We are all going to be living a lot longer; it would be of benefit if we don’t look like prunes while we are doing it. A useful procedure to consider when fighting the signs of aging is a brow, eyebrow, or forehead lift.

A brow lift is a cosmetic surgery that is used to reduce furrows, creases, and deep forehead lines. Brow lifts can be used alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as hair transplants to treat baldness or with a facelift.

Most people who use an eyebrow lift are between 40 and 70 years of age, however, younger people with drooping eyebrows can be good candidates for this surgery.

How Does a Brow Lift Work?

Traditionally, brow lifts were performed through an incision method. One long incision was made from one ear, across the forehead hairline, and ended at the other ear. The skin was lifted, extra skin was trimmed, and the incision was closed. Side effects with this procedure included headache, numbness, swelling, itching at the incision line, and hair loss.

Though the results were effective, the side effects and long incision made this surgery less than palatable to many patients.

Fortunately, the endoscopic brow lift was discovered, and was found to be less invasive and as effective. In an endoscopic brow lift, several little incisions are made on the scalp. The surgeon then uses an endoscope to visualize the area under the skin, and inserts several other instruments to lift the skin and remove extra fat, muscle or skin. Then, the skin is held in place with temporary screws. The screws are removed two weeks post-op.

Some of the side effects of an endoscopic brow lift are similar to the traditional method, but on a less severe scale. Additionally, endoscopic patients are less likely to experience complications from the surgery, which can include scarring, permanent hair loss, infection, bleeding, and permanent lack of sensation along the incision.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Cost?

Cost varies by region, doctor, facility, and what type of anesthetic you require. A typical brow lift cost is between $5,000 and $7,000. If the surgery is medically necessary, your medical insurance may cover a large part of it.

If you are planning several procedures, it may be more cost effective for you to have them done at the same time, as it will minimize facility and anesthesia charges.

What Can I Expect During the Recovery?

A patient who has undergone a brow lift will experience all the typical post-operative effects, from being groggy from the anesthesia to incision-site bruising and swelling. After surgery, a bandage is usually wrapped around the head for a couple of days.

Typical recovery is two weeks, at which time you will return for screw removal. Unusual sensations, including itching or numbness around the incision site are typical. These usually disappear quickly. Hair loss can also occur at the incision site, but usually grows back in three months.

Swelling is also common with this procedure, but can be minimized by keeping your head elevated. It usually goes away within one week.