Visible signs of facial aging generally appear as wrinkles, sagging features, and excess skin. The vertical creases between the eyebrows, or frown lines, can give the constant appearance of being somber or angry. As facial skin begins to sag, the eyebrows may sink, which makes us appear tired. Brow ptosis, a condition in which the upper eyelid droops involuntarily, can lead to decreased vision and asymmetry of the face.

If any of these signs are familiar to you, you may be a good candidate for a brow lift. Candidates should be in overall good health, non-smokers, and lack any medical conditions that may hinder the ability to heal properly.

If you are a healthy male and believe you may be a candidate for a brow lift, the best course of action is to contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago and schedule a consultation. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history with you and perform a facial evaluation to determine the best treatment plan for your aesthetic goals.

You and your plastic surgeon will discuss any and all aspects of the procedure, through recovery, as well as any potential risks associated with a brow lift. If you have any questions about any of these factors, the consultation is the best time to ask.

After a general anesthetic is administered, your plastic surgeon will determine the best technique to employ based on the necessary corrections. In an endoscopic brow lift, small incisions are made within the hairline, to hide any visible scarring that may occur during the healing process, and special instruments are placed into the incisions to perform the procedure.

In an open brow lift, a coronal incision is made across the top of the head. The forehead skin is lifted, allowing the surgeon access to correct visible creases and wrinkles in the upper face.

Depending on your aesthetic goals, your plastic surgeon will make the necessary corrections, which may include repositioning tissue and muscle, tightening muscles, redistributing skin, and lifting the brow.

The incisions are closed with either removable or absorbable sutures. The final results of the brow lift will be visibly apparent within a few weeks of the procedure, after swelling and bruising completely subside.

After the procedure, the forehead and incision sites may be covered with a bandage and/or ointment to reduce swelling and minimize bruising. A brow lift is an outpatient procedure, so patients are typically allowed to return home the same day.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding how to care for the surgical site, medications to take, and when to return for a follow-up visit. It is important after a brow lift to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and avoid any rigorous physical activity.

Do not use ice directly on the surgical site, since that will reduce blood flow and delay healing. Sutures can usually be removed within a week after the procedure is performed.

Although rare, any surgical procedure comes with potential complications. Those specifically associated with a brow lift may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Temporary hair loss at incision sites
• Changes in skin sensation
• Eye irritation

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, make sure that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility

The cost of a brow lift can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including location, the surgical center, the surgeon, and your aesthetic goals. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost of a brow lift is around $3,400. It is rare that a health insurance provider will cover any of the costs associated with a brow lift, so be sure to talk with your plastic surgeon during your consultation about payment options.

The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago is dedicated to both excellent patient care and patient education in equal measure. Our professional staff and board-certified surgeons will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have, and we will never perform a procedure unless we know it is the absolute best course of treatment for you. If you think you might be a candidate for a brow lift, please give us a call to schedule a consultation.

All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.