Brow Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the brow and forehead area by addressing sagging tissue. The procedure typically involves making an incision along the hairline and then manipulating the underlying tissue to lift the brows and smooth out wrinkles on the forehead. The goal of the procedure is to give the patient a more youthful and refreshed appearance by addressing common signs of aging in the upper third of the face. Patients in Denver and the surrounding areas want to look their best, and a brow lift can substantially improve signs of aging in the upper face. Drooping brows, hollowness, and wrinkles can create a face that looks angry, sad, or older than its years. A brow lift can change the face making it look naturally younger and more open and inviting.

A surgeon’s skill in performing any brow lift technique is enhanced when they thoroughly understand upper facial anatomy and how it changes with aging. Millard Plastic Surgery is proud to have Dr. David Hendrick as a member of its team. With three board certifications and over 30 years of performing plastic surgery, Dr. Hendrick can create beautiful and satisfying results for his brow lift patients. To learn how a brow lift can transform your face, call (303) 792-5665 or fill out our contact form.

Follow our blog to learn more about the cutting-edge procedures offered at Millard Plastic Surgery.

Before and After Photos

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About Brow Lift

The brow and forehead play an important role in the overall aesthetic of the face. As we age, these areas are often the first to show signs of aging. Common concerns include:

While non-surgical treatments such as neuromodulators have become popular, nothing produces as stunning results as cosmetic surgery. However, a plastic surgeon must thoroughly understand the surgical anatomy and techniques for rejuvenating the brow and forehead; lucky for patients in Colorado, Dr. Hendrick is just such a surgeon.

The history of brow lift procedures dates back nearly a century, and the techniques have evolved to the point where patients can return to work within a week with minimal or no visible signs of surgery; this makes brow lift surgery a quick and easy way to rejuvenate the upper face. Patients can easily combine this surgery with other procedures that refresh the skin’s lower face and surface.

Traditional Brow Lift Technique

Many surgeons still use the original technique involving a coronal incision. A coronal incision involves making an incision along the top of the scalp, just behind the hairline. The incision is typically made in a curved shape that follows the natural contours of the forehead, and it is usually placed in a position well-concealed by the patient’s hair. The surgeon can then lift the brows and forehead and remove excess skin. The incision provides access to the underlying tissue, which is then manipulated to achieve the desired cosmetic effect.

In the past 15 years, however, new techniques such as endoscope-assisted and limited incision non-endoscopic procedures have been developed as alternatives. ^[1][2]

What are the Benefits of Brow Lift?

By addressing common signs of aging in the upper third of the face, a brow lift can help to enhance the overall appearance of the face.

A brow lift can help to:

As we age, our brows can droop and create a tired or sad appearance. People may have altered impressions of us because of how our eyes look. You deserve to look the way you feel and have the world see you for who you are. 

Furthermore, with the advancements in surgical techniques, recovery time is low, and scarring is minimal so that patients can return to their normal activities quickly. The results of a brow lift are typically long-lasting and can produce beautiful results for a decade or more.

Even though it brings many benefits, a brow lift is still a surgical procedure. It carries some risks and potential complications, so it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hendrick before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Ideal Candidates

An ideal candidate for a brow lift procedure is someone in good overall health with realistic expectations. Patients with a strong family history of premature aging in the forehead and brow area are also good candidates for the procedure. In addition, the ideal candidate should not have any medical conditions that would increase the risks associated with the procedure or make healing more difficult.

The procedure is typically recommended for people experiencing signs of aging in the upper third of the face, such as:

It’s important to note that a brow lift is only suitable for some. Dr. Henrick will be able to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for the procedure based on factors such as skin type, overall health, and medical history. A consultation at Millard Plastic Surgery is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a brow lift.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Hendrick, he will give you all the information you need to empower yourself and accomplish your aesthetic goals. He will start by reviewing your medical history, health, and any medications you take, including supplements. Certain medications are blood thinners, which are important to stop before surgery.

He will then examine your face and discuss your desired outcomes and the techniques and options available to achieve them. Dr. Hendrick will also explain the risks and potential complications of the procedure and answer any questions you may have. He will also provide you with before and after photos of previous patients so you can get an idea of the expected results.

Preparation

Follow any pre-operative instructions provided by our team, such as not eating or drinking anything for a certain number of hours before the procedure or avoiding or starting certain medications. Dr. Hendrick may require you to undergo certain tests, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram, to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure.

