in Houston, TX
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure that can significantly enhance your facial appearance by addressing issues such as sagging eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines. At the hands of a skilled Houston plastic surgeon like Dr. Paul F. Fortes, a brow lift can restore the natural arch of your eyebrows, reduce sagging in the upper eyelids, and diminish forehead lines, giving your face a more youthful and refreshed look.
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For patients who suffer from drooping eyebrows, frown lines, and wrinkles across the forehead...
Dr. Fortes may recommend an endoscopic brow lift, during which he uses an endoscope (a device with a small camera attached) to reposition the forehead muscles. With the endoscope, three or more small incisions are made just at the hairline or in the upper forehead wrinkle. Patients are left with no visible scars, and stitches can be removed in seven to ten days.
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure that offers several benefits, enhancing both your appearance and self-confidence.
It's important to note that while a brow lift can make you look younger, it does not stop the aging process. As you age, your facial skin might begin to droop again. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing daily exposure to sunlight can help maintain the results of your surgery.
During your consultation with Dr. Fortes, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals for your appearance, your complete medical history, and any current medications you are taking. Dr. Fortes will evaluate your general health status and any risk factors, discuss your options, examine and measure different parts of your face, and recommend a course of treatment. He will also discuss the likely outcomes of Houston brow lift surgery and any potential complications. Dr. Fortes will answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have before you undergo brow lift surgery.
Endoscopic brow lift is a two-hour procedure that is performed under local or general anesthesia. The endoscopic brow lift procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. This can be either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. A bilateral supraorbital nerve block is often used, with a mixture of lidocaine and bupivacaine administered along the surgical markings across the entire forehead. Following anesthesia, the next step is incision placement. Several small incisions are made behind the hairline. Through one of these incisions, an endoscope, a long thin tube with a light and a tiny camera mounted on its end, is inserted. This allows the surgeon to view the underlying muscles and tissues. The next step is the insertion of the endoscope and repositioning of the muscles. An instrument is inserted through another incision, allowing the surgeon to lift the forehead tissues.
The eyebrows are then lifted, contoured, and secured into their higher position by sutures, screws, or other fixation devices. The surgeon must be careful to avoid damaging the frontal branch of the facial nerve, the supraorbital nerves, and the supratrochlear nerves, as injury can result in paralysis and hypoesthesia. Finally, the incisions are closed. This is typically done with removable or absorbable sutures, skin adhesives, surgical tape, or special clips. The results of the procedure gradually appear as swelling and bruising subside, revealing a smoother forehead skin and a more youthful appearance. Bruising and swelling are minimal, and patients normally return to work in seven to ten days.
The results of a brow lift surgery are immediately visible, and as post-surgical swelling resolves and incision lines fade, your satisfaction with your new appearance should continue to grow. It typically takes a few months for the final results to become evident. Most patients can expect to enjoy the results of their brow lift for ten to 12 years on average. However, it's important to note that the procedure does not stop the aging process, and as you age, your facial skin might begin to droop again.
To maintain your rejuvenated appearance, it's essential to practice life-long sun protection and adopt a healthy lifestyle. While a brow lift can significantly improve your appearance, it doesn't stop future wrinkles from forming on your forehead. Nevertheless, with proper care and attention, you can enjoy the long-lasting benefits of a brow lift and maintain a more youthful appearance for an extended period.
Following a brow lift, patients typically experience some discomfort, though not severe. It's advisable to minimize movements in the initial days post-surgery and keep the head elevated to reduce swelling. Drainage tubes may be strategically placed to assist in minimizing swelling during the initial recovery period. Additionally, adherence to any prescribed medications and postoperative care instructions is crucial for optimal healing. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon will ensure proper monitoring of the recovery process, and patients should avoid strenuous activities during the recommended healing period.
During your brow lift consultation, it's important to ask about the surgeon's certification, training, experience, hospital privileges, risks and complications, expected outcomes, options in case of dissatisfaction, and before-and-after photos.
The results of a brow lift are long-lasting, with some surgeons believing the results can last forever. However, it's important to note that the procedure does not stop the aging process, and as you age, your facial skin might begin to droop again.