Brow Lift

What is a brow lift?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure performed by our Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Perth aimed at addressing concerns related to a sagging or deeply furrowed brow. This procedure aims to reduce the appearance of creases, commonly referred to as ‘frown lines,’ which may develop across the forehead and on the bridge of the nose. Additionally, it can help raise the eyebrows, resulting in a potentially more alert position.

This procedure can be sought for either aesthetic (cosmetic) reasons or medical/functional purposes, with the latter subject to strict eligibility criteria as determined by Medicare.

What factors may influence the consideration of brow lift surgery?

Brow lift surgery may provide the following benefits:

• Elevating the brow by repositioning it to achieve a better facial proportion
• Alleviating forehead wrinkles
• Diminishing frown lines that appear between the eyes near the nose
• Mitigating the presence of crow’s feet
• Addressing sagging of the upper eyelids

Is a brow lift right for me?

When considering brow lift surgery, it is crucial to schedule a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. This initial step ensures open communication about your appearance goals and expectations. Your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive examination and attentively listen to and address your concerns. They will then discuss the most appropriate options for your individual circumstances. Surgical face lift or blepharoplasty surgery may be advised instead of, or in addition to, a brow lift procedure.

How is a brow lift performed?

Brow lift surgery offers various techniques tailored to individual needs, considering factors like hairline and eyebrow position. Typically, a discreet incision is made behind the hairline, spanning from temple to temple. The procedure may involve removing excess tissue beneath the skin and addressing specific forehead muscles responsible for wrinkles.

The surgeon lifts and secures the eyebrows using sutures beneath the skin. This results in an elevated position of the eyebrows while effectively tightening the forehead skin. The overall outcome should align with realistic expectations and the individual’s unique circumstances.

The surgery is performed in Perth in a fully-accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgery can be performed as a day procedure or alternatively with a short hospital stay, depending on your general health and the extent of the procedure.

Are there any risks and complications of brow lift surgery?

All plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures come with risks and potential complications. To ensure successful surgery, it is crucial to understand and minimise these risks. Whilst all measures are taken to mitigate risks, some risks are unavoidable.

All information on this page is general in nature – your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss the specific risks and complications pertinent to your individual surgical procedure during your consultation. General risks for surgery are listed here.

Specific risks related to brow lift surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Temporary numbness: This is also a common side effect and will usually go away within a few months. However, in rare cases, the numbness may be permanent.
• Intense itchiness: This can occur as the nerves heal and usually goes away on its own within a few months.
• No movement or poor movement of the forehead muscles: In rare cases, permanent injury to the nerves that control eyebrow movement can result in asymmetry of the eyebrows. Revisional surgery may be necessary.
• Raising of the hairline: This is a common side effect and is usually not noticeable.
• Temporary hair loss: This is a common side effect and is usually temporary.
• Hair thinning or loss next to the line of incision: This is a rare side effect and may require revisional surgery.

Will brow lift surgery leave any scars?

Although your surgeon will make every effort to keep them as inconspicuous as possible, scars are the inevitable result of any surgery. As scars will be along the hairline, natural skin lines and creases and will usually fade with time, they are not usually significant after brow lift surgery. For example, an incision made in the hairline will be less noticeable than an incision made in the skin. Some patients have a tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars and you should advise your surgeon if you are aware of this tendency in yourself.

What results can I expect from a brow lift?

To understand the potential benefits of a brow lift, you can perform a simple self-assessment. Stand in front of a mirror and place your palms gently above your eyebrows at the sides of your forehead. Gently lift the skin to raise the eyebrows and forehead slightly, which may lead to a smoother appearance of wrinkles in the forehead, around the nose, and in the crow’s feet area. This can provide an indication of the potential outcome of brow lift surgery. It is advisable to perform this self-assessment in the presence of your plastic surgeon.

The longevity of results typically varies from person to person, although they are generally long lasting. Your surgeon is the most qualified individual to evaluate whether your expectations are realistic and achievable.

When can I resume normal activities?

Most patients typically feel well enough to resume their normal activities within a few days. However, it is important to note that during the healing period, it is advised to refrain from smoking, engaging in strenuous activities, or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Taking about one to two weeks off from work is usually recommended. Additionally, it is necessary to avoid exercise and sports for a period of up to six weeks.

It is important to emphasise that every patient’s recovery process requires sufficient time, support, and appropriate postoperative care. Healing abilities and pain tolerance may vary among individuals, leading to differences in the duration of recovery and the ability to participate in various activities.

How much does this procedure cost?

Please contact us online or call us on (08) 9380 0333 and one of our medical secretaries can provide you with more information. Please note that pricing does vary from case to case.

Where can I find more information?

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website is a helpful and reliable source of information online. Their website is an excellent place to research a range of surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments, and view video animations.