Lifting eyebrows for a youthful look

Do you have wilting eyebrow or baggy eyelids? Are there too many wrinkles and lines on the forehead? Then an eyebrow lift is the right treatment for you.

An eyebrow lift is a common cosmetic procedure done in an outpatient unit. A cosmetic surgeon can perform this in less than two hours. A general anesthesia or a local anesthesia with deep sedation is used.

During this procedure, the surgeon removes selective muscles in the area and releases wrinkle-causing tissues. In some cases, the excess skin is also removed. Eyebrow lifts are done by both ‘open’ method and endoscopic method.

In the open method, a single incision is made beyond the hairline, between the ears. The endoscopic lift is done by making a few smaller incisions in the scalp. An endoscope or a small camera with light attached to a cable is used to study the muscles and tissues and to do the corrections. This method has the advantage of being less invasive. The skin is drawn tight and sutures are used to keep them in that position. The incisions are also cleaned and sewed up.

In many patients, eyebrow lift is done along with other face rejuvenating procedures.
The quantity of bandages is directly proportional to the number of procedure or procedures untaken. The bandages will be pressed firmly over the forehead to reduce the amount bleeding under the skin. There may be decreased sensation in the forehead and scalp regions. This can last for a few weeks. You may be asked to sit in upright position and to avoid crouching and coughing.

The length of the hospital stay will depend on whether the procedure is done alone or in combination with cosmetic techniques. After going home, care should be taken to sleep with the head propped up to minimize edema. Those undergoing an eyebrow lift alone can resume normal activity in a week. They are advised to avoid going out in the sun for a few weeks. Ointments need to be applied locally until the wound heels completely.

Complications like bleeding can occur, in spite of drains kept under the skin. Numbness of scalp and forehead normally last for a few weeks. However, if there is damage to the nerves during the procedure, it can result in permanent numbness. When the skin in the forehead is moved back to tighten it, the hairline moves back resulting in a high forehead. The surgery can cause hair loss, but it will grow back after a few weeks.

Eyebrow lift doesn’t have any other alternative procedures. A shot of Botox can improve wrinkles, but it does not help in lifting eyebrows as such. It may also result in worsening the situation.

Before the operation, it is recommended to have an open discussion with the cosmetic surgeon. Your expectations, outcome of the operation and possible complications should be discussed to avoid disappointment. The surgeon needs to be informed of any medication you use regularly. Smokers may have problems with healing the wound, as the blood supply to the skin may be impaired.