Brow Lift or Forehead Lift in Birmingham AL

Brow Lift Candidates

You may be a candidate for a brow lift if:

• You are physically healthy.
• You don't smoke.
• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals.

Other cosmetic procedures that may be performed in combination with a brow lift include eyelid surgery, facelift and skin resurfacing.

Your Brow Lift Consultation

During your brow lift consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your goals for your appearance.
• Your complete medical history.
• Your current prescription medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use.

Your brow lift surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any risk factors.
• Discuss your options for facial rejuvenation and recommend a course of treatment.
• Examine and measure different parts of your face.
• Take photographs for your medical records.
• Discuss likely outcomes of brow lift surgery and any potential complications.
• Answer any questions you have about your brow lift.

Brow Lift Risks and Safety

Each patient must decide if the benefits of a brow lift will achieve their goals, and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The risks of a brow lift, or forehead lift, include:

• Anesthesia risks.
• Bleeding.
• Elevated hairline.
• Eye irritation or dryness.
• Facial asymmetry.
• Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis.
• Fluid accumulation.
• Infection.
• Loss of hair around the incisions.
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching.
• Pain, which may persist.
• Poor wound healing.
• Possibility of revision surgery.
• Rare risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) that can result in pulmonary embolism with chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Skin loss.
• Unfavorable scarring.

Brow lift risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all of your concerns about risks with your plastic surgeon. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Preparing for a Brow Lift

In preparing for a brow lift, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and other supplements, as they can increase bleeding and bruising.

Brow lifts are performed at our accredited Outpatient Surgery Facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

Brow Lift Procedure

You will be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable during surgery. Your surgeon will suggest either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Endoscopic Incision

An endoscopic brow lift is performed using small incisions hidden within the hairline. An endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) is inserted though these incisions to provide your plastic surgeon with a clear, magnified view. The tissue and muscle beneath the skin are then adjusted to correct the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead.

Coronal Incision

A coronal brow lift involves an incision from ear to ear across the top of the head within the hairline. The forehead skin is then lifted into its new position to raise the eyebrows and tighten the forehead. The overlapping skin is removed and the incision closed. The resulting scar is well-concealed on the top of the head within the hairline.

Brow Lift Recovery

Following your brow lift procedure, your forehead may be taped and/or your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after brow lift surgery. Following these instructions is essential to the success of your brow lift. The instructions may include:

• How to care for the surgical site and drains.
• Medications to apply or take orally.
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.
• When to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Do not use ice or heat on the operated area. Keep your head elevated and avoid vigorous physical activity for as long as your surgeon recommends. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 10 to 14 days.

It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Sutures or clips will be removed when appropriate.

Brow Lift Results

The results of your brow lift are immediately visible. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as post-surgical swelling and bruising resolve and incision lines fade. Cosmetics can help camouflage any bruising. The final results will appear over the next few months, revealing smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, rested appearance.

Although good results are expected from your brow lift, there is no guarantee. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing sun damage. A healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated appearance.

Brow Lift Words to Know

• Brow lift: A surgical procedure to correct a low-positioned or sagging brow. Brow lifting smooths the furrows across the forehead and between the brows.
• Endoscope: A surgical camera sometimes used during brow lift procedures.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin causing swelling or pain.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered via an intravenous line to help you relax.
• Local anesthesia: Medication injected directly into the incision during an operation to numb the area.
• Skin resurfacing: Treatment to improve the texture, clarity and overall appearance of your skin.