Browlift (Forehead Lift)
When we see a person we first focus on the eyes; therefore,
the eyes represent the most important aspect of an attractive face. The
eyebrows are extremely important for the overall aesthetics of a face;
unfortunately, the brows are commonly overlooked or not addressed appropriately.
As a result of the normal process of facial aging, the forehead is commonly
affected causing droopy eyebrows. Over time, horizontal forehead lines
develop and unappealing frown lines between the brows can accentuate an
aged and sometimes angry appearance.
On the contrary, brows positioned too high may
appear unattractive and may lead to the unpleasant “surprised look”,
a browlift outcome that always needs to be avoided. The appearance of
droopy eyelids may be in part due to brows that are positioned too low.
These unfavorable developments can be reversed and corrected with the
help of a browlift. Various techniques of browlifts are available to address
to concerns of our patients. Dr. Fechner chooses these browlift techniques
depending on the specific features and needs of the patient.
About Browlift Surgery
The browlift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance
the appearance and position of the eyebrows resulting in a more youthful,
open and pleasant look. The eyes are directly affected by reducing the
stern appearance that a low brow position conveys. In addition, certain
forehead muscles (i.e., corrugator muscles) can be relaxed for a decrease
in the frown lines between the eyebrows. Deep forehead creases can be
softened for an attractive and refreshed appearance.
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Fechner will
carefully examine your face with its aesthetic and functional characteristics.
In particular, he will focus on the region around the eyes. Important
aspects to consider are the position of your eyebrows as they relate to
the upper eyelids. The discussion will include the patient’s eyebrow
position in younger years and goals to achieve the desired and natural
look. Dr. Fechner will assess the depth of frown and forehead creases
and the symmetry of the brows.
A browlift can be performed as a separate procedure,
but more commonly it is combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures
such as facelift,
blepharoplasty
or skin
resurfacing. Before your browlift, you will receive specific instructions
on how to prepare for your procedure, what to expect and how to care for
your forehead afterwards.
Browlift Candidacy
The eyes represent the most prominent facial feature
and they signify the focal point when we observe a face. Therefore, our
initial impression of a person will be influenced by the appearance of
the eye region. Genetic family traits, age, characteristics of facial
expression and environmental exposures all impact the forehead and brow
appearance.
There are significant gender differences in the brows:
The female brows are positioned higher with the bony rim shining beneath
a well-positioned eyebrow. In men, a normal and attractive location for
the eyebrows is at the bony rim but not below. A brow position that is
too low lends a stern and tired appearance. It can contribute to full
upper eyelid or eyelid droopiness. Combined with deep frown lines, the
aged and angry look may be accentuated.
In patients with severe brow droop, even visual impairment
may arise. Therefore, good candidates for browlift are female or male
patients with some of the above characteristics. Commonly, additional
treatments and procedures are offered for a balanced facial enhancement.
The Procedure
Dr. Fechner performs browlifts routinely as an outpatient
procedure either in the office or in a day-surgery suite. Usually, relaxing
medication is administered beforehand to help the patient be comfortable.
Alternatively, the procedure can be performed with intravenous sedation
(twilight sleep). General anesthesia is virtually never used (see anesthesia).
Initially, Dr. Fechner will mark exactly the location
of the planned incisions and determine the amount of browlift desired.
In order to maximize cosmetic healing, Dr. Fechner places the incisions
in the most inconspicuous locations. Deciding factors for incision placement
and browlift technique include the patient’s specific facial anatomy
and hairline considerations. After the forehead skin has been numbed,
muscles of concern will be weakened for a smoother forehead appearance.
The brows will be lifted in the appropriate position and excess skin may
be removed. All incisions are then carefully closed with small sutures.
The browlift procedure takes from one to 1 ½ hours, depending upon
the specific technique employed.
Browlift Techniques
Dr. Fechner uses various surgical approaches to browlifting
depending in part on the patient’s specific anatomy including extent
of brow droop and the position of the hairline. Very important is the
aesthetic understanding of the natural-appearing brow position so that
a non-operated look results after the procedure. In addition, Dr. Fechner
will discuss with the patient the facial appearance in younger years.
Specific browlift techniques performed by Dr. Fechner include the hairline
browlift, endoscopic browlift, temporal browlift, mid-forehead browlift
and brow-release with blepharoplasty.
These surgical applications vary depending on incision placement, extent
of surgery and precise degree of browlift and they allow Dr. Fechner to
tailor the procedure to the patient’s specific needs and desires.
Appearance after Browlift
Improvements achieved by a browlift are usually significant
and can be expected to last for many years. Most patients describe that
observers are aware of the improved look but are unable to point out how
this enhancement was achieved. Although the aging process will continue,
there will be less likelihood of significant eyebrow droop making further
browlift procedures very uncommon. By correcting the problem areas around
the eyes, you will achieve a more youthful, pleasant, and rested appearance
as a result of cosmetic browlift.
For more information about some of the most common facial
cosmetic procedures please follow the links below:
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