The eyebrow/eyelid complex is responsible for
most facial expression. Eyebrow position can
suggest sadness, anger, confusion and alertness.
When eyebrows droop, often a sad, angry or tired
appearance results. Eyebrow lifts can be performed
directly in the hairs of the brow if the brow
is thick, indirectly through an eyelid incision
when performing cosmetic eyelid surgery or at
the hairline. Endoscopic eyebrow surgery is
performed through a very small incision near
the hairline and has the advantages of small
incision sites, faster recovery and a more natural
look. We often perform this procedure along
with eyelid surgery to achieve a natural youthful
appearance.
An endoscopic brow lift, also called a forehead
lift, surgically corrects drooping eyebrows
and softens worried or angry expressions that
result from frown lines. During the procedure,
commonly performed on men and women between
the ages of 35 and 70, the surgeon elevates
the skin and underlying tissues of the upper
face and may remove part of the muscle that
causes frown lines between the brows. The result
is a more youthful, relaxed and refreshed appearance.
If you have sagging eyebrows that create a
tired or sad appearance, deep horizontal creases
across your forehead, or frown lines or furrows
between your eyebrows, you may be a good endoscopic
brow lift candidate. To get a glimpse of the
potential results, you can try a simple test
on your own. Place your fingertips at the outer
edges of your eyebrows and gently raise the
skin upwards. This will give you a good indication
of what the procedure might do for your appearance.
Of course the best way to determine if an endoscopic
brow lift is right for you is by a thorough
consultation with our doctor.
The technique uses a small, pencil-like camera
device connected to a television monitor. The
endoscope is inserted into several small, one-half
inch to one inch incisions placed just behind
the hairline, providing the surgeon with a clear
view of the muscles and tissues beneath the
skin. The surgeon then inserts another instrument
through one of the small incisions to lift the
skin and remove or alter muscle, if necessary.
During an endoscopic procedure, the eyebrows
and forehead can be lifted and secured at the
optimal height through the use of a new, sutureless
mechanism called the ENDOTINE™ Forehead
fixation device.
A brow lift procedure can also be performed
using a traditional “open” method,
where an incision is made slightly behind or
at the natural hairline, beginning above the
ears and continuing toward the top of the head.
The surgeon works through the incision to secure
tissue and modify or remove excess skin and
parts of the muscle that cause wrinkling and
frown lines. The incision is closed with stitches.
Because of the smaller incisions, endoscopic
brow lift patients usually experience less of
the itching sensation and temporary scalp numbness
felt by patients who have had the open technique.
In addition, endoscopic brow lift patients may
feel ready to return to normal activities sooner.
In some cases a combination of endoscopic and
open techniques may be used. In either case
the procedure typically takes about one hour
and is usually performed in our outpatient surgery
suite under intravenous sedation.
Immediately after surgery you will experience
some temporary swelling and bruising in your
eyebrow and forehead areas which may last for
up to 10 days. The first night it is important
to rest with your head elevated. You can use
a cold compress to help control swelling. You
may also experience mild discomfort at the surgical
site, which is typically controlled with doctor-prescribed
oral medications. Head dressings are removed
within a few days after surgery. You can usually
take a shower and wash your hair a few days
later.
If you’re like most brow lift patients,
you will be very pleased with your refreshed
and rejuvenated appearance. Although it may
take several months to see the final results,
you’ll probably agree that your new look
was worth the wait.
