Many of us first notice the signs of aging on our foreheads and eyebrows. The forehead begins to show worry or frown lines, and the eyelids start to sag with hooding laterally. The result is a tired, anxious, or serious expression that others may interpret as anger or irritation. A forehead or brow lift eliminates the grooves on the forehead and raises the eyebrows slightly for a more alert, youthful appearance. A brow lift can also restore the attractive, natural curve of the brows.
How is a Forehead-Brow Lift Performed?
During most forehead or brow lift procedures, Dr. Gilbert uses small incisions within the hairline to minimize the appearance of scars. Using an endoscopic camera and specialized instruments, he can perform minimally invasive surgery and reduce recovery times. He carefully elevates the skin and tissues of the forehead and brows, then fixes them in their new position. The hidden incisions are closed.
Types of Forehead/Brow Lift
Coronal Brow Lift
This is the most invasive form of forehead or brow lift, requiring an incision across the top of the scalp, from ear to ear. The incision is within the hairline, and any scarring can be easily hidden. A coronal brow lift allows for more extensive prepositioning of the forehead’s skin and tissues. This treatment is usually reserved for patients with severely sagging eyebrows or excess forehead skin.
Endoscopic Forehead/Brow Lift
This is our most popular brow or forehead lift. Small incisions are made under the hairline, and an endoscope (a slender tube with a miniature camera) is inserted under the skin. The camera guides Dr. Gilbert as he lifts skin and tissue and optimally repositions the eyebrows. An endoscopic lift is less invasive than a coronal lift and yields excellent results. You also recover more quickly from this form of forehead/brow lift.
Temporal Forehead/Brow Lift
For a limited incision brow lift, Dr. Gilbert makes tiny incisions within the hairline at the temples. We often use this technique for patients who need minimal intervention for minor sagging. It is also an option for individuals who already have a high forehead.
What To Expect After Surgery
We may prescribe antibiotics for several days following surgery, and sutures are usually removed within the first week. Patients experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after a forehead/brow lift. These will subside within a few weeks. Ice packs for the first 48 hours help reduce swelling.
You can return to your normal activities within one to two weeks. Most patients can resume wearing eye makeup one to two weeks after surgery. A follow-up evaluation several months after surgery is usually recommended.
A forehead or brow lift can restore a youthful, alert appearance and eliminate that tired look that comes with drooping eyelids. If you could benefit from a forehead lift, please get in touch with our office at Inland Institute - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 909-982-8888 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gilbert.