The endoscopic brow lift procedure
An endoscopic brow lift usually involves 4 or 5 incisions within the hairline. A surgical telescope (the endoscope) is inserted through small incisions (keyhole surgery) to be able to see the inside of your forehead and brow, and under direct vision, the various attachments of your brow are released and mobilised from the inside. Once freed and mobile, your brow is then lifted and stabilised. This is usually by the insertion of a temporary screw (which comes out after about 10-days) through two of the incisions or alternatively by techniques that remain on the inside.
What does it involve?
The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic (with you asleep) either on its own, or often in combination with other procedures such as upper eyelid surgery. It may be done as a day case (in and out the same day) or if with other procedures, with you staying in hospital, depending on the nature of the other procedures.
What are the benefits?
The brow lift elevates and stabilises your brow, removing the tired or sad look that may have developed from the heaviness of your low brow. The frown muscles can also be weakened in addition to the lifting of your brow.
How long does the surgery take?
The brow lift alone takes 60-90 minutes
What is the recovery period?
It is common to experience some headache in the forehead region after the surgery. You will have some swelling and bruising afterwards, which will fade after 1-2 weeks following surgery and the scars heal quickly. The screws and clips/stitches in the hairline are removed at 10-14 days after the surgery.
How long before daily activities may be resumed?
Rest is advised initially, and you should sleep with 2 or 3 pillows initially so your head is elevated – this will help the swelling resolve. During the first week you should avoid straining and bending down as this tends to increase swelling. Most people are ready to go out and return to work after about 2-weeks, but it is usually 4-weeks before you will be ready for major social events. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 4-weeks. Contact lenses should not be worn for 2-weeks after a brow lift.
What are the success rates?
Endoscopic brow lift has a high success rate and is an excellent operation for rejuvenating the forehead and lifting the brows to give an open appearance and fresh look the upper third of the face, which are characteristics of youth and beauty.
What are the possible complications?
These include wound problems, such as infection and slow healing, as well as bleeding from the wound on occasion. There may be a small degree of asymmetry between the two sides. Transient numbness to the forehead and scalp is to be expected for a few weeks after the procedure.
Occasionally there can be more bruising than expected – this usually settles uneventfully. Also, there can be damage to some sensory and possibly motor nerves. In the worst case scenario (which is fortunately rare) there can be impairment of brow movement after the operation, and possible permanent numbness to the forehead and scalp. Occasionally a small amount of hair loss in the region of the incisions is seen, but this usually recovers with time.
