Endoscopic Brow Lift Surgery
Droopy upper eyelids can make you look aged, fatigued, angry or sad, even when you are not. In advanced cases, they may even obscure your vision and correction of the problem will restore your field of vision, in addition to producing a fresher, less tired look.
The cause of the problem may be excess skin in the upper lid, or it may be due to descent of the brow, known as brow ptosis. Brow ptosis is not corrected by trimming the upper lid skin. Instead, an endoscopic brow (ie. forehead) lift is required.
This procedure requires a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital. The endoscopic brow lift is performed using keyhole techniques, through short (approximately 2 cm) incisions hidden in the hair above the forehead and in the temples. Through these incisions, the forehead and brows are lifted and secured in their new position. These incisions usually heal to form fine scars that are well-concealed.
Brow lifts are most commonly performed for people aged over 40. However, they can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines through stress or over activity of the underlying muscle. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with a face lift and/or eyelid surgery, especially where a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper lids.
A browlift alone, will not address ageing of the lower part of the face, nor will it reduce any heaviness over your actual eyelids.
Complications are RARE, but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision.
Every operation carries with it the risks of bleeding, infection and delayed healing. Significant bleeding may require urgent reoperation. Infection and delayed healing may require treatment with antibiotics and regular dressings and may result in more obvious scars. Rarely, some hair loss around the scars may occur. There may be skin irregularities or asymmetry. There may be damage to the nerve that supplies sensation to your forehead and scalp, or even damage to the nerve that allows you to raise your eyebrows. I emphasise that this is rare.
As mentioned above, the scars heal very well in most patients, but please be aware that if you have dark skin, freckly skin or red hair, the scars may be more obvious or even lumpy.
There will be small plastic tubes to drain away any excess blood or fluid from under the skin. These drains are removed the day after your operation, and your hair will be washed before you go home. Pain after the operation is not severe. However, about 30% of patients will experience a headache during the first 12 hours postoperatively. You will be given oral painkillers, which should make you comfortable.
The recovery time is about 10 days. There will be bruising, swelling and numbness. Most of this subsides by the end of the first week, and you should be able to venture out of doors in the second week. Numbness, however, may persist for a few weeks more, and may be associated with itching of the scalp as it recovers. You should avoid driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely.
Our practice nurse will keep in close contact with you whilst you recover at home. Generally, You will be seen in the clinic at one week, two weeks, and thereafter at one month postoperatively. However, if there are any problems or concerns, you will be seen more frequently than this, or as often as you wish. In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a check up at any time. All follow up appointments are free of charge whether they be at 2 months or 2 years post operatively. |
What is a Brow Lift?