What Is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, more accurately called brow repositioning, is a procedure performed to restore the eyebrow to its earlier position on the face. With age, it is natural for the eyebrow to slowly descend, which results in a tired, aged appearance. A brow lift can be performed through several different approaches. The two most common are the endoscopic approach, which uses small incisions within the hairline, and the pretrichial approach, which uses an incision at the hairline. The pretrichial approach is a good option for individuals with longer foreheads: excising a portion of the forehead skin shortens the appearance of the forehead while also repositioning the eyebrows. Repositioning the brows is particularly helpful for improving the hooding of the lateral (outer) eyelid skin.
Dr. Namin’s Philosophy
Rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes is one of the most powerful procedures in facial plastic surgery. Brow repositioning is frequently performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery. The objective is to deliver a natural, rejuvenated appearance, never a surprised or startled one.
Anticipated Postoperative Recovery
You will have bruising and swelling of the eyelids that peaks around three days after surgery and takes about two weeks to resolve completely. Applying ice packs or cool compresses for 20 minutes every few hours will help minimize this, and taking Arnica Montana as prescribed will also help reduce the bruising and swelling. Beginning on the fourth day after surgery, stop the ice packs or cool compresses and transition to warm compresses.
Gently clean the incisions as instructed twice daily, then apply bacitracin ophthalmic ointment to keep them moist. Use the artificial tears to prevent dry eye during the recovery period. Dr. Namin will see you about one week after surgery for suture removal. Light exercise may be resumed one week after surgery, and vigorous exercise two weeks after surgery; by two weeks, most bruising and swelling has resolved. Plan to sleep on your back with slight head elevation (1-2 pillows for comfort) during recovery, and avoid flexing your neck or elevating your head excessively.
Anticipated Postoperative Timeline
Day of Surgery. Dr. Namin will meet with your family or friend once the procedure is complete. You will typically spend one to two hours in the surgical facility afterward. It is important that someone stays with you the first night after surgery.
Post-Operative Days 1-3. Use cool compresses or ice packs for 20 minutes every few hours to help minimize swelling.
Post-Operative Days 4-5. You may begin using warm compresses. Swelling begins to slowly subside.
Post-Operative Day 7. You will return to clinic so Dr. Namin can see you. Sutures are typically removed at this visit.
Post-Operative Days 8-14. Bruising and swelling typically resolve during this period.
Post-Operative Week 2. Vigorous exercise may be resumed.