(Overview)WHAT IS  Brow Lift

Brow lifts, sometimes referred to as a browplasty, can revitalize drooping or lined foreheads, helping you to look less angry, sad or tired. Most often, brow lift surgery is done as a person gets older and gravity begins to change the eyelid, forehead and eyebrow appearance. Occasionally a younger person, who inherits a heavy low brow, will have the same features as an ageing upper half of the face. 


Dr. Giuffre has been performing brow lift procedures with excellent cosmetic results for many years. The procedure is often combined with other operations such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and facelifts to improve the look of the eyes and other areas of the face.Whatever your reasons for surgery are, Dr. Giuffre personalizes the procedure according to your needs and treatment goals to obtain your ideal brow.


AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A Brow Lift

 

While browlifts are typically performed on patients aged 40-60 to counteract the effects of aging, anyone with lined or inelastic skin on the forehead – This procedure can be done on men and women alike and is usually performed on those who are over 40. 


Brow Lift Consultation

Summary of what to expect in consultation.


Brow lift PROCEDURE

The brow lift procedure lasts one and a halt to two hours and is done either under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The surgery is done in a private surgical facility adjacent to Dr. Giuffre’s office.

There are two methods used for a brow lift procedure. The surgeries differ slightly because although both make use of incisions, the site and size of said incisions are different.

The most common approach is an incision in the scalp from the ear across the scalp to the opposite ear. The scalp and skin tissue is elevated to the eyebrow level; the muscles that produce the frown lines between the eyebrows and the creases in the upper part of the nose are partially removed, and then the excess skin is removed from the scalp to elevate the brow. This permanently elevates a low brow. The scar lies within the hair line and is not visible. This approach is reserved for a patient who does not have a very high forehead.

The endoscopic approach uses a series of small incisions in the scalp; the brow is elevated using an endoscopic approach (a small camera placed through the small cut; the dissection is done through this small incision and the elevated tissue is suspended using special sutures). This is a useful short term procedure that lasts up to 5 years. Dr. Giuffre does not use this technique due to its limited longevity.

Lastly, Dr. Giuffre closes the incision with dissolving sutures and surgical clips, which are removed at 7 days post operation. Dr. Giuffre will protect the stitches with gauze or bandages.


RECOVERY AFTER Brow lift PROCEDURE

After the surgery is completed, the patient is kept in the recovery room for an hour before they are escorted home by their ride.  You will have to arrange a ride and aftercare with a responsible adult. You are not permitted to leave unaccompanied or in a taxi. You will then be seen the following day for dressing removal and assessment by Dr. Giuffre and his staff.

Ten days post surgery, the patient will return to have the suture/surgical clips removed. There will be bruising and swelling for 7 – 14 days after surgery. The amount will vary from patient to patient.  

The recommended recovery time is two weeks off work. You should limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks. The use of Aspirin, Advil and Herbal supplements are discouraged as these products will increase the bleeding and bruising during and after surgery. Dr. Giuffre will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery.

At 6 weeks after surgery, the patient returns to the office. The preoperative photos will be given to the patient, and Dr. Giuffre will assess the result with the patient. At this time the nose will still have some swelling and firmness to the tissues.

 

Dr. Giuffre provides his home phone number to his cosmetic patients in case there is a patient concern.  In the rare instance that a patient requires hospitalization, Dr. Giuffre has admitting privileges to all of the major hospitals in Edmonton.


Brow Lift RESULTS

A brow lift produces natural looking results. Once swelling and bruising subside after a week or two – depending on how fast your body heals – you will notice your new, more appealing brows.


A brow lift procedure will permanently elevate the brow into a correct position. It is very uncommon to have to repeat this procedure.



RISKS OF Brow Lift Surgery

With any surgery there are surgical and anesthetic risks.


Aside from the rare risks of an anesthetic event, some of the general and specific surgical risks for this procedure would include:

  • Excessive swelling over the forehead and upper and lower eyelid

  • Scarring

  • Infection

  • Sensation change to the forehead for up to 3 months

  • Discomfort: this is mild to moderate. Most patients may require pain medication for a day or two after surgery. 

  • **Avoid driving a vehicle if you are taking narcotic medication.

  • Asymmetry

  • Bleeding (hematoma)

  • A high brow appearance settles after 6 weeks

  • Alopecia: within the scar there is no hair growth. This is most often not noticeable except in men, where the hair growth may be more sparse, leaving a more apparent scar.

  • Time off work and exercise.


This list is not complete.


**During the consultation with the patient, Dr. Giuffre will outline and explain each of the risks in detail.



FAQS

How long does the surgical improvement last?

A brow lift procedure will permanently elevate the brow into a correct position. It is very uncommon to have to repeat this procedure.

How often do I need to come back for a checkup after the surgery? 

Postoperative visits include:

  • a 24 hour post op visit to have the dressing removed. The patient can then shower.

  • 10 days postop, the sutures/clips are removed

  • 6 weeks, a visit to the office to review the preoperative photograph and the surgical result.

If there are any patient concerns, Dr. Giuffre provides his home phone number for patient's direct access.

After the 6 week visit, if there are any future requests for an appointment, they are made directly with Dr. Giuffre’s office and an expedited visit is arranged.