Tired of the Same Old Accordian Forehead? Try a Browlift

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 50,000 Americans chose to have their brows lifted in 2006. This surgery, also known as a forehead lift, is performed to correct drooping brows as well as eliminate the horizontal lines and furrows that can cause a person to look angry, sad, tired or old. As a result, browlifts are used as a means to a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

Most commonly performed on individuals between 40 and 60 years old, the surgery itself is an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia which involves the removal or alteration of the muscles and tissues that cause lines and furrows. This process smoothes the forehead, raises the eyebrows, and minimizes frown lines. At this time there are two surgical methods used by surgeons performing a browlift. The difference between these approaches lie in the incision. Whereas the conventional method hides the incision behind the hairline, the endoscopic method, though somewhat more complex, allows for minimal incisions. The average surgery takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to complete.

Although complications following surgery are rare and usually minor, patients frequently experience swelling, bruising, numbness, and itching around the site of incision as well as in the cheeks and face. These sensations, though not permanent, can continue for up to 6 months following the surgery. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for hair loss to occur around the site of the incision as well. Despite the fact that patients are usually up and around within a day or two, healing is a gradual process so most surgeons suggest their patients take it easy for at least a week following surgery. Most people return to work within a week to 10 days. After about 3 weeks, most of the visible signs of surgery are reduced to minor swelling and bruising which can be concealed with camouflage make-up. The effects of a browlift can be expected to last for years.

Although the cost of the procedure varies depending upon the type of surgery performed as well as the location and credentials of the surgeon, Infoplasticsurgery.com, a website devoted to providing information about cosmetic surgery, estimates the average cost of a browlift to be between $3500 and $5000.

For more information about forehead lift surgery, consult your plastic surgeon.