One Eyebrow Still Paralyzed 9 Months After Coronal Brow Lift. Options?

Question

One eyebrow is at least 1" inch lower than other now. Gives a "sinister" look.Botox on non-paralyzed side, but doesn't last. Slight movement in outer edge of eyebrow in last month caused "wrinkles" in skin above brow.Is slight movement any sign it will eventually return? Afraid nerve was cut by braided suture failure(doctor said this might have happened)as a slight" skin dent" at place suture was attached. Want NO more surgery. Wish I had NEVER had it.I looked better before. Worried! Any ideas?

Christopher Kolstad, MD · Answer

Hello,

I know it is not easy to wait, but patience is paramount with any suspected nerve injury.  Permanent nerve injury is uncommon following a brow lift, and the fact that you are witnessing slight movement is a very promising sign.

As part of our training, facial plastic surgeons perform dozens of procedures removing cancers from the head and neck.  During removal of the tumor it is very common to lift a nerve out of the way, stretch it, look at it wrong, virtually any manipulation of a facial nerve will cause it to stop working after surgery.  During cases of temporary weakness, the recovery is slow and happens over the course of 12-18 months.  If there is still inadequate function at 18 months I would advise you to consult with another surgeon.  There may be a way to improve symmetry between the two sides, and your feelings about a corrective procedure may change.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Such nerve injuries do occur but are fortunately uncommon.  It is possible that you will continue to get function back for up to 2 years.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, the fact that you have some slight movement of a portion of the forehead is a positive sign - it means that some signals are getting through.  Hopefully, with more time, more nerve function will recover, and your situation will improve.  Nerve recovery is a slow business, though.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

the fact that your brow is moving is a good sign of return..  botox on the other side is still a good option till they are equal..  if it doesn t improve.. you can consider weakening the nerve on the other side

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Nerve injury after brow lift is a know complication.  The fact that movement is present is a good sign meaning it was not cut.  In spite of this, it was injured during the surgery.  You must give it more time and after a year to a year and a half, it will probably be permanent.  Botox as you stated will help but temporary.

I hope this helps.

One Eyebrow Still Paralyzed 9 Months After Coronal Brow Lift. Options?

Answers (9)

Answer: Weak brow after coronal lift

Answer: Weak brow after coronal lift

Answer: Movement is a good sign

Answer: Movement is a good sign

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Everything you need to know about Brow Lift

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One Eyebrow Still Paralyzed 9 Months After Coronal Brow Lift. Options?

Answers (9)

Answer: Weak brow after coronal lift

Answer: Weak brow after coronal lift

Answer: Movement is a good sign

Answer: Movement is a good sign

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brow Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.