We’ve all heard of a Facelift, but did you know that the Brow Lift has gained significant momentum and is raising eyebrows everywhere. Toronto’s Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon practicing Facial Plastic Surgery, talked to us about this intriguing surgical option.
What is a Brow Lift?
Considered a type of Facelift, a Brow Lift is specific to the upper one-third of the face and has become quite commonly sought out for those noticing signs of aging to their upper eyelids, brows and forehead. Historically, this procedure was performed on those in their 50s and up, whereas now younger generations, as early as their 30s, are looking to reshape their brow. “Often an overlooked part of the face are the brows, which can significantly contribute to aging the face,” says Dr. Solomon. As people age the eyebrow will slightly descend, and in some patients, it contributes to hooding of the upper eyelid. Certain patients seeking eyelid surgery due to hooding of the eyelids may have relatively low brows. When assessed, it will be determined if a patient is best served by Upper Blepharoplasty, a Brow Lift or both.
Why get a Brow Lift?
A Brow Lift helps with drooping brows and sagging upper eyelids, and it can minimize — if not eliminate — the appearance of deep wrinkles on the forehead. There are a few well-known Brow Lift techniques marketed on the internet, such as “the fox eye” and “the ponytail lift,” which are often desired by women ranging in age from their mid-30s to mid-50s, as these techniques require minimal incisions, scarring, risk and downtime. Patients can continue their active lifestyles without exposing signs of surgery. Brow Lift surgery has recently gained in popularity, as young people seek to change the look and shape of their eyes and brows. This look has been popularized by celebrities such as Bella Hadid.
How are Brow Lifts performed?
Solomon Facial Plastic offers three Brow Lift techniques. The least invasive technique is called the Temporal Brow Lift. This technique is performed under local anaesthesia at Dr. Solomon’s private clinic. Two small incisions are placed inferior to the temples where the skin is lifted laterally, providing a gentle lift to the eyebrows and upper eyelids. The benefits to this technique are its ability to offer a gentle lift, minimal recovery and it reduces early signs of aging.
The Endoscopic Brow Lift is an advanced technique and one of Dr. Solomon’s most popular procedures. This procedure requires four small incisions along the hairline where they are hidden and concealed once healed. The entire brow is lifted from temple to temple, then secured using surgical anchors. Endoscopic Brow Lift is an ideal procedure for younger patients who have lower hairlines, or for those who have a thinning hairline that may not conceal signs of surgery from the Open Brow Lift technique.
The Open Brow Lift technique has been around for years and was the most-commonly used approach at one time. Typically, incisions for this procedure are made at the top of each ear and extend along the hairline from ear to ear, creating a flap that will be lifted and then secured to the scalp. “I would recommend this technique to patients who want a significant lift and want to shorten the distance between the brows and the hairline,” he says. Open Brow Lift is also helpful to those who have deep wrinkles on their forehead and want to minimize or eliminate their appearance. “The Open Brow Lift technique allows me to remove some of the frontalis muscle, responsible for those deep wrinkles, for which people often seek Botox treatments,” he says.
“In my practice, Brow Lifts are offered independently, as well as in combination with a Deep Plane Facelift. The Deep Plane Facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face, while the Brow Lift addresses the upper-third. Often people think the Facelift addresses the entire face from the hairline to the neck, when in fact, multiple procedures are required to address individual concerns.” Laser Resurfacing, Upper and or Lower Blepharoplasty and Facial Fat Grafting are often recommended to patients as part of their facial rejuvenation treatment plan. The laser addresses skin tone, texture and fine lines, the Blepharoplasty addresses aging eyelids and Facial Fat Grafting adds volume where volume has been lost. Aging gracefully is a work in progress and we are here to help along the way.
May 17th 2021