The Face: Eyebrow and Forehead Rejuvenation

Progressive drooping of the eyebrows and wrinkling of the forehead are some of the earliest and most recognizable aspects of facial aging. Sagging eyebrows and forehead skin, when advanced, is recognized by contact between the hairs of the eyebrow and eyelash. This phenomenon often prompts patients to comment that their eyes seem to be "shrinking" and that make-up smears on the upper eyelid easily.

This redundancy of tissue also heaps up on the eyelid region itself, creating accordion-like wrinkles. Wrinkles develop in both a transverse and horizontal orientation and fail to disappear even when the eyebrows are at rest. The results of these changes can falsely create a visual image of exhaustion or anger in an individual's face.

The browlift procedure, also called the forehead lift, allows for elevation of the eyebrows and tightening of the forehead skin, giving the eye region a more refreshed and well-rested appearance. Wrinkles are reduced or eliminated by removing the underlying muscles which create them. Excess skin accounting for the laxity is redistributed or removed from the scalp above.

The browlift procedure usually is performed through an incision at or in the hairline, which permits camouflage of the healing scars. In cases where the skin has retained some elastic tone, the forehead and eyebrows can be repositioned using small incisions and a lighted rod called an endoscope. This approach has the additional advantage of minimizing scalp scars, lessening the backward movement of the hairline and decreasing numbness in the central upper scalp, which are common problems associated with traditional approaches. However, both techniques create some swelling and bruising that can last a few weeks before subsiding.

Although the browlift will redrape skin and reduce wrinkling in the upper eyelid and "crow's feet" region, eyelid surgery or a skin resurfacing technique also may be needed to treat these areas most effectively. Puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the lower eyelid region, is also not treated by a browlift procedure. However, if you are looking to optimally rejuvenate aging changes about the eyes, the browlift and eyelid surgery procedures are often mutually complementary and frequently performed simultaneously. In addition, because a face-lift primarily addresses aging changes visible along the jawline and in the neck, a browlift done in conjunction with a face-lift will help to more completely revitalize all regions of the face.