As you grow older, your skin and soft tissues lose elasticity, which makes the brows droop downwards. In women, the youthful brow should sit above the bony rim and have a gentle lateral peak. In men, the youthful brow should sit at the bony rim. However, loss of skin elasticity shortens the distance between the eyebrows and eyelashes, leading to a tired appearance. Some people also develop drooping eyelids, which can affect their vision.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that raises the eyebrows to make you look more refreshed and youthful. Brow lift improves the appearance of the forehead, the brows, and the regions around the eyes. Dr. Vial selects the ideal brow lift technique for you based on the amount of brow descent and your unique hair line. The procedure involves removing redundant skin and releasing the tethering attachments that keep the brow in a low position. The scars can often be hidden in the hair.
How is brow lift performed?
Your brow lift journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Vial. Dr. Vial carefully examines your facial proportions, brow position, and discusses your goals and expectations. Based on your unique expectations and condition, he creates the ideal surgical plan for you.
Brow lift is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under sedation anesthesia. The day of surgery, Dr. Vial marks your scalp and reverifies the planned scars with you. Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Vial makes incisions in line with your surgical plan. The length of the incisions depends on the approach. Dr. Vial releases the tissues tethering the brow and anchors the brow in its new position. The incisions are closed with suture. There are no dressings.
What does a brow lift treat?
- Sagging brows
- Asymmetric brows
Who is a candidate for a brow lift?
In general, candidates for brow lift:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Do not have underlying medical conditions that preclude surgery
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure
- Do not use nicotine products, or are willing to stop using products one month before and one month after the procedure (gum, chews, patch, vape)
- Are not exposed to second-hand smoke
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
- Want to reverse the signs of facial aging
What are the risks of a brow lift?
Dr. Vial prioritizes safety above all else and performs your brow lift using the safest surgical techniques. He only works with board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurses to ensure optimal and consistent results. However, all surgeries, including brow lifts, carry inherent risks that Dr. Vial will discuss during your consultation.
The complications unique to brow lift that are reported nationally include, but are not limited to:
- Scalp numbness
- Loss of hair temporary or permanent (very rare)
- Loss of brow elevation (very rare)
View Before and After Photos
What is the recovery
process after a brow lift?
How you recover in the three months after your surgery determines the outcome for years to come. Dr. Vial will provide a list of step-by-step recovery guidelines after your surgery. You should keep your head elevated as much as possible after the surgery. You will have swelling for 1-2 weeks. Most patients can resume work and other low-level activities in 2 weeks, depending on the type of surgical technique used. However, you should avoid workouts and strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks.
Why choose Dr. Vial for your brow lift?
Dr. Vial is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in facial surgery. He has trained at the world’s best institutions where many of these procedures continue to be advanced. He makes safety a top priority and has developed a reputation for beautiful, natural results.