Dr. Hendrick will prescribe pain medication you should fill before your surgery date. You should also arrange for transportation and have someone available to help you at home after surgery should you need it.

The best thing you can do to prepare yourself for your results is to have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome and remember that the final result may take several weeks or months to develop fully.

Smoking and Surgery

If you smoke, it is important to stop smoking before and after the procedure, as smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications. Nicotine causes constriction of blood vessels decreasing the blood flow to the surgical site. ^[3] This can cause decreased oxygenation and nutrition to the area, leading to poor healing and an increased risk of complications such as infection, delayed wound healing, and poor scars. It’s important to stop smoking at least two to four weeks before the procedure and not to start again until at least two to four weeks after the procedure.

Smoking also increases the risk of anesthesia complications, bleeding, and blood clots. It also increases the risk of poor wound healing and poor scars, which can lead to the need for revision surgery.

Procedure

Several techniques can be used to perform a brow lift, including the previously mentioned coronal incision. Here are the other two techniques Dr. Hendrick can use to accomplish your brow lift.

Endoscope-Assisted Technique

An endoscope-assisted brow lift is a surgical technique that uses an endoscope, a small camera attached to a thin tube, to visualize the underlying tissue and muscles during the procedure. This technique is less invasive than the traditional coronal incision technique, requiring smaller incisions and less dissection of the underlying tissue.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. The surgeon makes very small incisions, usually in the hairline, and the endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions. The images are projected onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the underlying tissue and muscles in great detail.

Once the surgeon has identified the target area, they use specialized instruments to lift and reposition the brow, forehead, and area above the upper eyelids. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient is placed in a dressing or bandage.

Limited Incision Technique

The limited incision (non-endoscope assisted) brow lift technique utilizes smaller incisions than traditional coronal incision techniques and does not require an endoscope; this technique is less invasive than traditional coronal incision techniques and requires less dissection of the underlying tissue. ^[4]

The technique appropriate for your needs will depend on factors that Dr. Hendrick will determine before the date of your surgery. He will ensure that whichever technique best suits your desired outcomes also meets the parameters of your health and medical history.

Once your surgery is complete, Dr. Hendrick and his team will ensure you are recovering well and provide you with any necessary post-operative care. We will give you detailed instructions on how to care for yourself at home, such as how to care for your incisions, how to manage pain and swelling, and when to follow up with Dr. Hendrick for your post-operative visits.

Recovery

You will have to avoid strenuous activities for some time, as recommended by Dr. Hendrick, and wear any bandages or dressings as directed. We will also give you instructions on when to resume normal activities such as work or exercise. It’s important to keep your follow-up appointments with Dr. Hendrick to ensure that your recovery is progressing well and that any issues or concerns can be addressed promptly.

As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and to understand that there may be some swelling and bruising in the immediate postoperative period.

Results

The results of a brow lift can be long-lasting, and many patients need to repeat the procedure only once every 10-15 years. Once your brow is lifted, you will see the incredible

difference it makes in the appearance of your face. The lifted brows will give you a more youthful and alert look and help open up the eyes and improve the appearance of the upper eyelids.

The smooth forehead will give you a more refined and polished look, and the overall results will help to enhance the appearance of the face, making you look and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

What is the Cost of a Brow Lift in Denver?

During the consultation, Dr. Hendrick will discuss the cost of the procedure and any financing options that may be available. It’s important to remember that a brow lift is a major decision, so it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Hendrick, who will work with you to achieve the best possible results.

Call Millard Plastic Surgery at (303) 792-5665, so we can help you schedule a consultation and get one step closer to a beautifully refreshed brow.

References

1. Core GB, Vasconez LO, Graham HD. Endoscopic Browlift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 1995;22(4):619-631. doi:10.1016/S0094-1298(20)31164-0
2. Bahmani Kashkouli M, Karimi N, Sianati H, Khademi B. Techniques of Eyebrow Lifting: A Narrative Review. Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research. Published online April 6, 2020. doi:10.18502/jovr.v15i2.6740
3. Silverstein P. Smoking and wound healing. The American journal of medicine. 1992;93(1A):22S24S. doi:10.1016/0002-9343(92)90623-j
4. Tabatabai N, Spinelli HM. Limited Incision Nonendoscopic Brow Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;119(5):1563-1570. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000256073.49355.fc