Risk of Hair Loss After Browlift

Any time an incision is made on the hair bearing scalp it carries the risks of prominent scar formation and temporary hair loss at the surgical site. However, with proper incision placement and beveling techniques the risk of permanent hair loss is generally low. Depending on the growth phase of the hair follicles, significant hair growth around or through the scar is excepted to occur within a year to help camouflaging the scar. However, if (potential) badness or naturally thin hair to begin with is the issue, prominent scar formation and alopecia can be more of a concern.

The endoscope has revolutionized the forehead lift/brow stabilization concept since it is so different that the original coronal lift (an incision from ear to ear with a wedge of skin and hair removed). With very thin hair, this may create more of a problem of hair loss because the closure of this will be tighter than the endoscopic approach. 
I have done the endoscopic approach (EBL) since the early 90's (over 900 procedures) and have only redone less then 10 times. I know that in my practice this has been most successful.
Botox can be used in conjunction with the EBL, but it will not be the long term cure. Botox can weaken/eliminate the lines between the brows (corrugator mm) and/or the horizontal lines in the forehead, but it will not lift the brows. Plus the Botox injections need to be redone every 3-6 months!

The discussion of hair loss is an important part of the informed consent process when considering a browlift. the likelihood of this actually happening is quite low when proper techniques and preservation of the blood supply is maintained.

Ask your surgeon to review this with you and look at patient photos who have had the procedure.

 

good luck

Hair loss is a possibility after any surgery that involves an incision within the hair. This risk can be minimized with proper surgical technique, but not completely eliminated. Some studies do show that the endoscopic brow lift does not last as long as some other techniques, but this depends on the specifics of the surgeon's technique. Other studies have shown endoscopic techniques to be equivalent to open approaches. In my experience, the endoscopic technique is a great, long-lasting option for many patients due to an easier recovery and less visible incisions.
Be aware that regardless of the brow lift technique, Botox might not be needed any longer to lift the brows, but may still be needed to decrease the wrinkles in the upper part of the face.
All the best,

There’s no question that hair loss
can occur following brow lift procedures. 
This hair loss is highly dependent upon the type of procedure
performed.  It’s much more likely
to occur when open approaches are utilized and can occur for a variety of
reasons.  These may include tension
on the wound closure, thinning of skin flaps and the use of cautery.

In most cases, this hair loss is
transient, but in some cases it may be permanent.  When this occurs a variety of treatment options exist.  These include scar revision, hair
transplantation and Rogaine.

It’s important to individualize the
treatment of brow descent based on the patients’ needs and aesthetic
goals.  Although the results of
open brow lifts probably last longer than the results of endoscopic brow lift,
the longevity of endoscopic browlift is never the less
still quite good.  In your case,
endoscopic browlift still probably represents your best option.

Consultation with a board certified
plastic surgeon with browlift experience would be a good next step.  This surgeon should be able to help you
formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

There are a variety of browlift techniques, and each one needs to be individualized for the patient. The risk of hair loss is usually quite low, but can occur along the incision line typically when there is excessive tension and/or rough handling of the skin and/or delicate hair that is susceptible to falling out. Whether the lateral browlift, or trichophytic/hairline incision, or lateral browlift (the one I most commonly utilize) is chosen depends on the appearance of your brows, your goals, the thickness of your skin and heaviness of your brows, your hair pattern, and the experience of your surgeon.

Unfortunately, any technique including the endoscopic approach may lead to some hair loss especially in the incision line.  Good luck with surgery.

Without pictures it is impossible to give you specific advice.  However, rest assured that hair loss is uncommon and minimal if any.  Endoscopic lifts involve shorter incisions and less chance for interruption of hair growth.  Good luck.

Hair loss is uncommon after endoscopic browlift. Likewise trichophytic browlift scars heal quite well if planned and performed properly. The risk in men is that the well camouflaged trichophytic scar will become visible as male pattern baldness becomes evident or progresses. This is important to discuss with your surgeon. For most men, Botox is not a viable alternative to brow lift procedures.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

With any kind of incision in the hair line there is always the risk of permanent or semi-permanent hair loss (shock loss) at the incision site. The endoscopic approach to a brow lift has a much lower chance to create hair loss as there is not as much nerve damage or scar tissue. Both those factors can make it hard for a hair follicle to remain undamaged. However, with how far we’ve come in the world of plastics, an endoscopic approach can last a significant amount of time. It would be good to see a picture to fully evaluate what would be the best option for you personally.

"Dr.D"