Left eyebrow doesn't move after brow lift. Can this be fixed?

Question

I had a midface lift with fat grafting and a brow lift dec 7 2023. While I love the results, my left eyebrow doesnt move now. The right one moves fully. Im really concerned about it. left eyebrow feels paralyzed and there is no upward movement of the brow no mater how hard I try to move it. my eyelid is starting to droop a tiny bit because the eye brow doesn’t move up. The brows look slightly unleveled when relaxed. Can this be fixed?

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

There may have been some neuropraxia of the frontal branch of the facial nerve.  You need to discuss this with your surgeon and make sure they are aware.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Based on your description, you most likely have a nerve injury of the frontal branch of the facial nerve. In the majority of cases, this is a temporary problem that gradually resolves over time. It has been 1 month since your surgery, but nerve injuries may take many months to improve. Make sure that your surgeon is aware. Sometimes applying Botox to the opposite side can help to improve symmetry while giving the problem time to resolve.
Best,Dr. Tower

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Paralysis of the eyebrow is possible after a facelift, and is reported in a small percentage of people. This is due to some form of injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve. The vast majority of these will simply get better over time as long as you are patient.  Treatment of the unaffected side with Botox or Daxxify, so the unaffected brow does not move either will at least allow you to gain some degree of symmetry while you’re waiting for the affected side to resolve. Follow up closely with your plastic surgeon so they can monitor the progress. Best wishes.

Left eyebrow doesn't move after brow lift. Can this be fixed?

Answers (3)