brow lift
A browlift, or forehead lift, restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes, correcting the drooping brows and minimizing the horizontal lines and furrows that can make you look angry, sad or tired. The procedure involves removing or altering the involved muscles and tissues and tightening the forehead skin, resulting in a smooth forehead, raised eyebrows and a more youthful, animated appearance. Dr. Chariker most frequently performs this surgery with the use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal small incisions. However, depending on the patient, he may use the conventional surgical method, in which a single long incision is hidden just behind the hairline. He sometimes performs a browlift in conjunction with another procedure, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Chariker will determine which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the classic or "open" method, or the endoscopic forehead lift.
- In/Outpatient
- During/After
- Side Effects
- Recovery
- Duration
In/Outpatient, Anesthesia, Length of Procedure
Dr. Chariker usually performs the browlift procedure in our private out-patient surgical facility. You will receive local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. The procedure lasts between one to two hours.
During and After
Dr. Chariker uses the endoscope for the majority of his browlift patients. For the procedure, the hair is tied back and trimmed behind the hairline, where the doctor will make three to five short incisions, each one less than an inch long. An endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing Dr. Chariker to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, he lifts the forehead skin and removes or alters the muscles and underlying tissues to produce a smoother appearance. He may also lift the eyebrows and secure them into their higher position by sutures beneath the skin's surface or by temporary fixation screws placed behind the hairline. He will then close the incisions with stitches or clips.
Patients may experience some temporary numbness, bruising, mild swelling and headaches. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Endoscopic forehead lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation felt by patients who have had the classic forehead lift. The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week and the temporary fixation screws within two weeks. Although you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed.
Side Effects and Risks
Common side effects include temporary numbness, bruising, headaches and swelling; with traditional surgery, patients may additionally experience itching. In rare cases, the nerves that control eyebrow movement may be injured on one or both sides, resulting in a loss of ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead. Additional surgery may be required to correct the problem. Formation of a broad scar is also a rare complication, which may be treated surgically by removing the wide scar tissue so a new, thinner scar may result. In some patients, hair loss may occur along the scar edges, and loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line may be permanent in some patients.
Recovery
Most patients are back to work in a week to 10 days – endoscopic patients may feel ready to return even sooner – and most visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. However, you should limit vigorous physical activity for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. You also should limit prolonged exposure to heat or sun for several months.
You may feel a bit tired and let down at first, but your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better.
Duration of Results
Most patients are pleased with the results of a forehead lift, no matter which surgical method was used, and the results are long-lasting – usually five to 10 years.