As we age, many of us may notice changes in our brow and forehead area. For some, a brow lift procedure might be an option. This is a surgical option that focuses on addressing the positioning of the brow and the appearance of the forehead to target drooping brows, horizontal lines along the forehead and vertical creases between the eyebrows.
At our Sydney clinic, under the guidance of Dr. Tim, a specialist Plastic Surgeon, we offer brow lift procedures to both men and women. This procedure is aimed at helping individuals who are experiencing changes in their brow and forehead area.
The decision to undergo a brow lift is a deeply personal one and should not be seen as a societal expectation or norm. It’s one of many ways people choose to manage changes in their appearance, and it’s essential that you consider all available options, including accepting these changes as a part of your natural aging process, as well as non-surgical options to manage these changes.
Our team’s commitment is to provide a professional, respectful, and patient-focused approach, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal objectives and overall wellbeing.
A Brow Lift procedure focuses on addressing the positioning of the brow and the appearance of the forehead.
It’s a surgical procedure that can be performed under local or general anaesthesia.
The technique used can vary based on individual circumstances, and can involve small incisions within the hairline or longer ones if more extensive adjustments are necessary.
The procedure duration usually ranges between 1-2 hours, depending on the specifics of the surgery.
Please note that these facts are general in nature, and specific details may vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage patients to have a detailed consultation with Dr. Tim to fully understand the procedure.
Your Treatment with Dr. Tim
Dr. Tim and his entire staff are actively involved in each patient’s treatment, from consultation through recovery. He customises every procedure to match the person’s individualised needs, and creates surgical plans based on those needs. You can also feel comfortable knowing that Dr. Tim has traveled around the world to train with experts in plastic surgery, and he uses this experience in providing optimal results for all of his patients.
Dr. Tim designed an innovative express recovery process which minimises the time and pain associated with most recovery periods. Many patients are pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort they feel during recovery.
Brow lifts typically begin with an incision that is hidden in the hairline. This allows Dr. Tim to adjust muscles that commonly cause furrowing, and reposition or remove tissue. This results in a smoother forehead, gently elevated eyebrows and fewer frown lines.
Using a blepharoplasty incision (upper eyelid), Dr. Tim is able to thin and shape a prominent brow fat pad through a technique called browplasty. He may also support the brow to a higher location by reinforcing its connection to underlying bone with sutures. This method – called browpexy – requires no additional scarring along the scalp or face, and may be performed at the time of upper eyelid surgery. All of the incisions should be well-hidden within the hairline or within the natural creases of the eyelid.
You should see results from your brow lift procedure within 5 to 10 days, and full recovery from bruising is typically seen at 2 to 3 weeks. Most of Dr. Tim’s patients experience final results at 4 weeks, but are able to return to work much sooner than that. General skin care and protection from excessive sun exposure can help you enjoy long-lasting results for up to 10 years.
Risks of browplasty (brow lift)
As with any surgical procedure, browplasty (brow lift) comes with potential risks and complications. While Dr. Tim is an experienced surgeon who takes every precaution to minimise these risks, it’s important that patients understand these potential issues prior to surgery:
Bleeding: While rare, there can be a risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Dr. Tim takes all necessary precautions to minimise this risk.
Infection: Although rare, infections can occur following any surgery. Antibiotics are typically provided to prevent this.
Scarring: Scarring is a natural result of surgery. However, in a browplasty, incisions are often strategically placed to be well-concealed within the hairline or the natural contours of the face.
Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience a change in sensation, such as numbness or tingling around the incision areas. This is usually temporary.
Asymmetry: There is a risk that the eyebrows may not be perfectly symmetrical post-surgery, although any minor asymmetry is usually not noticeable.
Anaesthesia Risks: There are always risks associated with anaesthesia, such as an allergic reaction or other unforeseen complications. However, these risks are very low.
During your consultations, Dr. Tim will discuss these potential risks in detail and will answer any questions you may have. It’s important to remember that while these risks exist, they are relatively rare, especially when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Tim.
Recovery after Browplasty (brow lift)
The recovery period after a brow lift, also known as browplasty, can differ depending on individual circumstances. Dr. Tim’s expertise and personalised care aim to ensure each patient receives comprehensive guidance during the post-operative period. Here is a general timeline and what to expect during your recovery:
Immediate Post-Surgery
Following surgery, you’ll be observed in a recovery area. You may feel groggy from the anaesthesia and there may be some initial swelling or bruising. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home and ideally stay with you for the first 24 hours.
First Few Days
During the first few days after surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. This can be managed effectively with prescribed medications. Dr. Tim will provide you with specific post-operative care instructions, including how to care for your incisions, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with him.
First Few Weeks
Over the first two to four weeks, you should start feeling better and can gradually resume normal activities, as advised by Dr. Tim. Swelling should noticeably decrease, and the results of the procedure become more apparent.
After One Month
Most patients can return to normal activities and gentle exercise after one month, although it’s advised to avoid strenuous activities or anything that could potentially result in a blow to the face.
Long-Term
Over the next several months, the final results of your brow lift will become fully visible, and any residual swelling will resolve. While incision scars are permanent, they will fade over time and are usually well concealed within the hairline or natural contours of the face.
Throughout your recovery period, it’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Tim, who will monitor your healing progress, provide advice, and answer any questions you may have. Remember, everyone’s body heals differently, and individual results can vary.