brow lift atlantaOne of the first signs of aging on the face is often the appearance of wrinkles and creases between the brow and the forehead. The natural aging process, everyday facial movements, and excessive sun exposure can cause these unwanted features to appear and make people look (and feel!) older than they actually are. It can also give the appearance of being stern, tired, upset, or sad. A brow lift addresses these concerns. When performed by a double board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS, Atlanta patients can eliminate these signs of aging without appearing unnatural.

During the brow lift procedure, which is commonly performed on men and women between the ages of 35 and 70, Dr. Deutsch elevates the skin and underlying tissues of the upper face and may remove part of the muscle that causes frown lines between the brows. The result is a smoother eyebrow line and a more youthful, relaxed appearance. A brow lift effectively eliminates the “tired,” “worried,” or “angry” facial expressions often caused by a low eyebrow position and deep forehead furrows.

About the Brow Lift Procedure

Two primary techniques are available to lift your forehead and eyebrow areas. The most common procedure used is known as a closed brow lift. During this minimally-invasive procedure, Dr. Deutsch makes a series of small incisions in the scalp. He then inserts an endoscope into one of the incisions. An endoscope is a small camera on the end of a thin tube that allows the surgeon to see the underlying tissue. He then removes any excess skin and fat and gently lifts the skin to smooth wrinkles and elevate the brow. Small pins or anchors are then put in place to secure the offending tissue. Those anchors are tiny but will keep the tissue “under control” for years. Next, the incisions are closed with sutures. The closed lift is best suited for patients with mild-to-moderate forehead issues.

The second method is a traditional or “open” brow lift surgery. It is generally recommended for patients who require the removal of a significant amount of skin or those who exhibit more progressed signs of aging. During this procedure, Dr. Deutsch makes a larger incision across the hairline, beginning at the level of the ears and going up around the hairline. He then removes any excess tissue and pulls the skin up to smooth wrinkles closing the incision with sutures.

In either case, the brow lift procedure typically takes between 1 – 2 hours and is usually performed in our medical office facility or an outpatient surgery center under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Recovering From a Brow Lift
Patients may have a small amount of forehead bruising and swelling during the days following the brow lift procedure. In some patients, the swelling and bruising may extend to the eyes and cheek area. This can be easily managed with pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Deutsch. Some people may also experience some numbness in the forehead and scalp; however, this is usually a minor annoyance that typically lasts only a few weeks.

Sutures and/or clips are usually removed within 7 – 14 days following surgery. If bandages have been applied, they are removed in 1 – 2 days. Patients are usually able to return to work 2 – 3 days after the procedure, although full recovery may take 2 – 3 weeks. Patients who have undergone the closed brow lift will usually need less recovery time than those who have undergone traditional “open” brow lift surgery. The longer healing time with the traditional technique is due to the body having to heal from a much longer incision, with the scalp being completely numb behind the incision.

Dr. Deutsch provides thorough post-operative instructions and attentive patient care to ensure a quick and safe recovery period. The staff at Perimeter Plastic Surgery in Atlanta is available around the clock to address any questions or concerns that may arise.

A 67-year-old female complained of an aging face. She underwent a brow lift and neck and mid-face lift. Pictures were taken 1-month postop.

Brow Lift Results
Our patients are very happy with their results! Many times people don’t realize just how much the look of their foreheads bothers them until after they have had a brow lift and see how much smoother they look.

A brow lift can easily take 5 – 10 years off your face. You will appear more rested, refreshed, and energized. Keep in mind the results of your procedure will be subtle at first. You won’t see the full effects of your brow lift until after the swelling completely subsides, and this can take anywhere from 1 – 2 months.

Results generally last a very long time, typically 7 – 10 years or more. Exactly how long the effects of the procedure last depends on several differentiating factors, such as your genetic makeup and lifestyle; for example, if you smoke, you are more likely to have more forehead wrinkles, which may take a bit more work to eradicate. To protect and sustain your fresh new look, Dr. Deutsch recommends patients protect their skin from the sun (wear sun hats and sunblock when outdoors) and live a healthy lifestyle (eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, no smoking, regularly exercising, etc.).

After the procedure, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with Dr. Deutsch and listen to his recommendations. He and his staff want you to enjoy the results of your brow lift for many years to come and are eager to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

Schedule Your Consultation Today
plastic surgeon in atlantaBrow lift surgery is an advanced surgical procedure that can revitalize your appearance and rejuvenate your self-confidence. If wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging have been holding you back from looking and feeling your best, contact Perimeter Plastic Surgery today at 404-255-0886 to schedule your skin consultation with Dr. Deutsch. As a skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Deutsch can give you a realistic overview of what’s involved in a brow lift and advise you about any other treatment options you may be considering.