Dr. Romeo V. Bato, Ultimate Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Care Center Las Piñas, Philippines

A forehead lift or browlift is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.

In a forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. Your surgeon may use the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline; or it may be performed with the use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. Both techniques yield similar results — smoother forehead skin and a more animated appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Browlifts

When can a Brow Lift be performed?

A Brow lift is usually performed during the late 20’s and upwards.  There are endoscopic techniques which do not give a more intensive lift that older patients may need and of course the other techniques, such as the coronal, may be a great option for those who do need extensive lifting.

How is Brow Lift performed?

After you are anesthetized or sedated, your surgeon will determine the area which need to be excised and where the best incision placements would be for your particular needs.  You will have this skin dissected and your surgeon will move and suture your muscle or skin, depending.  Or he or she may excise or “clip” your corrugator muscle to prohibit or hinder you from frowning in the future.  After the internal work has been done your incisions will be sutured and a pressure dressing will be applied.

What should I expect post-operatively?

Expect to be swollen, tender and possibly bruised.  This is very normal so do not be alarmed at the presence of any of the above.  If you are in pain, take your prescribed medications and do not forget to take your antibiotics and apply your eye salves if instructed.  You will be groggy from the anesthetic so this is a good thing, do not fight it.  This helps you rest and adjust to your healing period without pain or memory of pain.

When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?

The sutures and/or staples will be removed in a week to 10 days.  It may hurt a little but your surgeon can give you injections of a Lidocaine (a pain reliever) in case your staples are difficult or painful to remove.

When will I be able to see the results?

The results are immediate but you will be swollen, remember to be patient during the healing period and the full results should be visible in a few months.  You may also think that your brows are too high, this is normal and will relax.  Any numbness along the incisions should subside by 6 months but may remain indefinitely in some patients.  Remember that as each day goes on you will be that much closer to your final result — so be patient.

There is a chance of hematoma (blood clots), numbness from nerve damage and hyperpigmentation (permanent discolorations) caused by the bruising.  There may be asymmetry and/or undesired results resulting from your brow lift.  Possible infections may arise and scarring can be apparent depending on the incision placement.  There can be necrosis of the tissues at the incision lines, resulting in additional tissue removal.  If performed by an unskilled surgeon, it is very possible to have your skin pulled too tight and result in a very “surprised” look.  Although you may look this way at first — it should relax.

Are the results permanent?

You may say that the results are semi-permanent.  We are going to continue to age and our brows will droop — it is a fact of life, unfortunately. Of course the endoscopic techniques may not last nearly as long as the coronal lift but they are by far less invasive.

Other questions?

If you have any questions we have not answered here, or would like to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bato, call us today at +(632) 8725449, +(632) 8746153 or get in touch via Skype®, Yahoo Messenger®, our Live Help utility, or our contact form. We’re here to help!