As we age there is a natural descent that occurs in our brow position. The lateral, or outer brows tend to descent the furthest and this leads to heaviness in the peri-orbital or eye area. 

The natural response to these changes is to utilise our forehad muscles to help elevate the brows to a higher position. Our eyes require plenty of light for visual acuity and this involuntary reaction is often what leads to persistant forehead wrinkles. 

Standing forehead wrinkles due to frowning can be addressed through non-surgical methods such as anti-wrinkle injections or at times a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler. However, forehead wrinkling due to increased brow activity needs to be addressed through surgical means as paralysing the forhead muscles in this case will simply make the degree of brow descent even worse. 

A brow lift procedure is designed to elevate the brow to a higher position with the effect of improving the heaviness in the upper eye area and re-positioning the brow to the pre-descended anatomy. This can be done in a number of ways however the three main types of brow lift include:

• Direct brow lift - An incision is made direcly above the eyebrows
• In-direct / Open brow lift - Incision is made in the hairline
• Endoscopic brow lift - Incision is made in the scalp and threads used to elevate the brow

Dr. Ahn performs brow lift via a direct or open approach and the best option for you can be discussed during your consultation for this procedure which will begin with a discussion regarding your goals for the operation. Be as detailed as possible and come prepared with any questions that you would like answered about the procedure. You will also have photos taken for the consultation and we will discuss the procedure in detail including what it can and cannot achieve. Dr. Ahn will explain the operative and possible complications in detail and you will be required to a secondary consultation prior to finalising your decision to allow you to ask any further questions you may have. Many patients will choose to consider adjunct procedures to address other areas of the face such as blepharoplasty, for which you will be provided further information. 

Brow-lift operations are performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. The operation typically takes about 2 hours depending on the complexity of the case and is generally performed as a day surgery procedure.   When you wake from the procedure, you will have dressings or bandaging around your forehead area to minimise swelling which can be removed after 24 hours. Your sutures will be removed at approximately 1 week post op.

All surgery carries risks and those specific to this procedure will be discussed with you during your consultation and also provided in your consent paperwork. Possible risks of a brow lift procedure include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Asymmetry
• Numbness
• Forehead muscle paralysis
• Alopecia (hair loss in scar line)

It is expected that you see bruising and swelling for some time and your forehead will feel tight and have some limitation in movement. Most patients will require 2 weeks off typical daily activities such as work and light exercise. For the first week, you are likely to require pain relief that makes you drowsy and will be unable to drive. After your 2 week review, most daily activities including a return to work are possible however you may opt to schedule some further time off until swelling improves. You will be advised to refrain from contact sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks. 

If you are interested in a consultation for a brow lift procedure, please contact us or call 1300 008 098 for your consultation