The eyebrow/eyelid complex is responsible for most facial expression. Eyebrow position can suggest sadness, anger, confusion and alertness. When eyebrows droop, often a sad, angry or tired appearance results. Eyebrow lifts can be performed directly in the hairs of the brow if the brow is thick, indirectly through an eyelid incision when performing cosmetic eyelid surgery or at the hairline. Endoscopic eyebrow surgery is performed through a very small incision near the hairline and has the advantages of small incision sites, faster recovery and a more natural look. We often perform this procedure along with eyelid surgery to achieve a natural youthful appearance.

An endoscopic brow lift, also called a forehead lift, surgically corrects drooping eyebrows and softens worried or angry expressions that result from frown lines. During the procedure, commonly performed on men and women between the ages of 35 and 70, the surgeon elevates the skin and underlying tissues of the upper face and may remove part of the muscle that causes frown lines between the brows. The result is a more youthful, relaxed and refreshed appearance.

If you have sagging eyebrows that create a tired or sad appearance, deep horizontal creases across your forehead, or frown lines or furrows between your eyebrows, you may be a good endoscopic brow lift candidate. To get a glimpse of the potential results, you can try a simple test on your own. Place your fingertips at the outer edges of your eyebrows and gently raise the skin upwards. This will give you a good indication of what the procedure might do for your appearance. Of course the best way to determine if an endoscopic brow lift is right for you is by a thorough consultation with our doctor.

The technique uses a small, pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor. The endoscope is inserted into several small, one-half inch to one inch incisions placed just behind the hairline, providing the surgeon with a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. The surgeon then inserts another instrument through one of the small incisions to lift the skin and remove or alter muscle, if necessary. During an endoscopic procedure, the eyebrows and forehead can be lifted and secured at the optimal height through the use of a new, sutureless mechanism called the ENDOTINE™ Forehead fixation device.

A brow lift procedure can also be performed using a traditional “open” method, where an incision is made slightly behind or at the natural hairline, beginning above the ears and continuing toward the top of the head. The surgeon works through the incision to secure tissue and modify or remove excess skin and parts of the muscle that cause wrinkling and frown lines. The incision is closed with stitches.

Because of the smaller incisions, endoscopic brow lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation and temporary scalp numbness felt by patients who have had the open technique. In addition, endoscopic brow lift patients may feel ready to return to normal activities sooner.

In some cases a combination of endoscopic and open techniques may be used. In either case the procedure typically takes about one hour and is usually performed in our outpatient surgery suite under intravenous sedation.

Immediately after surgery you will experience some temporary swelling and bruising in your eyebrow and forehead areas which may last for up to 10 days. The first night it is important to rest with your head elevated. You can use a cold compress to help control swelling. You may also experience mild discomfort at the surgical site, which is typically controlled with doctor-prescribed oral medications. Head dressings are removed within a few days after surgery. You can usually take a shower and wash your hair a few days later.

If you’re like most brow lift patients, you will be very pleased with your refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Although it may take several months to see the final results, you’ll probably agree that your new look was worth the wait.