Brow Lift
Many women and men come to our Virginia cosmetic surgery practice feeling that their face has taken on a fatigued look. These patients are often in their 40's or 50's, and their upper facial skin has started to deteriorate due to environmental and genetic factors. Deep forehead creases and a worry lines contribute to a face that appears tired, sad, or even angry.
Often, these patients mistakenly believe that it is time for a facelift, and come to their consultation with many questions about this procedure when in fact they need a brow lift in Fairfax, Virginia. A face lift corrects the visible signs of aging in the lower face, but does nothing to rejuvenate the upper face. The brow lift is surgery that raises drooping eyebrows and forehead skin into a more youthful position. This results in eyes which appear more open and youthful, and relieves that fatigued, scowling look.
At Goldberg & Krieger Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, we specialize in facial rejuvenation procedures, including both open and endoscopic brow lift surgeries.
To find out more about what a brow lift can do for you, click here to request a complimentary consultation with a Fairfax, Virginia plastic surgeon.
What a Brow Lift Does
The brow lift procedure is designed to restore a more youthful appearance to the upper area of the face. As the name implies, the brow is lifted and forehead skin is tightened, which smoothes out horizontal lines and minimizes heaviness in the upper eyelid. The vertical "frown lines" between the eyes are also diminished, resulting in the eye area appearing "opened up" and refreshed. The procedure also weakens the frown muscles, leaving the upper face looking relaxed and rejuvenated.
How the Procedure is Performed
Endoscopic Technique
Endoscopic brow lift is performed using fiber optic technology, which allows for the procedure to be done through 4 to 6 small incisions hidden behind the hairline. Through these incisions - which are less than 2 centimeters in length - the tissue is repositioned to smooth out wrinkles and lift the brow. The forehead muscles are trimmed, which causes them to contract less, resulting in an effect similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic. The procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
Traditional or Open Technique
The open brow lift uses traditional surgical techniques and instruments to smooth and contour a deeply furrowed brow. This method utilizes a continuous incision which runs from one temple to the other across the crown of the head, hidden behind the hairline. Through this incision, the skin is lifted and re-positioned to smooth out wrinkles, and the excess skin is trimmed away. With the open technique, your Fairfax cosmetic surgeon has the ability to alter the muscles that cause the vertical "scowl" lines, as well as those which create the horizontal wrinkles. This is a more extensive surgery, requiring general anesthesia, but works very well in cases with very deep wrinkling.
Combined Technique
At our Virginia cosmetic surgery practice, we often perform brow lift utilizing a combination of the open and the endoscopic techniques. We can perform the procedure using two lateral incisions rather than the long, continuous one, which decreases scarring and poses less risk of hair loss. This combined approach yields the best of both approaches, making it a very effective technique with excellent results.
Recovery and Results
You can expect to feel discomfort for a few days, managed by prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. There will be swelling and bruising, which will subside noticeably over 10 to 14 days. After this recovery period, you will be able to begin looking and feeling rejuvenated and happy.
If you are interested in finding out more about brow lifts, click here to request a complimentary consultation with one of our Virginia cosmetic surgery specialists. Or, you can call Goldberg & Krieger Board Certified Plastic Surgeons toll-free at 888-245-6513 to schedule an appointment.
