Brow Lift

Overview

It has been said that the eyes are the windows to our souls, the defining features of our face that shape our interactions with others. The position of your eyebrows help frame your eyes and set the overall countenance of your face- do you look angry and hooded, or open and refreshed? The position of the eyebrows is often over looked, but plays a critical role in the appearance of your face.

The eyebrows and forehead descend over time, imparting a tired, and almost angry, appearance to your face.  Vertical frown lines develop in between the eyebrows, and horizontal creases develop across the forehead. In a brow lift, the eyebrows are lifted and repositioned to create a more pleasing appearance to the face.  Frown lines are softened, forehead creases are diminished, and a rejuvenated appearance results.

Dr. Chung has significant experience and expertise in all types of brow lift procedures, including endoscopic, coronal, pre-trichopytic, temporal, mid forehead, and direct.  With her technical skill and artistic perspective, Dr. Chung repositions the tissues above the eyes to create a natural, wholesome, revitalized look. She will never make you look “surprised” or “done,” but rather works to provide you the best, most natural appearing results which match your aesthetic goals.

Am I a good candidate for a brow lift?

If you have droopy eyebrows that make you appear tired, angry, or aged, and are in good health, you are an excellent candidate for a brow lift procedure. If you feel that your upper eyelids are hooded with excess skin, you may also benefit from a brow lift. The best candidates do not smoke and do not have any significant eye conditions.

What happens during the initial consultation for a brow lift?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Chung will discuss your concerns about your eyebrows, eyes, and forehead. She will closely listen to your wishes and goals for the appearance of your face. Photographs will be taken, facilitating a comprehensive discussion about treatment options and anticipated results. Dr. Chung will also carefully evaluate your medical history, noting any prior history of eyelid surgery, dry eyes, or the use of blood thinners. She will pay special attention to the surrounding anatomic structures, such as the upper eyelids, the height of the forehead, and the position of the hairline. The position of the hairline is important in selecting the best procedure for your anatomy. Double board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Chung has significant expertise in all approaches to a brow lift and will tailor your specific procedure to satisfy your needs. At the time of initial consultation, a discussion will be held on options for the timing and location of the procedure, risks, and cost. Many patients choose to book their procedures at the time of initial consultation, as they feel immediate confidence in Dr. Chung’s artistic eye and surgical expertise.

What happens during the brow lift procedure?

Brow lift surgery is a one- to two-hour procedure that may be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the hospital under light sedation. If performed in the office, you may take Valium or other medications to help you relax, and all patients need a ride home after the procedure.  As Dr. Chung is skilled in all types of brow lift procedures, the placement of skin incisions will depend on type of procedure performed, but typically reside in the hairline or natural creases of the forehead.   Your hair does not need to be shaved. Once the incisions are made, your forehead skin is lifted and the attachments of eyebrows to the underlying bone –called the arcus marginalis– are meticulously released. Dr. Chung will also gently release the muscles that cause frown lines and horizontal creases; releasing these muscles provides a softer appearance to the forehead and allows the brows to be lifted for optimal and long-lasting results. You will look naturally more awake, brighter, and refreshed. All incisions are meticulously closed with fine stitches. Your head will be wrapped in a dressing for 2 days, after which you may take a shower and wash your hair.

Complementary procedures

Many patients benefit from an upper eyelid blepharoplasty at the same time as the brow lift. The brow-eyelid complex should be viewed as a cohesive unit, and rejuvenation of both areas is sometimes necessary for optimal results. Many patients will also pursue a skin resurfacing procedure at the same time to improve the fine lines around the eyes and forehead.

What is the recovery like?

Immediately after surgery, there will be some mild swelling and possibly some bruising. This will get a little worse over the next 2 days before it gets better. A brow lift causes very little pain, but you may feel tightness and a slight numbness in the scalp. This decreased sensation improves with time. You will need to sleep with your head elevated and will apply ice packs as needed for the first 2 days. After 2 days, you can usually remove the bandages and take a shower and the stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.

What will I look like?

The majority of the swelling and bruising will be gone in 2 -3 weeks, and there will be continued improvement for several months. The incision will also be slightly pink for a few months, but will fade and ultimately become barely visible. If all your incisions were placed in the hair, your incisions will not even be visible! You will have a wonderful refreshed quality, and those around you will comment that you look “rested” and “rejuvenated,” but will not be able to place their finger on the cause. With a brow lift, you will experience firsthand how an improved look will inspire an improved outlook.

“The eye is the jewel of the body”

Henry David Thoreau