Foreheadplasty (Brow Lift)

As we age, fullness may develop in the skin of the upper eyelids causing the appearance of tiredness, sadness or anger. This may be associated with a descent, or drooping of the eyebrows. A brow lift provides the opportunity to improve the position of the eyelids and the overall appearance of the face.

What does the operation involve?

Advances in surgery, including the use of endoscopes, has increased the popularity of browlift surgery, reducing discomfort and recovery time.

A series of four or five 1-1½ cm long incisions are carefully placed within the hair-bearing skin of the scalp to gain access. Small telescopes (endoscopes) attached to miniature television cameras are then used in conjunction with specially designed instruments to allow the forehead to be elevated from the underlying bone and the release of soft tissues down to the level of the eyebrows.

The skin of the forehead and eyebrows can then be lifted and held in place with a series of stitches attached to the bone.

Often after this type of operation, direct surgery on the upper eyelids becomes unnecessary.

Is a hospital stay necessary?

The operation is usually performed as a day case procedure, but an overnight stay in hospital can be arranged.

Recovery

Dressings and stitches will be used immediately following surgery and patients are advised
to sleep with the head and shoulders elevated for the first seven to ten days after
the operation.

It is common to experience some swelling in the region of the surgery but this usually subsides within a few days, and a return to work is possible after two to three weeks.