Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. A Brow lift is performed under general anaesthesia.
Step 2 – The incision
A/Prof Coombs usually performs a brow lift using an endoscope (surgical video device) and special instruments placed through small incisions made within the hairline. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be repositioned, altered or removed, correcting the source of visible creases and furrows in the forehead.
Correction of a low-positioned or sagging brow may be made with or without the use of an endoscope through incisions at the temples and in the scalp.
This technique may be done in conjunction with incisions hidden within the natural crease of the upper eyelids to help minimize frown lines between the brows, on or above the bridge of the nose.
An alternative brow lift technique is the coronal brow lift. The coronal brow lift can pinpoint specific regions of the brow to correct.
This technique involves an incision from ear to ear, lifting the forehead and removing excess skin from the scalp.
Recovery time is often longer than the endoscopic brow lift due to the size of the incision.
The incision lines from a brow lift are well concealed within the hair or natural contours of the face unless they are placed at the hairline to shorten the forehead.
Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal smoother forehead skin and a more youthful, restful appearance.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Brow lift incisions typically are closed with:
•Removable or absorbable sutures
•Skin adhesives
•Surgical tape
•Special clips
Step 4 – See the results
Brow elevation may be maintained by the use of:
•Permanent sutures
•Small surgical screws
Absorbable fixation device placed inconspicuously at the temples
Important facts about the safety and risks of brow lift surgery
The decision to have a brow lift is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
A/Prof Coombs will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.
The risks include:
•Unfavourable scarring
•Bleeding (hematoma)
•Infection
•Poor wound healing
•Anaesthesia risks
•Blood clots
•Correctable hair loss at the incisions
•Elevated hairline
•Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis
•Facial asymmetry
•Skin loss
•Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching
•Changes in skin sensation
•Eye irritation or dryness
•Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal position of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis), loose eyelid skin, or abnormal laxness of the lower eyelid (ectropion) can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures; brow lift surgery will not correct these disorders; additional surgery may be required
•Fluid accumulation
•Pain, which may persist
•Skin contour irregularities
•Skin discoloration and swelling
•Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
•Possibility of revisional surgery
Be sure to ask questions:
It’s very important to ask A/Prof Coombs questions about your brow lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with A/Prof Coombs.
A special note about the use of fibrin sealants (tissue glue)
Fibrin sealants (made from heat-treated human blood components to inactivate virus transmission) are used to hold tissue layers together at surgery and to diminish post-operative bruising following surgery.
This product has been carefully produced from screened donor blood plasma for hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These products have been used safely for many years as sealants in cardiovascular and general surgery. This product is thought to be of help in diminishing surgical bleeding and by adhering layers of tissue together.
When you go home
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary.
Be careful
Following A/Prof Coombs’ instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. A/Prof Coombs will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
My recovery
When your procedure is completed, your forehead may be taped and your head may be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.
You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up with A/Prof Coombs.
Be sure to ask A/Prof Coombs specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
•Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
•What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
•Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
•When will they be removed?
•Are stitches removed? When?
•When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
•When do I return for follow-up care?