A forehead lift or “brow lift” is a procedure that Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix, uses to restore a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above and around the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping eyebrows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or worried. It can also play a large role in correcting excess, hanging upper eyelid skin that makes one look tired.
In a brow lift, the skin and muscles of the forehead are raised to correct the low setting and ptotic brows. By doing so, the eyebrows are positioned and shaped to resemble their youthful years, while smoothing the forehead and minimizing frown lines. Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix in Richmond, VA, almost always performs a brow lift by using the cutting edge minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. Dr. Stanwix therefore avoids the conventional surgical method, which utilizes an incision extending from ear to ear behind the hairline (which would create a large scar and often hair loss). The newer methods involve three to four small 3/4 inch incisions hidden well into the hair. By using a small fiber optic camera to do the surgery the larger incisions are not necessary. This speeds your recovery and allows you to return to normal activities faster. This technique gives excellent results with patients; providing a more refreshed and rejuvenated result immediately after surgery. Most importantly, the endoscopic technique will NEVER give that peaked/surprised look that no one wants.
If you are considering a forehead lift, this page will provide a basic understanding of the procedure. Dr. Stanwix will provide more detailed information and answer all of your questions at the time of your initial detailed consult.
An endoscopic forehead lift is performed at any age to reverse the visible effects of aging or genetically low eyebrows. However, it can also help anyone who has developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
Brow lifting is often performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to provide an overall balance revitalized look to the entire area around the eyes. Patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery often find that a forehead lift better meets their surgical goals. Frequently patients may also benefit from a mini facelift with a brow lift to complete overall facial rejuvenation. It is always beneficial to think of the face as one unit and correct all aspects to provide maximal aesthetic benefits.
Patients who are bald, who have a receding hairline, or who have had previous upper-eyelid surgery are particularly good candidates for an endoscopic brow lift. If necessary, Dr. Stanwix alters the location of the incisions if possible to hide them in inconspicuous places.
Remember, a brow lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. It can give you a more refreshed look. Dr. Stanwix strives to provide his patients with natural brow lift results… you will look as if you had a weeks of great sleep.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them in detail with Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stanwix.
For a basic understanding of how a brow lift might change your appearance, look into a mirror and place the palms of your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently draw the skin up to raise the brow and the forehead area. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Stanwix will evaluate each detail of your upper face in order to plan the operation:
During your consultation, Dr. Stanwix discusses your goals for the surgery and will ask you about certain medical conditions that could cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or diabetes. Be sure to tell Dr. Stanwix if you have had previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications — including aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.
When you decide to proceed with a brow lift, Dr. Stanwix will explain the surgical technique. The procedure is done with deep sedation and local anesthesia or full general anesthesia for the procedure.
Dr. Stanwix performs brow lifts at MedRVA’s West Creek Ambulatory Surgical Center. Brow lifting is done on an outpatient basis.
Dr. Stanwix will help you decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the lateral limited incision brow lift or the endoscopic brow (forehead) lift, or the minimal open approach. Make sure you understand the technique that recommend and why he feels it is best for you.
The Lateral Brow Lift
This technique is only occasionally used as the newer endoscopic technique is best for most patients. There is no need to shave any hair and thus it is hidden right away!
The incision is made well behind the hairline in the temple so that the scar will be hidden. Dr. Stanwix use a “trichophytic” closure, meaning that the hairs will grow right back through the incision to fully conceal the incisions!
Working through the incision, the skin of the lateral forehead is carefully lifted so that the underlying tissue can altered or released. The outside of the eyebrows will be elevated and the small one inch incision closed carefully to help create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
In the endoscopic brow lift, there is also no need for shaving hair and thus the incisions will be hidden right away as well. Dr. Stanwix will make three to four short scalp incisions, each less than an inch in length hidden well into the hair. The endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing Dr. Stanwix to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin of the forehead. Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and underlying tissues are removed or altered to produce a smoother appearance. The eyebrows will also be lifted and secured into their higher position by placing very fine resorbable adherent plugs beneath the skin’s surface.
When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with the same advanced “trichophytic closure” where the hair follicles grow right throw the scar to make it well concealed!
Complications are rare and usually minor with brow lifting. Yet, the possibility of complications must be considered and Dr. Stanwix will go over them with you during your consultation and before surgery. To date, such complications are rare: estimated at less than 1 percent of all endoscopy procedures.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following the instructions of the Dr. Stanwix both before and after surgery.
Endoscopic brow lifts are very well tolerated and most patients do not require narcotic medicines. Keeping the head elevated for the first three days is very important as is applying ice. These two maneuvers will keep the swelling much lower and help decrease pain. A dressing applied after surgery can be removed he next day and you can shower with no more dressings needed!
The sutures used to close the incisions are usually removed in 10- 14 days.
Although you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at the first week after surgery. You should plan on showering and shampooing your hair within the day after surgery.
Most patients are back to work in a week. Endoscopic patients may feel ready to return even sooner. Vigorous physical activity should limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure.
Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about one to two weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be present but it usually not noticeable. You may feel a bit tired, but your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better.
Patients are overwhelmingly pleased with the results of a forehead (brow) lift. Often, patients don’t realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift. You will be more confident and love the brightness and youthful look of your eyes!
