Browlift Surgery in Chicago, IL
A browlift, as its name suggests, raises the eyebrows to achieve a more youthful and well-rested appearance in the area around the eyes. It is designed to address eyebrows that are “droopy,” which creates an angry or tired look.
Having a sagging brow may also make excess eyelid skin look worse, making the eyes appear smaller. Depending on the type of brow lift, Dr. Thomas recommends, sometimes it is possible to decrease the frown lines in between your eyebrows. To achieve the best cosmetic outcome, this procedure may be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as blepharoplasty.
Different types of browlift
There are several different kinds of browlifts available depending on what your individual goals are. Different incisions and surgical approaches are used to achieve certain effects, and it may be possible to hide your incisions completely within the hairline. Different kinds of browlifts are also available to address brow asymmetry or to change the position of your hairline. When you meet with Dr. Thomas for your consultation, he will discuss which option is best suited to you.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift (or keyhole brow lift) is a surgical procedure. It is performed by creating up to five tiny incisions on the patient’s scalp, just behind the hairline. After this, an endoscope (a thin tube with a small camera attached) is passed through the incisions and generates images.
The surgeon can then identify precisely which areas need lifting and where to operate. Using a bone tunnel or fixation device, the surgeon will then lift the forehead skin and remove any excess fatty deposits/ tissue. At this point there is also the opportunity for any required muscle realignment or eyebrow replacement. An endoscopic brow lift will create a rejuvenated, youthful look by reducing excess skin and repositioning the underlying tissue.
One of the biggest advantages of an endoscopic brow lift is that it only requires tiny incisions to be made. In most cases, these incisions can be hidden in the scalp. As such, for younger patients with minimal droopiness, an endoscopic approach is often preferred.
Lateral Brow Lift
A lateral brow lift (or temporal brow lift) combines techniques used for endoscopic and coronal brow lifts. A lateral brow lift targets the outer third eyebrow region. This surgery will rectify any excessive drooping or heaviness and stabilize the brow for a rejuvenated, youthful look. This is a far less invasive surgery than an endoscopic brow lift and offers more subtle results.
Coronal Brow Lift
This is the classic brow lift technique. A coronal brow lift (or forehead lift) is a surgical lift. The surgeon will remove excess skin from the patient’s forehead area and reposition the underlying muscle tissue. Coronal brow lifts are typically used in order to correct a heavily sagging brow. Coronal brow lifts are typically used for patients with high hairlines, or thinning hair. An incision will be made behind the hairline from ear to ear, and the forehead lifted into a new position. Any overlapping scalp is then removed and the remaining scalp sewn together. As such, this is an invasive and extensive surgical procedure with a longer recovery period than some other brow-lift procedures such as the endoscopic brow lift.
Mid Forehead Brow lift
A mid forehead brow lift involves incisions being made within the mid-forehead. This procedure is designed to reduce the appearance of any deep furrows, rhytids, or lateral brow ptosis. An ellipsis of tissue will be removed from the middle of the forehead and then the incision site will be sutured closed (usually with nonabsorbable sutures) to reduce scarring.
Downtime with Browlift procedure
Dr. Thomas generally performs browlifts under general anesthesia, and the surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. It is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home once you have recovered fully from anesthesia.
Browlift - post operative instructions
You will likely have some bruising and swelling, which typically resolves within 10-14 days following the procedure. A complete set of post-operative instructions, including what to expect after your surgery, may be found here:
