Over time, brows naturally droop, making your eyes look heavy. Aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors can accelerate the signs of aging on the forehead and brows. This can make you look tired, angry, and older than you are. It can also impact your self-confidence. A brow lift is an effective solution to heavy brows. It is also referred to as a brow and forehead lift, as it improves the appearance of both. The procedure repositions the brows and reduces forehead wrinkles. You may wonder, will a brow lift help open up hooded eyes?
Will a Brow Lift Help Open Up Hooded Eyes?
A brow lift targets the upper face area. It addresses sagging brows that hang down and cover the eyelids. Heavy brows often push down the upper eyelid skin as well. This creates a hooded appearance that covers the eyes. A brow lift can open up hooded eyes. They become more visible, leaving the eyes more awake and open. A brow lift improves your appearance in several ways.
Reduces Frown Lines
Raising heavy brows can deepen forehead wrinkles. These can make you look much older than you are. By lifting the brow, forehead wrinkles and deep frown lines can be softened. This creates a smoother forehead appearance. Reduced forehead wrinkles leave you looking younger and much more refreshed.
Improves Facial Harmony
A brow lift restores harmony in the upper facial area. It repositions the brows in relation to the forehead and eyelids. This addresses any asymmetry and leaves your face rejuvenated. Patients look younger as a brow lift offers a natural refresh.
Naturally Lifts
A brow lift raises sagging brows, which improves the appearance of the eyes. It also provides a natural lift without looking too overdone. The subtle improvement can change your overall aesthetic. It can improve your expressions as you look more energized and youthful.
Improved Vision
Sometimes heavy brows can impact your vision. When this occurs, you may inadvertently raise your eyebrows all the time. This can cause tension headaches and deepen forehead wrinkles. Additionally, blocked vision can make daily activities much more difficult. This includes things like reading and driving. A brow lift also offers functional improvements to those with very heavy brows.
Signs I Need a Brow Lift
Knowing if a brow lift is right for you depends on the signs of aging on your brows. It also depends on your aesthetic goals. It is best to work with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon to determine if a brow lift is right for you. Below are some common signs a brow lift may be right for you.
Sagging Brows
When the brows rest on the eyelids, they can partially cover the eyes. This can make you look tired even when you are rested. It can also make you look angry and unhappy when you are not. A drooping brow can make you look much older. A brow lift is a great way to reposition the brows and improve your overall appearance.
Deep Forehead Lines
Prominent lines across the forehead are often a sign of repeated muscle movement. They can be exacerbated by the natural aging process. Collagen and elastin help keep your skin plump and wrinkle-free. As you age, your production begins to decrease. This can lead to deep forehead lines. A brow lift can smooth out these wrinkles and provide your upper face with a natural refresh.
Vertical Frown Lines
Frown lines between the brows can make you look perpetually angry. These lines often form due to repeated expressions, similar to horizontal forehead lines. A brow lift is one of the most effective ways to soften vertical frown lines. The results leave you more approachable as you no longer look harsh or unhappy.
Brow Lift Procedure
A brow lift is designed to improve the appearance and position of the eyebrows and upper face. There are several surgical techniques that are used. The one that is right for you depends on your facial anatomy, signs of aging, and aesthetic goals.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift uses small, hidden incisions in the scalp. Small instruments are inserted into the incision to lift the brow. A special camera guides the surgeon through the process for optimal precision. This reduces the risk of scarring. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Direct Brow Lift
A direct brow lift involves incisions directly above the brows to lift sagging tissue. This is best for patients with very heavy brows. The surgical technique allows the surgeon to precisely remove excess skin and reposition the brow. It is also performed on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day. General anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia is common. The type that is right for you will be discussed at your consultation.
Internal Brow Pexy
Internal brow pexy is often combined with upper eyelid surgery. The technique secures the brow internally, leaving no visible scarring. It offers a subtle lift for those who do not need major adjustments. It offers natural-looking results as the forehead, brows, and upper eyelids are rejuvenated. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. General anesthetics may be used with multiple procedures. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be enough. Your surgeon will inform you what is best for you at your consultation.
Recovery and Results
Each patient is uniquely different so that recovery timelines can vary. However, most patients return to their normal routine within 2 weeks. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common for the first one to two weeks. This can be effectively managed with rest, medication, and keeping your head elevated. You will notice improvements immediately. However, your final results will take a few months.
Top Board-Certified Oculoplastic Surgeon
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your brows, contact Dr. Jennifer Murdock and her team today to schedule a consultation!