Do you have deep wrinkles in your forehead? Do you have an aging or angry look? Are other anti-wrinkle treatments like Botox or creams not working as well or as long you’d like? You may be a good candidate for a brow lift (or browplasty) at Robinson Cosmetic Surgery, Denver, CO.
Brow lifts are performed for two reasons. The first, obviously, is to lift the eyebrows to a higher position. As we age, eyebrows tend to drop below the level of the bone above the eye, causing a frowned and mean-looking appearance, and this drop may even affect vision.
The brow lift also is done to correct the vertical furrows that occur between the eyebrows, and the horizontal furrows that occur on the forehead. These furrows result from muscle activity and surgery allows for partial cutting of the muscles to relieve the depth of the furrows. These are the same muscles that are paralyzed temporarily by Botox but the brow lift removes the wrinkles in more permanent fashion.
The brow lift procedure is performed by itself or in conjunction with other surgeries, such as eyelid lifts and face lifts. Incisions are hidden in the hairline or directly over the brow. The small incisions are made using an endoscope. This allows Dr. Robinson to correct the furrows, as well as reposition the brow. The new position of the brow is held by low profile microscrews which do not have to be removed.
The procedure is performed under an IV sedation or general anesthetic. The incisions heal nicely and the scars are usually not visible. The hair is not shaved or clipped for this operation. Also, after the procedure, the patient goes home. There is no need for a patient stay.
The only major contraindication (reason for not doing the procedure) is that it may raise the level of the hairline, depending on how much lift is given to the brow. On most women, this result is not a major consideration. However, on most men, care must be taken not to move an already-receded hairline further back. In these cases where a receded hairline could be a problem, a direct incision over the eyebrows may be better. This operation is called the direct brow lift.
After the procedure is completed, a standard gauze dressing is applied to the scalp and forehead. This may be removed the day after surgery. The hair may be washed with a standard shampoo as many times as it takes to remove all the dried blood from the hair and scalp. Dry the hair with a towel. Then apply an elastic bandage which is worn as much as possible during the first week to help hold the brow in position. The sutures or staples in the hair are removed after two weeks.
Most patients encounter some swelling around the eyes and bruising into the upper eyelids. Some patients also have some numbness in the scalp; however, with the new endoscopic technique this incident has been greatly reduced. Patients are prescribed antibiotics for one week and pain relief medicine is available as needed. Fortunately, most patients do not experience much discomfort.
Nausea can occur after brow lift surgery due to the anesthetics and strong pain relief medicines. It may be reduced by eating a small amount of food (e.g. soda crackers or foods that you can see through; initially avoid dairy products) before taking each pill.
On the first post-operative day, if you don’t feel like eating, don’t force yourself to eat. Also take the pain pill with repeated sips of clear liquids that you can tolerate, e.g. “flat” 7-Up, ginger ale, water, apple juice, etc. Contact our office if you do not feel better or keep vomiting.
Complications with this operation are rare, but include the possibility of: bleeding, infections, brow paralysis, permanent numbness of the scalp, contour irregularity in the forehead, asymmetry of the eyebrows, scarring and hair loss. Most patients will have some bruising for one to two weeks and some transient numbness of the forehead or scalp region.
Make sure you have all your questions answered before consenting to any surgical procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery (or as your anesthesiologist instructs). Are you easily nauseated? If so, consult with Dr. Robinson about anti-nausea medications you can take before surgery.
Arrange for someone to be with you and attentive to your needs for the first 24 hours.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Clothing should be easy to put on and take off. Leave valuables at home.
Do not color your hair for at least one week prior to surgery. During the first month after surgery, it is best to avoid harsh dyes near incision areas.
Remove the bandage the day after surgery, or as otherwise instructed, and begin using the elastic bandage as prescribed.
You may shampoo wash your hair in a shower the day after surgery; wash up to two times per day during the post-operative period.
Use small amounts of Bacitracin ointment on the incisions to loosen any crusting or scabbing.
No lifting anything heavier than ten pounds for the first four weeks after surgery.
You may exercise again two weeks after surgery. Do not work out too vigorously at first.
Eat a balanced diet and take 1,000 mg of vitamin C, in four 250 mg doses, daily for six weeks following surgery.
Be sure to contact the office of cosmetic surgeon, Randolph C. Robinson, MD, DDS, FAACS, about your brow lift procedure in Denver, CO.