Brow Lift / Browpexy
We are very aware of the sagging skin that occurs on the lower part of the face, but the skin on the upper part of the face also begins to sag during the aging process. This creates forehead creases and causes the upper eyelids to droop. Sometimes, the eyebrows drop and even lose their once natural arch, becoming like straight lines above the eyes.
A brow lift is an excellent surgical procedure for correcting these conditions and restoring a more youthful look to the upper portion of the face. Sometimes, of course, drooping upper eyelids need eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), but only a qualified plastic surgeon can advise you which procedure will bring you the best results.
In a brow lift, Dr. Stephen Small is adept at not just lifting the brows and smoothing the forehead, but also reshaping the brows, if necessary, so that the natural arch is restored. This, of course, must be done very carefully. A man’s face, for example, will look strange with too much of an arch, and if the brows are lifted too high, the patient looks constantly surprised. Dr. Small’s goal is always to create a natural-looking result that is not obvious.
The Brow Lift Procedure
A brow lift can usually be done as an outpatient procedure under a local anesthetic and sedation. A traditional brow lift involves an incision that is hidden within the hairline from behind one ear across the head to behind the other ear. Excess skin is trimmed, and the forehead skin and eyebrows are lifted the needed amount. Muscles are adjusted, as necessary, and the brows are reshaped, if desired.
An endoscopic brow lift is less invasive and can be performed in cases where there is less sagging of the tissue. Short incisions are made within the hairline, and an endoscope with a camera is inserted to allow Dr. Small to see how to properly tighten the skin and lift the eyebrows.
Browpexy is a procedure to reposition the brow through an eyelid crease line. Commonly, this is performed with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This type of minimally invasive procedure can often be performed under local anesthesia or with light sedation.
Recovering from a Brow Lift
A brow lift will lead to soreness, bruising, swelling and perhaps some numbness for a few weeks. Most people take 1-2 weeks off from work. You can take pain medication and use cold compresses to ease discomfort. You will need to sleep on your back for a couple of weeks, and keeping your head elevated when lying down will reduce swelling.
Sutures will be removed within a week after your surgery and you can often see the results at a week and a half.
Dr. Small will keep a close watch on your progress and will tell you everything you need to know to heal fast and well. This will include avoiding certain things like alcohol, contact lenses, hair dryers, curling irons, and exercise for a little while.
Complementary Procedures with Brow Lift
Many people have eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) concurrent with a brow lift. Both procedures are not necessary for everyone, however. Other patients have a facelift at the same time as their brow lift to make the entire face look more youthful.
Contact Ocean Plastic Surgery P.A. and Laser Center today to find out more about how a brow lift can help you look younger. At our Toms River and Manahawkin locations, we serve patients from all over the New Jersey Shore and beyond, including Stafford Township, Barnegat, Lacey, Berkeley, Dover Township, Brick, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Jackson, Howell, Wall, Freehold, Manalapan, and Point Pleasant.