As we age, our brows move down. This shift can also happen as a result of stress, muscle contractions, and even genetics. And, as they shift, the space between our eyebrows and eyelashes often gets narrower. All these changes can cause us to look sad, angry, or worried, or just tired…all the time. A brow lift can correct these downward shifts and move your eyebrows back to a more alert and youthful position.
A brow lift, or forehead lift is meant to raise the eyebrows and soften frown lines.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that raises the eyebrows and soften frown lines and furrows, reducing the wrinkles that can develop across the forehead, between the eyes and on the bridge of the nose.
Your Annapolis Brow Lift Consultation
It’s tough to figure out on your own if a brow lift will meet your needs. Your first step should be a consultation with one of our surgeons at our main office in Annapolis or at one of our satellite offices in Easton or Prince Frederick.
During the consultation in one of our comfortable exam rooms, the doctor will review your goals and your medical history. You’ll discuss things like:
- Your goals: why do you want a brow lift and what outcome are you hoping for?
- Your medical history and your lifestyle. You’ll talk about things like:
- Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs and/or herbal supplements?
- Do you smoke?
- Have you had any previous surgeries?
- Your body. The doctor will examine, measure and evaluate your face and around your eyes.
- The procedure. You’ll have time to ask whatever you need. We recommend writing down your questions, so you won’t forget anything.
You’ll also be able to discuss any other procedures you’re considering having done at the same time. Some patients choose to combine a brow lift with other cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), a full facelift or laser skin resurfacing.
Understanding the Brow Lift Procedure
Your brow lift will be performed under general anesthesia by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art, ambulatory surgery center in Annapolis. During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess tissue and fat from your brow area, tightening the skin on your forehead and elevating your eyebrows.
After your Annapolis Brow Lift: Recovery and Results
The results of a brow lift are long-lasting, but it may take a few months before everything has healed and you see a more youthful looking brow area.
You’ll leave with a bandage around your face or forehead, and we’ll provide instructions for taking care of the incision at home. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you overnight, and you’ll want to keep your head elevated, even when you sleep. You’ll see some swelling and bruising around your eyes and cheeks for the first two weeks or so after the procedure and may be surprised to see that you have black eyes. Cold compresses will help keep the swelling down, as will sleeping with your head propped on several pillows.
You’ll return to the office the day after the surgery to have the dressings removed and come back two weeks later to have the stitches removed. Most brow lift patients go back to work after two weeks and can resume their exercise program after about a month.
What are the risks of a brow lift?
As with most surgical procedures, you may have several days of discomfort, but that should be easily controlled with medication prescribed by your doctor. Your surgeon will give you a list of post-operative instructions, which you should follow closely during your recovery.
The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for a brow lift is to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, to get the information you need to decide if a brow lift can provide the results you want.