Brow Lift Surgery
The brow lift has become one of the more popular plastic surgeries over the past several years. Lifting, shaping, and repositioning the brow can take years off the face. This cosmetic procedure should not be confused with upper eyelid surgery or upper blepharoplasty.
This quick procedure takes only about an hour with general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Men and women typically seek this surgery when their brows flatten, droop, and crowd their eyes, making the eyelids look heavy and tired. It corrects the aging that occurs in this area, restoring a more youthful brow.
How Browlift Surgery Differs from Upper Eyelid Surgery
A Brow Lift is not the same as upper eyelid surgery, also called upper blepharoplasty. But these two procedures can be performed together and therefore are frequently confused by patients. Each addresses unique aging problems around the eyes and upper portion of the face. With the brow and upper eyelids being so closely aligned, knowing which surgery you need can only be determined by a plastic surgeon who performs both procedures frequently. The two often work well together to achieve optimum results.
Key differences between browlift surgery and upper blepharoplasty include:
Browlift
Browlift surgery restores youthful positioning and shape to eyebrows after they have deflated and descended with age. It improves the delicate arch of the brows and youthful fullness when this region has flattened. The procedure also lifts the eyebrows to reveal the upper eyelids.
Women know this is their problem when they cannot apply upper eyelid makeup due to obstruction from the heavy brow. If you are a good candidate for this surgery, you can expect your brow to look more attractive above a refreshed and more open upper eyelid.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Also called upper blepharoplasty, this surgery addresses sagging skin and excess fat of your upper eyelids. After this procedure, you can expect your eyelids to appear more youthful and rested. It works best if your brows are still arched, elevated, and youthful.
Combination Browlift with Upper Blepharoplasty
Combined browlift and upper blepharoplasty surgeries address drooping brows and aging upper eyelids. It lifts and shapes the brows while also lifting and removing excess tissue on the upper eyelids. The combined approach provides often provides more dramatic results when one procedure or the other will not sufficiently improve the appearance of these areas.
Although these are small areas on which to perform surgery, your plastic surgeon can effectively minimize and conceal your surgical scars. Incisions are typically hidden in the scalp hair for browlift and within the upper eyelid creases for upper blepharoplasty. This means your scars are fully camouflaged when your eyes are open. The thin skin of the upper eyelid forms the best scar anywhere on the body and is usually imperceptible
over time.
Do I Need a Browlift?
As with all cosmetic plastic surgeries, a browlift is an elective procedure. But if you feel displeased by your current forehead and upper eyelid area appearance, this surgery alone or combined with upper blepharoplasty may provide your desired results. Reasons for browlift surgery include:
• Heavy looking brows
• Drooping brows
• Flat brows
• Asymmetrical brows
• Sagging on the outer part of the upper eyelids, creating eyelid hooding
Browlift Surgery with Dr. Zenn
There are several types of brow lift surgeries, and over his career Dr. Zenn has performed them all. Reflecting on his extensive experience and refined surgical abilities, Dr. Zenn prefers the minimally invasive endoscopic browlift technique, as it delivers the best results he has seen with the least number of scars.
Endoscopic Browlift
With this approach, scars are hidden on the scalp. This means you will not see them beyond your early recovery period. You may experience bruising under your eyes from some blood tricking down during and after the surgery. Any visible bruising may be present for one to two weeks. Overall, you can expect instant improvement in the youthful appearance of your brow region and forehead to the hairline. Review your prospective surgeon's before-and-after photos, usually found in their online browlift image gallery, to get an idea of their skill and results.
Results from browlift surgery are permanent. Of course, your face will continue to age, affecting your brow over time. Your skin ages over time because of sun overexposure, gravity, and smoking. By maintaining a healthy diet and reducing sun exposure, you can enjoy your browlift results for a long time.
Is Browlift Surgery Right for Me?
Most brow lift patients are between the ages of 45 and 75. But people of all ages may be candidates for this surgery for conditions such as hereditary drooping or heavy brows. Of course, the best way to know if a browlift will provide the results you seek is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Michael Zenn of Zenn Plastic Surgery offers one-on-one consultations. He will examine your eyebrows, eyelids, hairline, and forehead to determine the best procedure for your desired outcome. The recommendation may include a browlift, upper blepharoplasty, a combined approach, or another facial surgery.
Call Zenn Plastic Surgery at (919) 480-3885 to schedule your initial browlift surgery consultation with Dr. Zenn.
