Endoscopic Brow Lift

As we age the skin loses its tone and elasticity and the skin of the forehead is no exception. This can lead to droopiness of the eyebrows, which in turn make the upper eyelids feel and appear heavy. A brow lift (forehead lift) can assist to reposition the eyebrows at an alert and more youthful level, reduce the horizontal forehead lines and reduce the hooding of the upper eyelids by pulling up the sagging brows. This procedure generates a more youthful and refreshed appearance around the eyes and the upper face.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Healthy individuals with no major medical conditions and a realistic expectation are suitable candidates.

What happens before surgery?

You will be asked to stop certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or herbal medicines that might increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks before and a similar length after surgery to reduce the chances of wound healing issues.

What does the surgery involve and how long it takes?

The operation requires a general anaesthetic and will take around 1-2 hours. Usually, five small incisions are made beyond your hairline to access the forehead area and allow the forehead skin to be lifted to a correct position. Small clips are used to close the skin.

What happens after surgery?

You will stay in the hospital overnight and can go home the next day after a hair wash by the nursing team. Expect some numbness, bruising and swelling in the forehead area and around the eyes, which will settle over the following weeks after surgery. In the first 48 hours, you may experience a mild headache, which can be improved by simple analgesia.You will be seen 10 days after the procedure to have the fine clips removed and 3 months after surgery to assess the outcome and your satisfaction.

You can return to work 2-3 weeks after surgery but avoid heavy lifting, bending and exercise up to 4-6 weeks.

What are the risks and complications?

Significant and major Complication rates are very low in brow lift surgery but the following could occur:

Bleeding (haematoma): occasionally small blood vessels may open up under the skin soon after surgery (same day) and a return to the theatre is required to release the scalp clips and washout the collection. This will not impact he overall brow lift results.

Infection: wound infection rates are very low in facial surgery. Routine antibiotics are not required after facial surgery. Occasionally, antibiotics are required to treat an infection.

Hair loss: this is uncommon; it does occur around the incision lines where scar forms but the surrounding hair follicles are not impacted.

Numbness and nerve damage: expect some “fuzziness” or numbness around the forehead and scalp, which will settle over time. Major nerve damage to the facial muscles is very rare during brow lift surgery.