Brow Lift

Brow Lift: A Surgical Option for Adjusting Brow Position and Shape

Overview

Our eyebrows and forehead play an important role in facial expression. Over time, natural changes in skin and tissue laxity can alter their appearance, which some individuals may find bothersome and, in some cases, may hider a persons upward visual gaze.

A brow lift is a surgical procedure that adjusts and generally elevates the position of the eyebrows. This procedure may change the appearance of brow shape also.

Many people explore a brow lift to address concerns related to changes in the upper third of the face. This procedure may help reduce the prominence of forehead lines, adjust the position of the eyebrows to an elevated position, and can also change the appearance of the upper eyelid area.

Potential Considerations for a Brow Lift

• Adjusts the position of the eyebrows generally to a more elevated position
• May reduce the prominence of forehead creases
• Can modify the appearance of the upper eyelid area
• Can achieve a different facial expression
• Can improve an individual’s visual field

Who May Consider a Brow Lift?

A consultation with Dr Honeybrook can help determine whether a brow lift is appropriate.

Individuals who consider this procedure often:

• Feel their facial expressions do not reflect how they feel
• Seek to change the appearance of their upper third of the face
• Experience vision obstruction related to brow position
• Are in good general health and have realistic expectations of surgery

Relationship of the Brow to the Upper Eyelid

The position of the brow and upper eyelid are interrelated, and changes to one can affect the other. In some cases, the position of the brow may contribute to changes in the appearance of the upper eyelid area which is known as “lateral orbital hooding” or excess skin of the upper eyelid which is known as “dermatochalasis”.

Adjusting the brow position may alter how much upper eyelid skin is visible. Therefore, assessing both the brow and upper eyelid together can help determine an appropriate treatment approach.

Adjusting the position of the brow may also change the appearance of the upper eyelid area, while modifying the upper eyelid skin may influence the relationship between the brow and eyelid. These procedures can also be performed together depending on individual needs. Dr. Honeybrook typically adjusts the brow position first before evaluating how much upper eyelid skin can be safely modified, if necessary.

Brow Lift Approaches/Techniques

Brow lift surgery is a procedure tailored to each individual, and depending on a person’s unique anatomy and brow structure, Dr. Honeybrook employs a variety of approaches to adjust the brow position. Incisions are carefully placed in the scalp behind the hairline near in the temple region and sometimes additional incision are required behind the hairline in the central scalp region.

Dr Honeybrook will often use an endoscope through small keyhole incisions to assist in elevating the brow. While the use of an endoscope can allow for smaller incisions, it may not be suitable for all individuals. Dr. Honeybrook may use a temporal brow lift, which lifts the outer brow or trichophytic brow lift, which can modify the hairline position. Each technique will be thoroughly discussed during the consultation to determine the most appropriate approach based on individual considerations.

Recovery After a Brow Lift

Following a brow lift, patients are generally advised to apply ice to the treated area during the first 48 hours and to keep the head elevated for approximately 5-7 days. During the first week after the procedure, minimal activity is typically recommended to support the healing process. Swelling may gradually decrease after the fourth or fifth post-operative day, while bruising and numbness during this period are common. Any sutures are usually removed around one week post-surgery. Most individuals can expect to resume normal activities within two weeks.

Healing of the incisions typically progresses over two weeks, and Dr. Honeybrook will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor recovery and remove sutures as needed. While many individuals resume daily activities within two weeks, full recovery may take several months. It is important to have realistic expectations regarding the procedure’s longevity, as natural aging will continue to affect the area over time.