Over time, the structures of the face change because of aging to the point where you start to look older than you really feel. Because of the slackening of facial muscles and the accumulation of excess skin, your brow line can begin to droop, giving your face a permanent “scowl” that can make you look older and angrier than you are.
A brow lift is a plastic surgery procedure that removes and adjusts tissue on the brows and forehead to give your face a younger and more attractive appearance.
Preparing for Your Brow lift
First, you will meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your needs and concerns. At this time, Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom will examine your symptoms and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for brow lift surgery.
Good candidates for brow lifts are in general good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their surgery. During your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss your current medical history and any risk factors you may have for surgery. He will take photographs of the proposed treatment area and you will learn about the details of the procedure and the expected outcome for your surgery.
The Brow lift Procedure
Brow lift patients are administered IV anesthesia to keep them comfortable during the surgery. Depending on your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, multiple incision patterns may be used to achieve your results.
In general, incisions are created in the hair-bearing scalp, and through these incisions, the tissues of the forehead are pulled up and back, thereby reducing wrinkles and elevating the eyebrows.
Our doctors prefer a limited incision technique, where small incisions are made near the hairline, where they are easily hidden by your natural hair. In some cases, the incision can be made directly above the brow which gives them more control over the final height and contour of the brow and is camouflaged by the brow hairs.
In either case, the incision is closed with sutures or adhesives, and a bandage is applied over the wound.
Recovery After Brow lift Surgery
After your surgery, your forehead may be wrapped with a loose bandage to reduce swelling. You may expect bruising, swelling, and numbness to occur. Ice packs are used around the eyes to help reduce swelling and discomfort can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients are able to return to work within a week.
Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom will provide detailed instructions on caring for your incision during the recovery period. You will be asked to keep your head elevated when lying down and to limit strenuous activity for about a week after surgery. And to ensure your comfort during recovery, we can also provide you with prescription medication to aid healing and reduce discomfort. After a few days, you will attend a follow-up visit to ensure your incision is healing properly.
Results of Your Procedure
In the first few days after surgery, swelling will hide the true results of your browlift. After a few weeks, and up to several months, bruising and swelling will fade, revealing the full result of your surgery.
Having any invasive surgery on or around the face means you must be extra protective of your facial skin, especially in the normal wear and tear of everyday life. Because of this, Dr. Homas and Dr. Brostrom recommend using a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin any time you are out in the sun. In addition, make sure to follow their general recommendations for good overall health and wellness, which can extend the benefits of your procedure.
Simple Yet Significant Results with a San Antonio Browlift
If the years have left you with drooping eyebrows and a permanent scowl, consider the benefits of a brow lift, which can help you look younger, more engaged, and more alert. Make an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, to learn more about how a brow lift can improve your appearance and your self-confidence. Call us at (210) 988-9819 or contact us online to get started today.