When looking at ourselves in the mirror, or at others for that matter, we are drawn to ones’ eyes. The eyes express how a person feels, however, as we age, how we feel on the inside isn’t always visible on aging face. Over time, the skin of the brow and muscles surrounding the eyes begin to sag, making us look tired, angry and older than we actually are. In extreme cases, these changes can even interfere with a person’s vision. If you want to look and feel refreshed and alert again while restoring a youthful appearance, a brow lift may be just right for you.
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… Click to read the article
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift is a relatively simple cosmetic surgery procedure which can have lasting effects for up to ten years. Brow lifts are a common response to the effects of aging, which can be seen in the areas around the eyes and brow.
Brow lifts are most often performed on both men and women from ages 40 to 60 who are experiencing hooding of the upper eyelids and sagging and drooping of the brow.
While the brow lift will not halt the aging process, it can potentially decrease the visible signs of aging, while at the same time tightening and smoothing the muscles on the forehead and brow. In raising your eyebrows your brow lift will give you the appearance of looking more relaxed, younger and alert.
The brow lift is a beneficial cosmetic procedure that is utilized in connection with other cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures, such as eyelid surgery and facelifts, to achieve the ultimate youthful look. The brow lift does not take long to recover from as the stitches can be removed as early as 7 to 10 days after the operation. Some patients may experience some bruising and numbness of the brow which is quite common, and will most likely disappear within a few days following surgery.
If you want to be considered a candidate for brow lift surgery, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Philip Solomon, Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgeon practicing Facial Plastic Surgery, to ensure that a brow lift procedure will actually help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals. In addition, you will need to be physically healthy. While this could include being at an optimal weight or not having a chronic disease, usually the surgeon will be most interested in whether you have had an infection or had surgery in the past two to three weeks.
It’s also worth mentioning that the best brow lift candidates have both realistic goals and a positive outlook. You need to understand, that while a brow lift can have some striking effects on your face, it is not a cure-all solution. Some men and women do opt for other procedures to be performed in conjunction with a brow lift such as facelift or eyelid surgery. This may help achieve an overall smooth and improved look.
When making your decision to have a brow lift, the first stop is a consultation with Dr. Solomon. During your consultation, Dr. Solomon will talk with you at length about the procedure, focus extensively on the goals you have for your appearance, and how a brow lift will be able to help you fulfill those goals. As with many other cosmetic surgeries, Dr. Solomon will also discuss your complete medical history with you, as well as any medications you are currently taking, including recreational drug use, alcohol and tobacco use, and even herbal supplements.
Dr. Solomon will carefully examine the aesthetics of your face to ensure a brow lift is the best option for you. Photographs will also be taken for review and for the purpose of computer imaging. Once Dr. Solomon has completed his examination of you, he will recommend a course of treatment, discuss the most probable results of your brow lift procedure and explain all complications that could arise from the surgery.
During the consultation, feel free to ask questions! Dr. Solomon wants your brow lift procedure to have the best results possible and for you to have a clear understanding about what to expect before, during and after your surgery. You should also discuss your feelings about the procedure. Everyone feels some anxiety about undergoing surgery, whether they’re worried about the risks or results of the procedure. If and when you start to experience these feelings, share them with Dr. Solomon. He will be happy to discuss your concerns, and help set your mind at ease.
In the days leading up to your brow lift surgery, Dr. Solomon may require a medical evaluation and some lab tests to make sure your body is fully prepared for surgery. You may also be asked to take certain pre-surgery medications or to adjust your current medications. You will also have to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, as these medications can increase bruising and bleeding during a cosmetic surgery procedure. Dr. Solomon’s priority is always your safety and the best possible outcome.
You may also want to prepare for your post-surgery recovery. Make sure you have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your surgery. You may also want to have someone help you for the first couple days at home or until you are recovered enough to move around on your own. You should also schedule some time off work, as you won’t be able to return to work for approximately two weeks.
The brow lift process involves pulling the skin back from around the eyes, in a lift, towards a more desirable position. There are two different techniques used to perform a brow lift. The first method is called an endoscopic incision. It consists of making micro-incisions in the skin and going in with an endoscopic camera and fine surgical tools in order to adjust the muscles and other soft tissue of the brow. The second method is called a coronal incision, which is performed by making a cut over the top of the head from one ear to the other. In both cases, the skin is then tightened by lifting it back and set into place.
Dr. Solomon will determine which method is best for your individual case as each as its own advantages and disadvantages. Some surgeons may recommend a coronal incision for patients with very high foreheads. The location of the coronal incision lets the surgeon lift the brow without having to change the height of the front hairline. The scar may be more visible, but it can be easily hidden within the hairline.
The decision to have any kind of surgery is a personal one. During your consultation, Dr. Solomon will go over the potential risks, which may include a loss of hair around the incisions or an elevated hairline, facial asymmetry, numbness or other changes to your skin’s sensation, fluid accumulation or irritation of the eyes. While any of these symptoms are unlikely in the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Solomon, there is always the remote possibility of a complication. During your consultation, Dr. Solomon will discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you may have before you proceed.
Following your brow lift surgery, Dr. Solomon will likely wrap your head with loose bandages and tape your forehead in order to minimize any bruising or swelling. You may also have a tube inserted in order to drain any buildup of fluid or blood.
For the first day or two, you will need to keep your head elevated. You should also avoid doing any physical activity that might be considered vigorous. You may be tempted to use ice or heat on your brow, however we ask that you refrain from doing so.
While a brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure, you will still need to wait for your incisions to heal. The wounds should be fairly healed within 14 days following your surgery and you may be able to resume your normal activities when the sutures or clips get removed.
Initially, you will experience some swelling, and possibly some bruising as well. While makeup will cover up the bruises, be aware that you will need to wait several weeks until you are fully healed. Over that time, the swelling will go down and the incisions will begin to fade. For the best results, do not subject your incision lines to excessive force, or do anything that might cause swelling or abrasion around your incisions. You will get more specific instructions from Dr. Solomon on how to care for yourself after you undergo the procedure. Always follow all aftercare instructions provided in order to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated recovery.
One of the benefits of a brow lift procedure is that the results will be immediately visible, even with the swelling. As you continue to recover from surgery, you should get a better idea of how the results affect your appearance, and over the course of a few months, you will see the final results.
While brow lifts usually produce good results, their effects can fade over time. Remember to use sun protection, including sunscreen and a large brimmed hat, to help maintain your appearance by eliminating as much damage from the sun as possible. You can also help to maximize the effectiveness of your brow lift surgery by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including keeping your weight in a healthy range and making sure to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Please also visit Dr. Solomon’s information on Facelift, Facetite, Facial Implants, Blepharoplasty, Buccal Fat Extraction, Brow Lift, Lip Lift, Lip Implants, Facial Fat Transfer and Transgender Surgery.
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