Brow Lift, London | The Complete Article

Rejuvenation of the forehead and eyebrows is known as Brow Lift procedure.
It aims to compensate for the gradual lowering in the brow position
that occurs with ageing, in men and women.

The pattern of ageing is somewhat different depending on hereditary characteristics, but also different between men and women. Sometimes, even in their younger person the lateral part of the eyebrow is sitting in the low position giving a tired and sad appearance to the face.

If the eyebrow is low (sitting at the edge of the orbit or eye socket), it also creates the impression that the upper eyelid has excess skin. Because of that, in particular in younger patients it is possible to avoid an upper eyelid lift and refresh the appearance of the eyes by repositioning the eyebrow.

A forehead lift can smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids, and minimize the frown lines that come with aging.

The result of a forehead lift is a younger, more rested look.

At the consultation, your surgeon will try to establish the relationship between the upper eyelid, brow and upper marine rim of the orbit. Then, lifting the position of the eyebrow mostly in the lateral part it is possible to establish the degree of correction that will place it in an ideal position. For women this is between five millimetres in one centimetre above the rim of the orbit for the outside or lateral part of the brow. In men, a position of the eyebrow creates a more feminine appearance and therefore a more discreet correction positioning the brow at the rim of the orbit for up to five millimetres above it is preferable. In men and women alike, the inside corner of the eyebrows normally sit either just below for over the edge of the orbit.

Once the ideal position of the eyebrow has been established, it is possible to evaluate the appearance of the upper eyelid. If there is still significant excess of skin in the upper eyelid, a combination of Brow Lift and upper lip lift is preferable to either procedure in isolation.

The operations aimed at restoring a more youthful brow shape and position have initially involved a long cut across the scalp behind the hairline. This is now termed an open or coronal operation and is much less common but still useful in selected cases. A variation of this operation has been used to both stretch the skin of the forehead and lower the hairline. In this situation, the scar is placed on the edge of the hairline at the top of the forehead.

Most common these days, a Brow Lift is performed through several small incisions in the hair, behind the hairline. The dissection is assisted with the use of an endoscope, hence the name. During the operation, the tissues of the forehead are lifted from the bone and repositioned higher. At the time of the surgery the frown muscles can be weakened, but it is usually better not to destroy them completely as the position of the brows can then change too much, giving a startled the appearance. The skin is then supported in the new position with the variety of fixation techniques and the wounds are closed most commonly with skin staples.

A more limited degree of brow lifting can be also achieved through the incisions made for an upper lid blepharoplasty, as well as through the upper part of the facelift incisions. The procedure is carried out as a general anaesthetic and most commonly involves an overnight stay. Brow Lift is frequently associated with a facelift or eyelids operation.

In preparation for a forehead lift, the hair is tied back with rubber bands in front of and behind the incision area. An incision is usually made across the top of the head, just behind the hairline.

Forehead skin is gently lifted and portions of facial muscle and excess skin are removed. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips.

Expect some bruising around the forehead and possible headaches for the first few days. When the Brow Lift is combined with upper eyelid lift, it is possible that in the first few weeks after surgery the eyelids do not close fully. This can lead to some irritation of the eye and it is important to use lubricants and eye moisturisers like artificial tears to protect the eye from drying out in particular during the night.

It is wise to limit the activity levels in order to keep the bruising under control. The position of the eyebrows starts a little higher than the end-result, but will usually settle within the first few months.

A forehead lift can smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids, and minimize the frown lines that come with aging.

The result of a forehead lift is a younger, more rested look.

The main risks related to the Brow Lift procedure are decreased sensation in the forehead which is most commonly temporary and is related to the stretching or injury to the nerves that a feeling to the eyebrow as they come out over the edge of the eye socket.

There is also of a relatively low risk of damage to the nerves that move the forehead which can lead to asymmetry in the forehead lines and the position of the eyebrows.

It is also possible to notice a reduction in hair density around the incision lines. This is more common in someone with finer hair type and can be improved by a scar revision.

	You will experience some bruising and swelling over your forehead area. This may get worse over the first few days. You can expect this to gradually settle down at around 4-5 days post operatively.
	The forehead will feel tight whilst the swelling is at its peak during the first few days. Often the skin of the forehead and extending up the scalp is numb/frozen. The early signs of recovery are the pins and needles, or shooting sensations you will experience.
	The cuts in your scalp are sealed with staples and will all be removed at your 7-10 day follow up.
	You may wash your hair, but do so salon style with your head backwards. Please use a simple shampoo without too many chemicals. You will need to wait one month after the surgery before you consider having your hair coloured.
	If you require pain relief, we recommend that you take paracetamol or the medication provided by the hospital on your discharge. Please avoid taking aspirin/anti inflammatories as these can cause bleeding. You may recommence your usual medication as soon as you can eat or drink unless otherwise advised.
	Strenuous exercise or anything that is likely to increase your blood pressure should not be resumed for 3 weeks. Try also to avoid leaning or stooping forward, and straining following surgery, as this will reduce the risk of a secondary bleed.
	Using cold compresses over the cheek and neck can be very soothing and will help with the bruising and swelling. Do not use ice directly on the face as it can burn – wrap it in a clean cloth first. Alternatively you could run some cold water over a flannel and leave it in the fridge and use when required.
	During office hours you are welcome to telephone or visit Mr Ion’s nurse at the consulting rooms. Please call her prior to your visit on 0207 486 77 57. In an emergency or in case of doubt regarding your surgery and post operative condition, out of office hours, please contact Mr Ion’s nurse on 0774 96 44 519 or the hospital where you had your surgery: The Wellington: 0207 586 5959 The Cromwell Hospital Resident Medical Officer: 0207 460 2000 St Luke’s Hospital: 0207 388 4954 The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth 0207 806 4000

Risks and complications

Postoperative Instructions

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Postoperative Instructions

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