Do I Need A Brow Lift?

About Brow Lifts

Ptosis, or sagging of the brow or forehead is nothing new. And, if you’ve been considering a browlift, you’re not the first! The history of brow lift surgery reaches back to over 100 years ago. In 1919, Dr. Raymond Passot successfully removed crow’s feet wrinkles and performed one of the first documented brow lifts by removing oval-shaped areas of skin adjacent to the eyebrows.  Since then, surgeons continued to develop forehead lifting techniques that created better, longer-lasting results with minimal intervention.

Reasons for a Brow Lift

• Drooping of the upper eyelid
• Deep folding in the forehead area
• Restriction in your field of vision due to skin sagging
• Excessively hooded eyes

Dr. Abramson performs several popular and effective brow lift techniques: 

Coronal Brow Lift

Also known as a traditional brow lift, this procedure involves an incision behind the hairline that extends across the top of the head and downwards to each ear. With this technique, the frontalis muscle (forehead muscle) is modified so that forehead wrinkles are much less noticeable. Finally, the skin is gently reattached and excess skin is trimmed away at the incision site. Many patients who opt for a coronal brow lift are looking for a more comprehensive solution. Any scar left behind is subtle and hidden behind hair.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

With an endoscopic brow lift, small incisions are made on the scalp so that an endoscope (an instrument with a thin tube and a camera) can be used. The endoscope allows for an accurate viewing of the facial muscles and other tissues beneath the skin, so that the entire surgery can be performed in a less invasive manner. With another small set of incisions, Dr. Abramson can insert specialized surgical tools, and perform the entire surgery beneath the skin, eliminating the need for a large skin flap and dramatically shortening recovery time. The incisions for this procedure are less than 2 cm.  Due to the size of the incisions and the delicate use of the endoscope, this method is minimally invasive and does not affect the height of your hairline.

Lateral Brow Lift

Also called a temporal brow lift, this technique focuses on safely and effectively fixing droopiness of the upper eyelids caused by brow ptosis, creating more defined eyebrow arches,  and reducing crow’s feet. The upper eyelids are common problem areas since they are susceptible to fat deposits due to age or genetics, becoming overly “hooded.” While blepharoplasty is often necessary to resolve this hooding, in some cases brow ptosis is to blame. With only two incisions, Dr. Abramson can perform a brow lift that rejuvenates the area above the eyes with  minimal downtime required.

Is the Brow Lift Right For Me?

Ideal candidates for this procedure are those who:

• Are in good health with all underlying conditions well managed
• Have no with no blood-clotting disorders.
• Have no conditions that affect your body’s healing abilities
• Are not allergic to local anesthesia
• Have realistic expectations
• Are between the ages of 40 and 60
• Can safely undergo invasive surgery
• Are looking for a long-lasting solution to droopiness and signs of aging in the upper half of their face

Preparation and Recovery

To prepare for a brow lift, Dr. Abramson may first order some lab tests to ensure that you are in good health. He will then review your current supplements and medications and make adjustments to avoid any risk of complications. He will advise that you stop taking blood-thinning medications that can put you at risk for unwanted bleeding and excessive bruising during or after the procedure.

While brow lifts don’t necessarily require general anesthesia, you will still need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. This is because sedatives can stay in your system for up to 24 hours. If you choose to take the pain medication that Dr. Abramson prescribes for the first few days of your recovery, you will not be able to operate a vehicle during that time.

As your recovery progresses, OTC medications like Tylenol and cold compresses should help manage any discomfort. Swelling and bruising are normal but should subside completely after two weeks. Endoscopic brow lifts require the shortest recovery period, while coronal brow lifts typically require more time to heal because of the extended incisions. Still, most patients are able to return to work 1 to 2 weeks after their procedure. 

Personal Consultation with Dr. Abramson

During your personal consultation, Dr. Abramson will listen carefully to your cosmetic goals and discuss the realistic outcomes of the brow lift procedure. He will take photographs and measurements to see which procedure is right for you. He can also guide you towards other treatment recommendations that may suit your needs better or compliment your brow lift.

Dr. Abramson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 30 years of experience specializing in the discipline. His expertise can guide you towards results that you will love for many years to come. You can contact his offices in New Jersey at (201) 731-3134 (Englewood or Franklin Lakes) or his location in New York City at (212) 774-1828 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Abramson also offers virtual consultations for patients’ convenience.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Abramson offers a wide variety of treatments that cater to different aesthetic concerns- many are discussed in detail in his blog. Here are just a few that may appeal to patients interested in the results of a brow lift:

• Eyelid surgery. This procedure focuses on reducing the sagginess of the upper or lower eyelids (or both)- improving the functionality and appearance of the eyes.
• Facelift. To get a refreshed, youthful look throughout the lower half of the face and neck, a facelift may be ideal for your needs.
• Mini-facelift. As a less invasive form of the facelift, this procedure reduces nasolabial and marionette lines and accentuates the jawline.
• Dermal fillers. For a non-invasive solution, biodegradable and biocompatible dermal fillers can provide you the look of a brow lift without the commitment of one.

Cost of a Brow Lift in New Jersey

A brow lift is an intricate procedure that requires the skills of a board-certified surgeon to create excellent results. Depending on the type of lift, the cost will vary. A virtual consultation with Dr. Abramson will clear up your concerns about cost. In addition, his offices may be able to help you find a financing program that works for you.

You can contact his New Jersey locations in Franklin Lakes or Englewood at (201) 731-3134. You may also call his New York City office at (212) 774-1828 if that location is most convenient for you.

FAQ

Will a brow lift cause scarring?

It is possible that scars from a brow lift will be permanent, but they are well hidden in the hairline. Endoscopic brow lifts, especially, do not cause significant scarring, because the incisions made are less than 2 centimeters. Scar massages and creams, Vitamin E, and silicone scar sheets have all been proven to help fade the appearance of scars.

How long does a brow lift procedure take?

Brow lifts typically take one to two hours.

Are brow lifts more effective than dermal fillers?

Depending on the type used, the effects of dermal fillers only last 3 to 18 months. Many patients prefer dermal fillers due to their accessibility, cost, and impermanence. A brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to last many years. It may not last a lifetime, however, because it cannot stop the aging process.

How do I know if I need a brow lift or an eyelid lift?

While a brow lift procedure can treat wrinkles and sagging skin in the eyelid region, it also targets the eyebrows and at least part of th forehead. An eyelid lift may be the best option if you want to only treat that specific area. It can also be incorporated into a brow lift procedure for a more complete anti-aging treatment. Eyelid lifts can also reduce signs of aging in the lower eyelid- a part of the face that a brow lift can’t change.

References

1. de Jongh FW, Sanches EE, Pouwels S, et al. An overview of surgical techniques and non-surgical treatments in lifting the eyebrow including current treatments available. European Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2022;46(1):1-8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-021-01911-4
2. Raggio BS, Winters R. Endoscopic Brow Lift. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545220/
3. Turin SY, Vaca EE, Cheesborough JE, Sinno S, Mustoe TA. Simplified Lateral Brow Lift under Local Anesthesia for Correction of Lateral Hooding. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(6):e2098. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002098