Browlift (Forehead Lift)

Browlift | Forehead Lift | Fort Worth A browlift may be the perfect procedure for women or men who are frequently told that they look angry or tired when they, in fact, feel fine. The procedure reduces horizontal forehead lines and furrows that develop between the eyebrows while lifting the eyebrows to an aesthetically appealing position. This creates a refreshed appearance in the upper part of the face. The procedure may be done alone but is also commonly combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures like facelifts and blepharoplasties (eyelid surgery).

There are several techniques that may be used to perform a browlift. Using the more traditional method an incision is placed behind the hairline. The placement of the incision may be modified depending on the patient’s physical characteristics and desires. A different technique uses endoscopic methods, allowing the procedure to be accomplished through a few small incisions. Dr. Kunkel thoroughly examines patients during their consultations and listens to their specific concerns. This allows him to tailor the technique used to the patient’s desires and physical characteristics.

Traditional browlift: An incision is made behind the hairline, stretching across the top of the head from one ear to the other. The forehead skin is elevated off of the underlying tissue. This allows direct visualization and treatment of the muscles between the eyebrows. These muscles are thinned and modified to help minimize and prevent wrinkles in this area after surgery. The eyebrows are then lifted to their new positions. Excess skin is trimmed and the incision is closed with sutures. This type of browlift may work best in women who have significant looseness of the forehead skin and numerous deep wrinkles. Typically women who undergo this browlift are in their 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s.

Endoscopic browlift: Instead of making one long incision stretching from ear to ear across the top of the head, in an endoscopic browlift three to five short incisions are made just behind the hairline. An instrument called an endoscope is then placed beneath the skin. The endoscope allows elevation of the forehead skin off of the underlying tissue in much the same way as is done with a traditional browlift, but without using the long incision across the head. The muscles are thinned and adjusted, then the eyebrows are lifted to their new positions. This type of browlift may work best in women whose eyebrows are low but do not have significant looseness of the forehead skin. Women who do best with this procedure are often in their 30’s and 40’s, although some women in their 50’s and 60’s may also be candidates.

With either type of browlift some swelling takes place after surgery. Bruising may also be present; it usually goes away in two or three weeks. The forehead skin may be numb temporarily. Most patients should expect to take 7 to 10 days away from their usual daily activities.

Complications are rare and usually minor but may include numbness, nerve injury, hair loss near the incision sites, visible scars, asymmetry of the results, infection, and bleeding.

Click here for more information on Browlift »