I had two brow lifts that didn't work. Was something done wrong? Or does this happen?

Thank you for the question. Its a very difficult problem to go over in a few words, but I think if you read a bit about the anatomy of the forehead you may get a better understanding. Simply cutting the skin isn't enough, likely more was done but there are some keys to getting a good lift. I posted a link to an editorial below that may help, its a three part series and this is part 1. Dr James P. Bonaparte

If a technique doesn't work the first time, doing it again and expecting a different outcome is not realistic. Thread lifts are not the most effective way to lift the brow. Results can be variable with any technique. A different technique might be much more effective for you. I recommend consulting with another plastic surgeon to see what options you have.

It's difficult to give you an answer why your specific browlift didn't render your expected result without examining you and reading your surgical notes. Perhaps you could post some before and after pictures. It's good that you trust your plastic surgeon. Keep those lines of communication open. However, get a second opinion if you feel like you need it. Good luck. 

but removing skin from the forehead is more predictable BUT there is a relatively high relapse rate with the subcutaneous lift as the skin will stretch out with time.  When I offer it, I tell my patients to expect a revision and my revision policy only costs my patients $145 when done in the office.  Your surgeon should have a revision policy and you should take him/her up on it to re-do your brows as it holds up much better the second time around.  The thread lift was only a temporizing procedure and I would assume you were fully informed of its shortcomings before signing up for it.

Its hard to know without your pictures but all browlifts have the potential to  recur or have the brows droop again after surgery. The rate varies depending on the procedure and the surgeon and on which studies you read.  Usually thought there is a change for a time after surgery. I performed over 200 thread lifts back in the early 2000s and wrote a paper where we had a 20% recurrence rate for all procedures after 2 years.  That is a very high recurrence rate for surgery so we abandoned the procedure. In general though the browlifts fared better than the neck or cheek area.I would discuss it with your surgeon.  You might want a second opinion about further surgery.  In my view, and some will disagree, a coronal or endoscopic procedure lasts the longest but that depends on many factors and on information that I do not have.I definitely would not rush into a third surgery for at least 6 months to a year.  Then discuss with your surgeon and get a second opinion.   BTW if a surgeon tells you that he has never had a recurrence after a brow lift, run.

Browlifts are very effective and simple to perform. The reason for your failed procedures can only be determined from a review of the operative notes and an examination. Browlifts can be done in two main techniques. Open or endoscopic. Open browlifts involve an incision and removal of a strip of skin and muscle to lift the brow. The skin is then sutured to the immobile periosteum so the brow stays elevated. Endoscopic browlifts use short in incisions  and a small camera to separate the periosteum from the bone of the skull and then lift the brow. No skin is excised and the lifted browlift is held in place with sutures or an absorbable fixation device the holds the brow in place till it heals at the proper height. 

Without examining you or reading your operative notes, it is difficult to say for sure.In my opinion, the two types of brow lifts you described are the least effective types of brow lift. I do not do either one, because I feel they have a very high failure rate. There are other types brow lifts that can be performed, that are more demanding and/or more invasive, but work much more predictably.  Even those lifts,  however, it will be ineffective for an inexperienced surgeon. 

Thank you for the question and one would have to examine you and read your operative note to find out why you did not get the desired result.  So get some second opinions from experts in your area with photos and records.Dr. Corbin

We described the Irregular Trichophytic Hairline Incision technique for brow lifting over 30 years ago and have never seen a patient where the lift "did not work". With operative reports and pre-op pictures in hand I recommend that you get a second opinion.

Dear tbradley42, I would suggest seeking some second opinions with some experts in the field. Have a copy of your original pre-operative photographs as well as the last set before your secondary procedure. I would also request a copy of your operative report these will be helpful in evaluating your current concerns. I have included a link below for a male brow lift patient so you can see an expected result. It is important not to over elevate the brow but position the brow to it's pre-aging position. If you then have any excess skin this would be removed via upper lid blepharoplasty surgery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.