Overhanging skin in the upper eyelids can be
addressed in two ways: an upper eye lid lift
or a brow (forehead) lift. While in the past
surgeons often chose to automatically
perform an upper eyelid lift to correct sagging
of the upper lid, a brow lift is often used
today to create the same result.
A brow lift can be performed alone or it may
be performed at the same time as a facelift
to remove excess skin and tighten muscles
in the middle and lower face.
Younger adults who have a naturally low
brow, or who already have deep frown lines
due to stress or muscle over activity, may
also benefit from a brow lift. Sometimes,
patients may focus their attention on excess
skin in the upper eyelids and not realize that
it is their sagging eyebrows that are the
cause of the problem. |
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Your plastic surgeon will explain the benefits of both eyelid surgery and brow lift
as each procedure applies to you.
The surgical technique that your plastic surgeon recommends will depend on
things such as the position of your eyebrows, the amount of excess upper eyelid
skin you have, and the height of your hairline (the height of your hairline can be
altered a little after surgery). Often, an incision is made across the top of
the scalp, beginning above the ears and
hidden in the hair. Sometimes, the incision
may be placed in front of the hairline. The
incision is designed to be inconspicuous once
healed. Through these incisions, your plastic
surgeon can modify or remove parts of the
muscles that cause frown lines, remove
excess skin, and lift your eyebrows to a more
youthful level.
Another forehead lift technique uses an
endoscope. This is a long, thin tube with a
light on the end, attached to a video camera.
The endoscope is inserted through a few tiny
incisions in the scalp. It allows your plastic
surgeon to see and work on the inside
structure of the forehead. The endoscopic
technique has the advantage of requiring
minimal incisions, but it may not be
appropriate for all patients. | 
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If your main concern is frown lines between your eyebrows, a limited endoscopic
procedure can be performed to correct these problems. If you are having upper
eyelid surgery performed, it may also be possible to treat frown lines by way of
the incisions that are made in the upper eyelid.
Complications from a brow lift are infrequent, but can include prolonged numbness
and itching, and minor hair loss where the scalp incisions were made which is
usually temporary and is easy to conceal.
Swelling and bruising are usually gone within two weeks. You may use
camouflage makeup almost immediately.
You will have an accurate idea of how you will look within a few weeks.
For further information about browlift, please click here: American Society of
Plastic Surgeons.
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