Brow Lift numbness may take a while and could be permanent

Philip Young, MD answers: How to address forehead numbness after a browlift?

hi, i had an eyebrow lift in argentina , the dr. used an old technique  and cut above the eyebrows not endoscopic, now 11 months later the numbness in the forehead and scars that hurt when i lift my eyebrows. thank you jacob


Philip Young, MD
6 months ago
By Philip Young, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

The old technique above the eyebrows will cause a lot of numbness in the forehead and scalp area. This approach goes directly through these larger nerves to cause this numbness. To get the feeling back your nerves have to grow over all of the areas and sometimes this doesn't come back fully. So this could be a permanent thing. Nerve grafting could be a possibility but would be a significant procedure and the results are variable. This option is a complicated approach. Time and waiting can eventually help to allow the nerves to grow back. 

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More answers to “How to address forehead numbness after a browlift?”

A: There is really nothing you can do

Richard P. Rand, MD
7 months ago
By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

The technique you had is still ised for certain circumstances in men especially if they have a receeding hairline.  The numbness will either resolve over the next 2-3 years, or it will not.  B complex vitamines and amssage may help but basically the nreve recovery takes a long time and will either happen or not and you will be permanently numb.

This is one good reason not to go out of the country for plastic surgery just because it is less expensive.  I am sure your doctor in Argentina has little interest in your problem unfortunately.  Good luck!

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A: Not much can be done at this point

Shahram Salemy, MD
7 months ago
By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

 Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if your numbness is permanent.  This can still occur even with traditional, open browlifts, but it sounds like your surgeon did not discuss with you the risk of this occurring.  

Endoscopic browlifts usually are less likely to result in permanent numbness, but it still can occur.

If the scars hurt when you elevate your brows, it may be due to some poor scar healing or contracture, which can be treated surgically.  I would recommend seeing a Board Certified Surgeon in your area for a formal evaluation.

Good luck,

Dr. S

Web reference: http://www.drsalemy.com
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A: Numbness likely to be permanent

William Portuese, MD
5 months ago
By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

There is nothing that can be done for numbness above the incision from your coronal forehead lift. Endoscopic techniques or nerve grafting will not help for this problem.

Web reference: http://www.seattlefacial.com
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