About Brow Lift Surgery
A surgical brow lift (also called a browplasty or forehead lift) is a popular plastic procedure that raises the brow and, in effect, provides a younger, softer look to the top portion of the face. A droopy brow can often cause someone to appear tired or angry even if they are not. Brow lift surgically improves upon a sagging brow by removing excess skin from the forehead, giving you a bright, rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Andre Y. Levesque is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Austin, TX who has extensive knowledge of the techniques necessary to perform brow lifts for both men and women. For women, the outer part of the brow should be higher than the inner and have a gentle curve, while for men, the brow should be much straighter across. Dermal fillers and BOTOX can be used in conjunction with brow lift surgery at Levesque Plastic Surgery for ideal results, creating an overall younger and smoother look.
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Ideal Candidates
As we get older, skin laxity reduces and causes many areas of the face to sag. This is especially critical in the upper facial region and commonly affects both men and women. When looking in the mirror, do you appear tired or angry? Do you notice frown lines between the brows, or are you bothered by a drooping brow? If any of these are the case, brow lift surgery at Levesque Plastic Surgery may be the right cosmetic treatment for your needs.
Surgical Technique
Prior to surgery, anesthesia will be administered to the patient. This can be done with general anesthesia or IV sedation depending on the extent of the surgery. The incision technique used during a brow lift is determined based on the severity of sag, if the forehead is affected, and the position of the hairline. There are many approaches to consider:
- Traditional Incision
Also called the open lift incision, this places the incision at the top of the head behind the hairline. The traditional incision not only masks scarring: It provides a certain degree of controlled lifting during the procedure. The traditional incision works well for those with both a sagging brow and frown lines. This is the preferred technique if you are at risk for having a receding hairline. - Trichophytic Incision
This incision is placed right along the hairline. It allows significant lifting of the brow for women and men who have a strong hairline with little risk for recession. - Lateral Brow Lift
Also known as a temporal brow lift, this technique sets the incision inside the hairline just above the temples. The lateral incision allows the outer areas of the brow to be raised and helps with sagging that is present in the outer brows. The lateral technique also helps to correct Crow’s feet. - Endoscopic Forehead Lift
This is a more modern brow lift technique. It places several tiny incisions in the hairline and inserts an endoscope, which moves down to the area of the eyebrow to release its attachments. Through the camera of the endoscope, the brow tissue is suspended using stitches to lift the brow to its higher position.
What to Expect
Recovery following brow lift surgery can vary. The most discomfort and swelling typically occurs with the open technique versus the endoscopic or temporal approaches. Overall, there will be slight bruising and swelling in the upper face near the brows and possibly around the eyes. Cold compresses may help to decrease the swelling. Dr. Levesque advises patients sleep upright for 3 – 4 nights following their surgery. It is important to avoid any movement or activities that may place stress on the face. The average recovery time from this procedure is about 2 – 3 weeks. The outcome can usually be seen immediately, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance that looks softer and more alert with a noticeable reduction in fine lines and sagging in the upper half of the face. See our Before and After photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a brow lift cost?
It's vital to focus on finding a skilled, board-certified surgeon, like Dr. Levesque, who can give you the results you want using safe and effective techniques rather than going with the least expensive option. The cost of brow lift surgery will vary based on the technique chosen, the facility fee, anesthesia, and other factors. Once your treatment plan has been created during your consultation, an estimate of costs can be discussed. Dr. Levesque can also go over payment methods so your surgery is easier to afford.
Do I need a brow lift or facelift?
Whether you should get a brow lift or full facelift will depend on where you have sagging skin and your individual goals. You should candidly discuss your concerns with Dr. Levesque so he can help you decide what is best for your unique situation. Many patients come in thinking they want a facelift only to discover they only need a brow lift and vice versa. With his experience and insight, Dr. Levesque can confidently help you develop your treatment plan so you get the results you want.
What about nonsurgical treatments?
There are many nonsurgical treatments, such as laser skin tightening and injectables (like BOTOX and Juvéderm), that can provide mild improvements. However, a surgical brow lift is better if you want significant improvements and longer-lasting results. During your consultation, Dr. Levesque can go over both your surgical and nonsurgical options so you can decide which is best for you.
What technique should I choose?
Dr. Levesque will go over brow lift techniques during your consultation to help you understand the advantages of each. He will then help you select the best technique for your needs and goals. Some of the factors that may influence your choice are your hairline (taking into account both your current hairline and your risk of future recession), the degree of skin sagging, and how much time you can devote to recovery.
Will my results look natural?
When you choose a skilled, board-certified plastic and reconstruction surgeon like Dr. Levesque, your brow lift results will look natural. He will develop your treatment plan for your needs and goals so you look refreshed and younger, not tight or frozen. During your surgery, Dr. Levesque will focus on removing excess skin to brighten your appearance. The remaining skin and tissue will be smoothed so your results don't limit your facial expressions or lift your eyebrows too high.
Rejuvenate Your Appearance
Don't let your sagging brow make people think you're mad, sad, tired, or angry. Schedule a consultation to learn more about brow lift surgery performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andre Y. Levesque. By raising your sagging brow, you can improve your entire appearance while looking younger and more refreshed. Our team at Levesque Plastic Surgery strives to provide natural-looking results; your forehead lift will have others saying you look younger rather than thinking you had plastic surgery. Contact our Austin, TX office to hear more information about this effective procedure.