Brow lifts, sometimes called forehead lifts, continue to grow in popularity as patients seek new and improved ways to counteract the visual signs of aging. Though most are approved for the procedure, some qualifications must be met to be considered an ideal candidate for a brow lift procedure. In this guide, we will explain how brow lifts work, list the types of brow lifts available, and detail all of the requirements for candidacy.
How Are Brow Lifts Performed?
In order to be considered for a brow lift, a patient must fully understand what they are agreeing to when they request the procedure. There are several ways to perform a brow lift, each tailored to different aesthetic needs. Some require surgery, while others are minimally invasive or completely non-surgical. Your surgeon will help you select the most effective method depending on your facial anatomy and cosmetic concerns.
There are two major types of brow lifts that patients can opt into:
- Traditional Brow Lift: A traditional brow lift is a surgical process that does leave scarring but provides incredibly long-lasting results. It is performed with an incision across the hairline that allows the surgeon to pull the skin tight, eliminating creases and wrinkles. This traditional method is best suited for candidates who require extensive corrections to the brow area.
- Endoscopic Brow Lift: The endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive surgery that leaves virtually no scarring. It involves placing an endoscopic camera in small cuts at the base of the scalp, allowing the doctor to access the skin and tissue underneath and lift it to achieve the desired effect. The endoscopic method is best suited for patients who want subtle rather than dramatic changes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?
A considerable advantage of this surgery is that it is incredibly flexible. Consequently, it is suitable for a wide range of interested patients. While some factors will make a person ineligible for surgery, those with good general health should receive approval without issue.
Below are some key factors that would make you an ideal candidate for a brow lift procedure:
Age Range
Candidates for brow lifts generally fall within the 40- 60 age range. This age range is when skin elasticity fails and the traces of getting older, such as wrinkles and sagging skin, have already begun to appear. These effects make the face appear tired or older. When these areas are treated with a brow lift, the patient can have a fresher and more youthful appearance before the skin loses more of its elasticity.
Health Status
Any surgery generally requires good overall health, and brow lifts are no exception. As long as you are not suffering from a chronic condition and you do not have any known complications with anesthesia, you will likely pass the screening for brow lift candidacy.
It should be noted that some patients will be approved for the brow lift in spite of health complications if the brow lift is selected as a way to treat the complication. For example, drooping brows can sometimes become so severe that they impede your vision, but a brow lift can correct this. If your eyesight is disrupted because of the wrinkles and sags on your face, you are certainly a good candidate for a brow lift.
Aftercare Needs
Surgery is not truly done until after the recovery period is complete. Hence, a good candidate for the brow lift knows what to expect both during and after the surgery and can commit to the required aftercare.
Make sure you have a friend or family member with you to bring you home and take care of you in the initial days after your operation. In the days following your surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising around the incision sites. Try to avoid strenuous physical activity and refrain from touching the surgery site. If you feel significant pain and swelling, you can use a cold compress or prescribed pain medications. If you are able to handle these recovery instructions after your procedure, then you are likely a good candidate for the brow lift.
How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?
A huge advantage of the brow lift is that it lasts for years. While natural aging processes eventually take over, you can enjoy many years of youth and beauty without ever needing to worry about a touch-up.
Next Steps With Dr. Jennifer Murdock
Contact the office of Dr. Jennifer Murdock to learn about your options and determine whether you are the ideal candidate for a brow lift procedure. She can help you understand which cosmetic procedures are best suited for your anatomy, health, and style.