A brow lift is an ideal way to wind back the clock without appearing unnaturally tight or expressionless.
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift or forehead rejuvenation, is a surgical procedure used to cosmetically enhance and improve the appearance of the forehead, and areas around the eye, including the brows.
The procedure works by lifting the brow as it sags into the upper lid area. It can also help reduce the vertical frown lines between the brows, the horizontal lines of the forehead and lines around the eyes commonly referred to as “crow’s feet”. You might choose to have a brow lift if you have creases across your forehead or between your eyes or a low, sagging brow.
Brow lifts are performed on the facial complexion in the forehead, around the eyes, and the brow area. If you have forehead lines, creases in between your brows, or a low and sagging eyebrow contributing to sagging upper eyelids, you will find that a brow lift will restore a youthful look and eliminate these aging signs.
The process will begin with a consultation with the McLean Clinic team, which will involve a physical examination as well as a review of your medical history. We will take as much time as you need to answer all your questions and ensure you know exactly what to expect. This time will also be used for your surgeon to understand what your desired results are. It is crucial to understand what a realistic outcome is, as it may not always be possible to meet all your expectations with a surgical procedure.
We will provide you with general guidelines to help you prepare for your surgery, some of which will include the following:
Due to the natural aging process, lines and wrinkles across the forehead and between the eyes can form and deepen. As skin elasticity and collagen break down, the distance between the eyelashes and eyebrows can also shorten. The combined effect of deep creases and low eyebrows can make you appear tired, sad, or angry. A brow lift procedure can reduce facial lines, raise the eyebrows, and restore a younger, more rejuvenated appearance.
Dr. McLean performs brow lifts in the comfort of his private cosmetic facility in Mississauga under general anaesthesia. Whether long or short incisions are used, they are hidden in your hair. The hair does not need to be shaved for this. You can shower, wash and style your hair the following day and be back to work in a week or two depending on whether or not you get any bruising around the eyes. The anaesthesiologist makes sure you are safe and comfortable throughout the procedure, and our caring and thorough nurse looks after you until it is time to go home an hour or two later.
The cost of a brow lift varies according to what you and Dr. McLean determine is required to give you the look you want with the best results. Your questions and concerns will be addressed personally by Dr. McLean during an in-depth consultation.
A brow lift can restore a younger, rejuvenated appearance by raising the tissue and skin of your forehead and around the eye area. You will see a reduction in wrinkles and lines, and sagging brows that once created a hooded effect on the upper eyelids will be raised and positioned in a way to restore a refreshed and youthful appearance.
There are lots of ways to make the brow lift even better. The eyelid procedures will usually enhance the look of the whole area. The forehead is only the upper part of the face. The cheeks and neck can often be improved with a face lift. A facelift could also include doing the eyes, face and forehead all together. Fillers such as Juvederm can add volume to the central face particularly below the eyes to enhance the curvatures. Medical skin care, laser treatments, treatment of unwanted blemishes and other techniques may also enhance your overall facial appearance and rejuvenation.
While brow lift results are very long-lasting, they are not permanent. The longevity of your results is dependent on your lifestyle habits, the amount of UV exposure you receive, and your body’s natural aging process. As you continue to age naturally, your skin may begin drooping again.
Our McLean Clinic team will give you specific guidelines to follow regarding the care of your incisions post-procedure. Immediately after surgery, your head will be loosely wrapped in bandages in an effort to minimize the amount of bruising and swelling in the treatment area.
For the first couple of days after your brow lift, keep your head in an elevated position and apply a cold compress to relieve swelling as needed. You should also avoid subjecting your incisions to excessive pressure or motion. Pain medication may be taken as needed, as recommended by your doctor.
Ensure you get plenty of rest the first week after your procedure to allow your body to rest and heal. Many of our brow lift patients are able to return to work within 10 days to 2 weeks after their procedure. Strenuous activity, including sex and heavy work, should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after your surgery date. Light walking and stretching is encouraged and will aid in the healing process. If you experience any remaining bruising, it can be covered with the careful application of makeup, especially around the face and hair.
Complications as a result of a brow lift are usually mild and rare when the procedure is completed by a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. McLean in the privacy and comfort of the Mississauga McLean Clinic office.
In rare cases, a temporary or permanent numbness on the top of the scalp may be experienced due to the incision placed behind your hairline. In other rare instances, a brow lift can result in brow asymmetry where one eyebrow will appear higher than the other. This asymmetry usually evens out during the healing and recovery period.
For an overview of risks and concerns associated with surgery, please click here. Dr. McLean will provide a thorough review of the risk factors that are specific to you and your chosen procedure.
Many patients who may benefit from a brow lift can face hesitation before undergoing surgery because they fear their results will look unnatural. Fear not! Dr. McLean is an extremely experienced plastic surgeon operating out of his private clinic, serving Mississauga and the GTA for over 30 years. During your consultation, he will spend time evaluating your physical anatomy and determine how much sagging has already occurred. He will then meticulously plan to put everything back into a neutral position where you will be able to express facial emotions as you normally would post-procedure.