Frozen Eyebrow After Facelift 18 Mths Ago! What Can I Do?

Question

I had a mini facelift 18mths ago & since then my right eyebrow is frozen!The incision is at the ear & after the hairline hidden in between my hair. My plastic surgeon don't know what to do and I dare not go back to do any corrections in case it get worst! What can I do? Is there any hope or is this permanent? What will happen in a few years time ie will my face look awkward or distorted? Should I give up & live with it? Please help as I'm desperate and don't know what to do! Thank you very much!

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

Well, at 18 months, this seems like this is a permanent problem. The best thing to do is to have botox placed on the other side. I am sorry this happened to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A frozen eyebrow after injury to the frontal branch after facelift surgery can be fixed with a modified asymmetric brow lift if you do want something for permanent. Find the board certified plastic surgeon with the BEST credentials for help in evaluation of this problem.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear of your problem. While it is impossible to give definitive advice without an actual examination, it sounds like you have had a nerve injury to the brow elevators. Given that it is 18 months since your facelift and you have no movement as described, it is likely that this is a permanent injury at this point. 

	The best treatment may be to treat the opposite brow and forehead with Botox to improve your symmetry. This can be a relatively simple solution though is not permanent. I would not expect any further changes in your face over time. I would suggest, however, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. They could discuss the specific alternatives after a complete exam.

	Best of luck with your face.

	Jeff Rockmore

Jonathan Pontell, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the other opinions about the permanence of the problem and that botox to weaken the opposite side would make sense, but I would add that a browlift on the side that is frozen would be a much more long term way to help the situation.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

If you do not have movement in your eyebrow 18 months after surgery, it is likely going to be permanent.  In this situation, the asymmetry between the forhead and eyebrows at rest and during animation is typically the greatest aesthetic concern.  In this situation, I would recommend using Botox on the "good" side to weaken the muscles to help increase your facial symmetry.  Unfortunately, there are no good procedures at this time to get your eyebrow moving again.

	 

	I hope this helps.

Frozen Eyebrow After Facelift 18 Mths Ago! What Can I Do?

Answers (9)