A brow lift (also known as browplasty) is a procedure that is used to correct forehead wrinkles, frown lines, furrows between the eyebrows, and sagging eyebrows by lifting the eyebrow and forehead area.
In comparison, a temple lift is a much less invasive procedure that lifts only the outside corner, or “tail” of the brow, which is located on the temple (the lateral forehead). It does not alter the middle of the brow or forehead area. It also has the effect of lifting the cheek tissues and helping to alleviate sagging at the corner of the eyes.
Depending on your facial features, a brow lift can give the eyes a more open and youthful appearance without looking like you have “had work done.” The temple lift is a subtle yet powerful procedure that brightens the eyes and results in an elegant and youthful shape to the brow.
Who Should Consider a Temporal Lift?
Also known as a lateral brow lift, mini brow lift, and mini forehead lift, a temporal lift is a cosmetic surgery that is less invasive than a typical brow lift. Through incisions hidden in the hair and using telescopes, the outer 1/3 of the brow and forehead is lifted. People can heal from this procedure over a weekend.
This procedure can have a variety of effects, including:
- Reducing wrinkles and folds in the brow, forehead, and corners of the eyes;
- Smoothing the forehead;
- Raising outer 1/3 brow;
- Lifting sagging cheeks;
- Removing or reducing hooding over upper eyelids;
- Smoothing “crow’s feet” around the eyes;
- Giving “sleepy” eyes a wider and more open appearance.
Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, a temporal lift is not right for everyone.
This procedure will help men and women who have drooping or sagging in their brows, temples, or eyes. These are the changes that are most likely to be helped with this procedure. People who are already having other cosmetic procedures may also benefit from adding this on top of these other procedures.
Who Should Consider a Brow Lift?
Brow lift is indicated because, as we get older, the brow and forehead begin to droop as early as in our late thirties and early forties. Due to the effects of sun and the pull of gravity, the skin begins to sag, resulting in frown lines, wrinkles across the forehead, and increased heaviness of the eyebrows and upper eyelids. These changes contribute to a tired, angry or sad expression that may not reflect the way you feel.
To reverse these changes a procedure called a Browlift can be performed. This procedure is usually performed between the ages of forty and sixty, but in some is necessary at an earlier age. Modern technology allows the browlift to be done with lighted telescopes passed through small incisions hidden within the scalp (endoscopic brow lift or endobrow); the incisions and endoscope are the size of a drinking straw. Using this technique, the brow can be repositioned to enhance the beauty of your eyes with minimal downtime.
The Procedure and Recovery
Brow lift surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. The duration of surgery depends on the type of brow lift as well as whether or not another procedure is being performed at the same time. Your incisions may be closed with sutures or staples, which are typically removed a couple of days after surgery.
Patients experience very little pain after a brow lift, but it is common to feel slight discomfort as well as a sensation of tightness throughout the forehead. Swelling and bruising are most common during the first 10 days or so after surgery, and are mostly resolved after about 2 weeks.
The timeline for resuming activity after a brow lift depends on the individual, if you are having a brow lift alone, recovery is usually much quicker than that for a patient having a brow lift in combination with a facelift or other more extensive procedures.
Going by the majority oof our patients, the recovery process for a brow lift surgery, may occur as following:
- Day of surgery: walking around in the house is encouraged.
- 1 to 2 days after surgery: showering is permitted but be gentle around your incisions.
- 1 week after surgery: you may start working again. Some patients are able to return to work earlier. Just keep in mind that you might get tired more easily, so we advice our patients to consider a limited work schedule when they resume their job. If you are concerned about visible bruising, you can opt for camouflage makeup, allthough we advie you to keep the incission area clean at all times untill the stitches are healed completely.
- 1 to 2 weeks after surgery: resume driving, as long as you have full mobility and are no longer taking prescription for pain medication.
- 2 to 4 weeks after surgery: gradually resume exercise; your consultant can provide guidance about the activities you are allowed to perform.
