When a brow lift is needed, what the approaches are — direct, through the upper eyelid incision and lateral through the hairline — and what to expect.
Heavy eyelids, a tired look and a hidden upper eyelid are often attributed to excess skin. But the cause can be a sagging eyebrow. If so, upper blepharoplasty alone will not be enough, and sometimes it can lower the eyebrow even further.
How the eyebrow is assessed
- In women the eyebrow is gently arched, with its highest point towards the outer third, above the edge of the bony orbit.
- In men it is straighter and lower.
- It is assessed with the forehead relaxed, because many people unconsciously raise their eyebrows to see better.
Options
The approach depends on the shape of the face, the thickness of the eyebrows, the hairline and where the greatest descent is.
- Direct lift — a strip of skin is excised just above the eyebrow and closed. The result is the most predictable and durable. The scar lies in the line of the eyebrow and is well hidden in thick brows. It is most often suitable for men and for heavier brows.
- Lift through the upper blepharoplasty incision — the eyebrow is fixed through the same incision, with no additional scar. It is suitable for a mild to moderate problem, mainly in the inner and middle part. The effect is more subtle.
- Lateral (temporal) lift — the incision is in the hair-bearing part above the temple. The outer end of the eyebrow, which descends the most, is lifted. The scar is hidden in the hair.
The approach is often combined with upper blepharoplasty. There are also other techniques — the choice is made according to the specific case.
Non-surgical alternative
Small doses of botulinum toxin can lift the eyebrow by a few millimetres for about 3–4 months. It is suitable for mild cases and as a trial of the result.
Recovery
- Swelling and bruising for about 1–2 weeks.
- The stitches come out after about 7–10 days.
- Tingling or numbness of the forehead and scalp — for months, usually settling.
- Temporary thinning of the hair along the incision with the lateral approach.
Risks
- Asymmetry.
- A visible scar with the direct approach.
- Very rarely — weakened movement of the eyebrow because of the nerve.
- Part of the lift can be lost over time.
What cannot be promised
- A surprised, wide-eyed look — the aim is a natural position, not the maximum lift.
- Removal of the lines on the forehead.
- Stopping the ageing of the face.
Have a question about this topic?
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