SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

Brow Lift

BROW LIFT

Dr Chia Hui Ling
Brow lift, also known as forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to:
  • Reduce wrinkles of the forehead and glabellar region (frown lines) that gives an angry appearance
  • Enhance eyebrow aesthetics by elevating them to a youthful position
  • Improve upper eyelid skin hooding that is caused by a sagging eyebrows
Brow ptosis, or sagging eyebrows, is a common feature of aging (right). Apart from affecting the brow aesthetics, a number of other changes accompany brow ptosis. Upper eyelid heaviness or hooding may occur as the brows descend. The forehead muscles starts working harder in attempt to lift the falling brows, resulting in forehead wrinkles.

TREATMENT

A thorough discussion must be made with your plastic surgeon, including your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments as well as previous surgeries. Other available options and the likely outcomes of the brow lift, including risks or potential complications, should be explained to you.
  • Preparing for Surgery

    Do inform your plastic surgeon of any medical conditions and medications you are taking. Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, unless indicated by your doctor.


  • Surgery

    A brow lift procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. 


    The procedure may be performed endoscopic or open:


    Endoscopic – A  camerain the form of a tube and dedicated endoscopic instruments are placed through small incisions made within the hairline. Tissue and muscle beneath the skin are adjusted, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead and giving a lift to the eyebrows. Anchor devices likes Endotine or screws may be inserted to anchor the lifted tissues. The scars are hidden within the hair.


    Open- This is performed through a “coronal incision”, from ear to ear across the top of the head within the hair line. The forehead skin is then lifted and any muscle adjustment can be performed under direct visualization. The resulting scar long but concealed within the hair.


    For women with very high foreheads, an incision just at the anterior hairline may be recommended. This way the brow can be lifted without further increasing the height of the front hairline. The resulting scar is more visible but can be hidden with bangs.

  • Post-Surgery Care

    Swelling and bruising is common after the surgery. The final results will start to appear after a few weeks when the swelling subsides.


    A thin drainage tube may be placed to drain excess blood or fluid. This may be left for a few days, depending on your condition. You should keep your head elevated and avoid strenous exercises fo rthe first 1-2 weeks.


    Sutures or clips are removed around 2 weeks


COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Risks of brow lift surgery include:
  • Anaesthetic risk
  • Bleeding and infection
  • Loss of hair around incision
  • Skin loss
  • High hairline
  • Dry eyes
  • Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis of part of face
  • Skin numbness
  • Asymmertrical result
  • Revision surgery to address complications
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