When evaluating a patient’s face for a rejuvenation or a cosmetic improvement, surgeons usually divide the face into three main sections: face/neck, eyes, and brow. Some individuals have a very low-set brow. Others show signs of aging but do not have any significant brow ptosis. A brow lift is performed for the following reasons:
• To elevate the patient’s eyebrows (this also removes excess skin from the upper eyelids)
• To change the shape of or improve asymmetrical eyebrows
• To decrease the static wrinkles on the forehead and remove hanging skin
• If there is a decrease in muscle function in the glabellar region and the brow
Good Candidates for the Procedure
Patients who opt for a brow lift often note that their eyebrow is drooping. Their eyes tend to have a heavy and tired appearance. They often try to pull up their lateral brow with their hands while standing in front of the mirror. Many patients also have excess skin on their upper eyelids. A lot of them are frustrated that they look upset, angry, or tired when they do not really feel that way. They also have a subconscious inclination to frown.
As you age, the orbital shape of the face becomes more circular due to mid-face drooping. If you have significant nasolabial folds, then the surgeon may recommend a facelift along with a brow lift. In a lot of cases, asymmetry goes unnoticed by the patient. Asymmetric eyebrows are present in close to one third of all patients.
Although it is possible to elevate any brow, the surgeon will evaluate the quantity of excess skin in the patient’s lateral canthus area. If there is significant overhanging of skin near the crow’s feet, it is difficult to remove with an eyelid surgery alone, making a brow lift necessary. This is one of the most helpful indications in addressing the need for a brow lift, especially if the patient has heavily drooping upper eyelids. The surgeon will make the choice depending on your condition.
Reasons Why a Patient May Not Be a Good Candidate
Patients who have dry eyes need to talk to the surgeon before they decide to opt for this procedure. Excessive elevation of the brow in conjunction with a surgery to fix droopy upper eyelids may end up exacerbating this condition due to more exposure. When deciding on this procedure, the surgeon might conduct a test to make sure that your eyes are tearing up adequately.
If you have a very high hairline, then you might not be a good candidate for this procedure. Contrary to popular opinion, a brow lift raises the patient’s hairline by the same distance by which the brow is elevated, although that depends on the elasticity of the brow and the skin. If you have a high hairline, then the surgeon might recommend an anterior approach, which will elevate the brow and shorten the forehead simultaneously.
Make an Appointment for Your Consultation
Dr. Andres Gantous is a facial plastic surgery specialist with years of experience. To find out if the brow lift procedure is right for you, it’s best to arrange a consultation with Dr. Gantous. Contact us to schedule your appointment.