline from ear to ear. Once the incision is made, the skin is separated from the deeper tissues. The skin is then lifted, excess facial skin is removed and the brow is repositioned.
While this procedure can at times be appropriate and beneficial, today the endoscopic brow lift provides for an equivalent brow lift without the large incision. Instead five small incisions are made perpendicular to and just behind the hairline. The tissues are elevated, repositioned and held in place with nonpermanent anchors. The result is a natural, refreshed and rejuvenated expression with well concealed scars.
Who is a good candidate for brow lift?
Brow lift is appropriate for those with:
- Low position of the brow, sometimes sagging, making one look tired or sad
- Deep forehead creases
- Visible frown lines between the eyebrows
- Little or no concern with the lower face or neck
- Excess skin of the upper brow
What happens during brow lift surgery?
During forehead or brow lift surgery, an incision is made across the hairline, which allows Dr. Hess to then adjust the brow upwards. A forehead or brow lift can also be combined with a facelift, since the incision is made at approximately the same location.
For some, a less invasive endoscopic facelift may be preferable.
A brow or forehead lift will not radically change your appearance, but for most people, the end result will produce a gratifying change in the way others perceive you.
How long does it take to recover from a brow lift?
A complication-free recovery begins before surgery, by discontinuing the use of alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol can thin the blood, complicating the body's healing process, and tobacco use affects the healing of delicate structures and reattached blood vessels.
If you have short hair, you might consider growing it longer prior to surgery to better hide the evidence of incisions while healing.
Recovery times will vary by person, taking as little as ten days or up to a month. Keeping your head elevated is generally advised as well as occasional use of cold packs in order to keep any swelling down. Dr. Hess will prescribe a pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort.