Can you combine brow lift surgery with other surgeries?
Yes. In fact, this is very common. Patients often combine brow lift surgery with upper eyelid lift surgery, facelift, and other cosmetic procedures of the face and neck.
Brow Lift in Sarasota, FL
The natural aging process can take a toll on the brows, causing them to sag and drop. Not only does this make a person look older, but it also creates a perpetually tired look around the eyes. A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is performed to rejuvenate the forehead and improve the patient’s resting facial expression by elevating the brow. This procedure is often performed as a standalone treatment or combined with other cosmetic procedures like eyelid surgery for enhanced results.
Dr. Alberico J. Sessa, M.D., is a highly respected member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery focused on providing quality care to his patients at his Sarasota cosmetic surgery center. Dr. Sessa and his dedicated team at Sarasota Surgical Arts provide a range of facial surgery procedures, including brow lift surgery. New and returning patients are always welcome at our Sarasota, FL clinic.
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure that can rejuvenate the facial skin around the brow and eyes. The surgery removes excess loose skin on the forehead and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues to correct sagging in the brow. A forehead lift can also reduce deep horizontal forehead lines and improve the look of drooping brows and heavy eyelids. Brow lift surgery is a safe and effective procedure when carried out by a reputable cosmetic surgeon.
Why Choose a Brow Lift?
It’s no secret that gravity plays a major role in the natural aging process. Gravity and weakening tissues cause the brows to move down as we age, a process that is particularly noticeable in the outer third portion of the eye. The tissue around the brows and eyes loses elasticity and the distance from the brow to the lash line decreases.
Often this sagging around the eyes creates a tired or angry appearance, even when the person is happy or well-rested. Individuals experiencing these symptoms of a sagging brow or forehead wrinkles due to the aging process or genetics can often benefit from a forehead lift.
Am I a Candidate?
The decision to have a brow lift is very personal. Ultimately, those who are interested in undergoing this procedure should work with a cosmetic surgeon to determine if their goals are in line with possible outcomes. In some cases, eyelid surgery or a non-surgical option may be a better solution, depending on the circumstances. Dr. Sessa helps guide each patient through the process of choosing the right procedure.
Ideal candidates for brow lift procedures should be in good overall health with a positive outlook. Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit several weeks before and after surgery as smoking interferes with healing and can cause complications. Any pre-existing medical conditions may affect proper healing, so it is important to discuss these with your surgeon well in advance of surgery. Less invasive, non-surgical options may be a good alternative when pre-existing medical conditions are a concern.
The Brow Lift Consultation
Individuals interested in undergoing a brow lift procedure should consult with Dr. Sessa to determine their candidacy. Consultations take place at our beautiful Sarasota cosmetic surgery center. Dr. Sessa customizes each procedure to meet his patients’ specific needs and uses the consultation to gather all the necessary information about his patients’ goals.
During the consultation, patients will discuss their complete medical history with the doctor and go over any current prescription and over-the-counter medications. The surgeon will ask the patient about their goals for the cosmetic surgery procedure and perform an exam of the forehead area. He may suggest additional or alternative surgeries depending on the patient’s desired outcome.
Dr. Sessa will perform an examination of the face and take photographs. He will then use imaging technology to give the patient a preview of the likely surgical outcome. Additionally, the patient and doctor will go over any possible complications of surgery. Finally, he will recommend a treatment plan based on the information gathered during this initial visit.
Preparing for Brow Lift Surgery
Before undergoing a brow lift procedure, patients need lab testing and a medical evaluation. Patients should avoid some medications, such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent blood clots. Patients may need to adjust current medications to prepare for surgery.
Individuals who are preparing for forehead lift surgery will need to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Smoking can slow down and interfere with the healing process. Prior to the surgery appointment, Dr. Sessa will provide specific pre-op instructions. Patients should follow these instructions closely to avoid complications and ensure the best surgical results possible.
The Procedure
Brow lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that requires the use of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. Patients can discuss the specific type of anesthesia used during the consultation with Dr. Sessa.
Several types of lifts and a variety of techniques exist that Dr. Sessa can use to perform a brow lift. Plastic surgeons choose them based on the patient’s goals and anatomy as well as the level of correction needed. The types of brow lifts include endoscopic, temporal, and coronal.
Endoscopic brow lift:
This increasingly popular brow lift technique uses a less invasive approach to achieve subtle, yet noticeable results. This technique uses a series of short incisions (less than one inch in length) positioned just behind the hairline. Using an endoscope, or miniature camera combined with thin surgical instruments, the surgeon repositions the muscles and lifts the skin on the forehead. The surgeon removes excess fat, skin, and tissue to achieve a naturally youthful and rejuvenated forehead.
Temporal brow lift:
This technique involves incisions of about one inch long made just above each temple behind the hairline. The surgeon lifts and repositions the outer brow tissue via these incisions. This method is often combined with eyelid surgery which further lifts the brows and smooths the frown lines.
Coronal brow lift:
The coronal or classic brow lift was once known as the gold standard for brow lift surgery. The technique involves making a single long horizontal incision from ear to ear behind the hairline. Today, cosmetic surgeons do not commonly use this method since it can highlight the appearance of an already receding hairline. Plus, there is a possibility of over-correction, creating an unnatural look.
Recovering from Brow Lift Surgery
Full recovery from can take about two to four weeks. However, when combined with another surgery, like a facelift, full recovery may take a bit longer.
Immediately After Surgery:
After surgery, most patients experience some mild discomfort and tightness throughout the forehead area. Patients commonly experience swelling and bruising but they should almost fully subside after two weeks. Walking around the house the day of surgery may help improve circulation and speed recovery.
1 to 2 Days After Surgery:
Patients can resume showering but should be gentle when washing the face and take care to avoid the incision sites.
1 to 2 Weeks After Surgery:
Most patients resume work one week after surgery, though some go back sooner. If bruising is visible, you may use makeup to camouflage it. Your surgeon can recommend a good option.
2 to 4 Weeks After Surgery:
Normal day-to-day activities, including exercise, can be resumed.
What Are the Possible Side Effects or Risks of Surgery?
As with all surgeries, brow lift procedures come with risks. Though they are rare, it is important to be aware of possible complications. Choosing a well-regarded cosmetic surgeon minimizes the risks. Risks may include:
- Bleeding
- Unfavorable scarring
- Loss of hair at incision sites
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial nerve injury
- Numbness
- Infection
Why Should I Choose Dr. Sessa?
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions a patient will make during the surgical process. Make sure to select a surgeon who has the proper credentials and is able to show past work that is in line with your goals.
Dr. Alberico Sessa, M.D. is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery focused on cosmetic surgery of the face and body. He has successfully treated hundreds of patients and maintains a high satisfaction rate among his patients. It’s no wonder he has been awarded the Patient’s Choice Award numerous times!