How Effective is a Brow Lift?

Facial aging is frequently associated with descent of the brow.  This results in the brow sitting at a lower than normal level which tends to make the patient look unhappy and on occasion, angry.  It’s part of the characteristic findings that are seen with the aging process.
The brow lift has historically been performed in conjunction with facelift procedures in an effort to rejuvenate the facial appearance.  Historically, this has been performed by making an incision across the top of the head and pulling the skin in an upwards direction.  Frequently, scars have been associated with this technique and elevation of the anterior hairline.
Endoscopic brow lift represents a significant advance in plastic surgery.  With this technique, small incisions can be made behind the hairline and a small scope inserted beneath the skin, which can be utilized to separate the soft tissue of the forehead from the underlying bony structures.  The skin is then repositioned, utilizing an anchoring device behind the hairline.  This results in a much more youthful appearance of the forehead.  It is frequently performed in conjunction with facelifts and upper eyelid surgery, as part of an effort to totally rejuvenate the aging face.

Brow lifts are actually a set of procedures that address the sagging and wrinkling of the brow. Your surgeon will recommend a certain type of brow lift depending on what is causing the descent of your brow, but all of these procedures work by manipulating the tissues that affect the position and movement of the brow. You can realistically expect to achieve significant improvement specifically in the wrinkling and drooping of your brow, and a more youthful and alert look overall.

Most people who undergo brow lift complain of looking tired or sad. Newer techniques give a more subtle result so as to avoid the “deer in the headlights” look. Actually, we usually gauge results by what happens around the eyes and not by how much the brow is elevated. A more refreshed and relaxed look around the eyes is the goal. Often, it is combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). The results can be very long term, lasting up to 15 years or longer.