Just as the eyelids are a focal point of a person's personality, the Brows and Forehead are strong contributors to facial expression. The position of the eyebrow in most people is slightly above the rim of the eye socket. Placement of the brow at this location gives an impression of youth and vitality.

 

Women's makeup in our culture seeks to enhance the position of the eyebrow at this level and it is not uncommon for brows to be plucked, shaped, colored and lined in order to achieve an open, youthful appearance.

When the brow drops below the upper rim of the eye socket, tissue beneath it begins to sag and the appearance of youthfulness is lost. As we grow older, forehead muscles are brought into action to raise the brows causing furrows in the forehead. This is often an unconscious movement and is exaggerated in individuals whose upper eyelid tissue becomes excessive and interferes with peripheral vision.

Brow and forehead lifts are designed to raise eyebrows and reduce ridges and furrows on the forehead, thus creating a smoother, more youthful appearance. As with blepharoplasty, this procedure is frequently done in conjunction with other surgeries. The Endoscope is commonly used to perform this procedure and results in smaller incisions, faster healing and less trauma.

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a technique that allows examination of an area of the body by means of an Endoscope, a long slender rod like instrument with lenses and a light source and TV camera attached. The Endoscope provides visual examination of the interior of the body through a natural body opening such as the throat or through a small incision into the body. Because the Endoscope can be inserted through a very small incision into the body it is a less invasive method than other surgical techniques, causing less scarring and a quicker recovery time.

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, a health screening is performed to assure that the patient is healthy prior to the procedure. You and Dr. Galoob will discuss how the face should look and what results can realistically be expected. The goal of the surgery is to produce a pleasing natural appearance. Photographs are taken before and after surgery in order to determine the amount of improvement. The physician and patient also discuss the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and the possible risks and complications.

Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs (aspirin, garlic, Arthritis medication, etc.) for a week before surgery to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. The use of Minoxidil applied topically to the hair for several weeks before surgery is felt to protect patients from hair loss or change in hair patterns after the procedure. Patients are instructed to shampoo their hair the night before surgery and the morning of surgery before coming to the office. It is Dr. Galoob's custom that hair is never shaved. This allows scars and sutures to be more easily hidden in the early days after surgery. Patients are advised to refrain from smoking before surgery for at least one week and for two weeks after the procedure. Patients are asked to refrain from smoking for one week prior and for two weeks after surgery. Patients who smoke have a higher risk of poor healing and other problems.

The Procedure

Dr. Galoob usually performs forehead and brow lifts in his AAAHC (www.aaahc.com ) office surgical suite. Anesthesia in Dr. Galoob's office surgical suite consists of IV Sedation and local anesthetic injections. A licensed nurse is specifically assigned to constantly monitor vital signs and give medications under the Doctor's direction. Patients are kept at twilight level of consciousness that allows them to relax and rest and the surgery to be easily performed. Most patients have no recollection of the surgical procedure, or if any does occur, it is not unpleasant. Occasionally the patient may go to an outpatient surgical center depending on patient needs and health concerns.

Dr. Galoob commonly performs eyebrow and forehead lifting using a technique called Endoscopic Brow lift Surgery. The Endoscope (a small telescope attached to a TV camera and light) is inserted into small incisions in the hairline as the scalp and forehead tissues are loosened and elevated. This allows preservation of sensation in most cases after the surgery. The brows and forehead are shifted back to elevate the brows in their new position. New techniques allow fixation of the forehead and brows without use of screws or threads.

Following Surgery

After surgery, bandages are applied to the area and remain for a few days. Out of town patients are asked to plan to remain in the hotel for at least one day. Patients must have someone to drive for him or her and to stay with them at the hotel. Patients may complain of a moderate headache usually controlled with oral medication. The first suture removal occurs at 5-6 days, and again at 10-12 days. Scars from the incisions fade significantly with time and are for the most part inconspicuous because they are made within natural creases and behind the hairline. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a week or two. Elevating the head when reclining can reduce swelling. A tightness or numbness of the treated area may be present for a while, and there may be slight changes in the normal hair pattern around the incision. The use of topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) may reduce changes in hair patterns. A limited amount of blood collection under the skin may occur temporarily but does not affect the overall results.

For several weeks after the surgery, patients are advised to avoid the sun as much as possible and to wear sunscreen when going out of doors. Healing is gradual and final results may not be apparent for several weeks. The amount of improvement varies depending on the initial condition of the patient and the extent of surgery. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results while in some cases, additional procedures may be indicated. Most patients who have had a Forehead and Browlift are delighted with their more attractive, rested appearance.

Each year thousands of Forehead and Browlift procedures are successfully performed.

Contact us

If you are interested in learning more about Forehead and Browlift surgery, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.