Brow Lift

Revitalizing drooping or lined foreheads with a browlift helps you look less angry, sad or tired.

Some people get asked, “Are you tired?”  “Are you sad?” “Are you angry?”  And the simple answer is, “No.”  But they look that way because they have deep creases or frown lines across their foreheads and droopy eyebrows, which can be a visible sign of aging caused by stress and anxiety.

About

A Brow Lift can restore a more youthful, refreshed and smooth look to the area above the eyes. In a Brow Lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.  The change can be a more natural and rejuvenating look for most people.

Candidates

People who are in overall good health and have realistic expectations are good candidates for a Brow Lift.  This procedure is most commonly requested by men and women in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines across the forehead and droopy eyebrows due to repetitive muscle activity, like frequent frowning caused by stress.  Individuals with inherited conditions, such as low, heavy eyebrows or furrowed lines above the nose also can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a Brow Lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Some patients who believe they need upper eyelid surgery find that a Brow Lift better meets their surgical goals.

Patients who are bald, who have a receding hairline, or who have had previous upper-eyelid surgery may still be good candidates for a Brow Lift. Dr. Koneru will simply alter the incision location or perform a more conservative operation.

Results

The results of a Brow Lift can:

Consultation

You should call 210-499-5900 to make an appointment for an initial consultation with   Dr. Koneru.  He will discuss your concerns, your options, and your expectations. He also will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone.

During your consultation, he will discuss your goals for the surgery and ask you about certain medical conditions that could cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to develop large scars. Be sure to tell him if you have had previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications — including aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.

Procedure

Brow Lift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the surgery center under general anesthesia. Dr. Koneru may use the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind or at the hairline, or it may be performed with the use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. Both techniques yield similar results — smoother forehead skin and raised eyebrows for a more rested and refreshed appearance!  The endoscopic approach has the advantage of very small scars that are hidden in the hair but can only be used if you do not have a lot of excess skin.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients may experience numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Koneru.

You may be asked to keep your head elevated for two to three days following surgery to keep the swelling down. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes–however, the swelling should begin to disappear in about a week.

As the nerves heal, numbness on the top of your scalp may be replaced by itching. These sensations may take as long as six months to fully disappear. If bandages are used, they will be removed a day or two after surgery. Most stitches or clips will be removed within two weeks, sometimes in two stages.

Some of the hair around the incision may fall out and may temporarily get thinner. Normal growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent hair loss is rare.

Endoscopic Brow Lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation felt by patients who have had the classic Brow Lift.  The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week.  If Dr. Koneru chooses to use the Endotines, you will notice a small bump at the location of the tines that will improve with time.

You should be up and about in a day or two.  Plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. Most patients may return to work in a week to 10 days.

Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade within three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special makeup. Your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better!