Hairline Browlift Cosmetic Surgical Technique

Many people may think that a facelift involves the entire face, with an extended healing time and a very artificial, pulled-tight appearance. That may have been the case decades ago, but today’s facial surgery techniques can target just one specific area, whether it is the jaw line, upper or lower eyelids, or even a brow line or forehead lift. Each of these procedures gives the face a fresher, rejuvenated appearance, but is so subtle that people may not realize the patient has undergone the procedure, even if they realize that something has given the patient’s face a more youthful look.

A browlift is a great example of such a technique. The brow lift procedure is designed to smooth out the skin and remove lines and wrinkles for the upper third of the face; essentially from the forehead down to the eyebrows.

Hairline Brow Lift Technique

There are a few basic techniques for performing a brow lift procedure. The endoscopic brow lift technique involves a series of small incisions made just behind the hairline, running from behind one ear, up along the forehead, to behind the other ear. A small camera on the end of a surgical probe is then inserted into each of the incisions to allow for adjustments of the forehead muscles to achieve a younger look. Although this procedure is more precise, the effects may not last as long as with a hairline browlift.

A hairline brow lift procedure makes one continuous incision following the hairline from behind one ear over to behind the other one. The forehead skin and underlying tissue are then gently lifted away, pulled tight, and then sutured back into place. Excess skin and tissue are then removed from the portion of the scalp that does not bear hair (as opposed to the coronal brow lift technique in which skin is removed from the hair bearing portion of the scalp). This procedure can be done in conjunction with other procedures, such as an eyelid procedure to correct for droopy eyelids or bags or circles under the eyes. It is usually performed under either twilight or general anesthesia.

Recovery Time

Initial post-operative healing generally takes two to three weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities, such as driving or going to school or work, within the first one to two weeks following the procedure. There may be some swelling following the procedure, but patients should be able to get an idea of the final results of the procedure at two weeks after the procedure.

Side Effects

Swelling and bruising are the two most common side effects from a hairline browlift procedure. This will generally last for one to two weeks. Patients may be required to tightly bandage their head for the first week following the procedure to help reduce the amount and duration of bruising and swelling. Ice and cold compresses can be applied to the forehead. Taking the herb Arnica montana will also help with bruising and swelling.

The mark of a skilled cosmetic surgeon is the ability to “fine tune” the facial appearance to improve it, but without making it look as though any work has been done at all. The physicians at Jefferson Plastic Surgery can do just that. Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment.