Browlift
Patient Information sheet
Browlift
A browlift is often performed in association with eyelid reduction or as part of a face lift, but can be performed separately.
The procedure is performed to reposition the level of the eyebrows so that the upper folds in particular can be corrected properly. To rely only on trimming of eyelid skin to correct all situations would leave the eyelids too close to the brows and with too little skin in the attempt to correct.
A good test as to whether this is required is to see if the redundant eyelid skin of the upper lids extends past the point where the upper lid joins the lower or the lateral canthus.
THE OPERATION
The operation is done behind the hairline so all scars are kept hidden in the hair.
Closure is achieved using special clips that are kind to hair follicles and do not cause punctate hair loss as the swelling after operation is compensated for. Half the clips are removed at one week and the remainder at two. A small drain is inserted at the time of surgery and is removed the next day before discharge from Hospital.
Hair washing can be performed with Baby shampoo without causing harm to healing.
Swelling is reduced by medication but still occurs and subsides over two weeks. A small residue lasts longer before settling after a few months. Patients are usually quite social at three to four weeks but many are able to disguise any bruising with dark glasses or cosmetics to go out into public quite quickly.
The operation can also be done endoscopically through tiny incisions. This is best for the less advanced case and there is some relapse although good results are obtained.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications can include the usual complications of surgery such as infection,
bleeding and delayed wound healing but these are rarely encountered with specific measures against them taken.
There may be some bruising or stretching of the frontal branch of the facial nerve resulting in loss of movement in the forehead. This generally recovers and may take several months. This is uncommon.
More commonly there is some numbness in the forehead that slowly dissipates over a few weeks. Occasionally one sees the scalp heal with a small ridge one can feel with the fingers. This settles with the scars over the year after surgery but rarely requires a trim.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- To reveal all medications, conditions, history, allergies and recreational drug use AND SMOKING STATUS.
- To understand all aspects of the information discussed at consultation and all written information given and to seek clarification if needed.
- To understand that you are entering a process where your surgeon is dedicated to the best possible outcome. This requires engaging in the complexities of biology, healing and individual differences.
That additional stages or further surgeries are occasionally required and that the surgeons best efforts are the basis of the charges. Further surgeries will incur additional charges in pursuit of a particular result. - To understand that the initial consultation is charged for but all subsequent pre operative consultations pertaining to this surgery are at no charge.
- To understand and accept the above conditions.
Reach out to Northland Plastic Surgery by phone, email or book in an assessment via Zoom.