Ask a doctor

Eyebrow Dropping After Lateral Browlift

Hello, I had a bilateral browlift 5 weeks 1 day ago and feel that my eyebrows have dropped a lot since the op. My surgeon said they will drop some, but what worries me is they seem to have dropped a lot and every few days they seem less and less high. Is it possible for them to go back to their original position which was very low? will they stop dropping now that I am over 5 weeks post op? the skin has flattened out - no longer bunched at the temples... I am young looking no wrinkles 34 yo

Doctor Answers 6

August 24th, 2011

Eyebrow drooping after browlift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Browlift procedures are done differently between each surgeon and results will vary. I personally do an endoscopic browlift that involves two principles mobilization and fixation. With mobilization that portion involves dissection below the orbital rim and transection of the periosteum and fixation involves anchoring the tissue with temporal sutures and using temporary screws for support. With this technique you are basically underming the tissue and shifting it back to it's original youthful location without over raising the eyebrows. The post surgical results should give the patient the results of looking the same way they did ten years ago.

Learn more: http://www.michaelelammd.com

Michael Elam, MD


Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 214 reviews

August 24th, 2011

Eyebrow droop after browlift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You should expect some relaxation after surgery but the amount is dependent upon the technique used by the surgeon.  For good long-lasting results, the brow has to be released off of the bone at the orbital rim.  This takes a great deal more time and is far riskier as it involves traversing the area of the facial nerve.  Poorly trained surgeons will skip this step to minimize risk but it also diminishes results.

In the United States, we see a lot of non-surgeons (dermatologists, family practice docs, etc) performing brow lift surgery in their office under local anesthesia.  If you don't understand the anatomy, it seems like a simple operation.  One simply takes out a little skin, sews up the incision and cash the check.  Initially it looks great, but much like the experience with facelift surgery, if all you address is the skin, all the laxity will be back in about 12 months.  I don't know what the requirements are in New Zealand but my advice is the same, always start with a qualified physician.

From your description, I think your surgeon performed the operation correctly.  You should not expect to see further droop after 5 weeks.

Joseph Campanelli, MD
Portland Facial Plastic Surgeon

July 5th, 2012

Brow lift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Incomplete immobilization of the lateral brow, can cause excessive relaxation of the brow after surgery. Loosening of the sutures can also be the culprit.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

January 23rd, 2012

5 weeks post brow lift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

By 5 weeks the brows are most likely settled down to where they are going to stay - they are most likely still higher than your pre-op brows but looking at your pre-op photos can confirm this.

Learn more: http://www.seattleface.com/html/brow_lift.php

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS
September 29th, 2011

Drooping Eyebrow After Browlift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Brow drooping is common after browlifts and usually will subside at 3-6 months after surgery. I would wait and see what the final outcome is before re-assessing the outcome. You could consider using Botox in the lateral brow and crow's feet to help reduce the downward pull of the muscles in that area.

Learn more: http://www.facialplastics.info/brow-forehead.html

Babak Azizzadeh, MD

Babak Azizzadeh, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 9 reviews

August 24th, 2011

It is expected that your brow will drop slightly following browlift surgery

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is expected that your brow will drop slightly following browlift surgery. I think that Dr. Campanelli has provided a great explanation of the expected early changes following browlift surgery. The one comment I will add is that your surgeon should have taken pre-surgery photos. It might be useful to ask to see them at your next appointment. Often people will be surprised by how big of an improvement they have received after looking at these pre-procedure photos. At least this will give you a better idea of where your brow started before your procedure and help you assess how much improvement persists.

Best,

Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Learn more: http://weberfacialplasticsurgery.com/browlift/

Stephen Weber, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.