Years of gravity and use can cause the eyebrows to droop or sag and frown lines to form on the forehead. These problems can be treated using forehead/brow lift surgery. This procedure is often coupled with a face lift and/or eyelid surgery to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Procedure

Forehead/brow lift surgery is conducted on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia with sedation. An endoscopic technique has gained popularity for forehead/brow lifts because it is less invasive than traditional surgery and causes less scarring. Small incisions are made behind the hairline and a small instrument with a camera is inserted. Using this device, the surgeon removes any excess skin and tightens and lift the muscle and tissue. Small sutures are used to close the incision. The surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours.

Recovery

The surgeon may or may not bandage the area after surgery. Generally, the eyes swell shut for a short period of time. It is important to keep the head elevated when lying down. Cold compresses can be used to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Sutures are removed within 10 days. Swelling and bruising is normal and will last about 2 weeks. Patients return to normal activity in 2 weeks, but may have to avoid strenuous activity for a longer period of time.