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The browlift is a cosmetic surgical operation that is designed
to replace the brow that has descended with time and gravity into
a more natural elevated position and to soften the wrinkles of the
forehead by resecting the muscles between the brows and red raping
the forehead skin.
The browlift is the procedure of choice for patients 30 to 45 years
old and also for older patients who have had prior surgery and just
need a lift.
In the 1980's revolutionary changes took place in general surgery
allowing common operations to be performed through the eyes of an
endoscope instead of through large incisions. This brought about
many advances in equipment, technology and technique. In the 1990's
this technology has made its way into plastic and cosmetic surgery
providing patients with exciting new alternatives.
The most common of these is the endoscopic browlift. The endoscopic
procedure is suitable for all patients but is particularly beneficial
to patients with thinning hair or receding hairlines who otherwise
would be unable to disguise the old style long scalp incisions.
The procedure is done with small incisions on the temporal hairline.
The forehead and cheek (malar) area are elevated throughout these
tiny incisions lifting the fat pad under the eye upward giving a
better contour to the lower lid as well as raising the brow and
treating frown lines. Often a small incision is made at the medial
upper lid called a "fat stab" and the medial fat is removed
giving a smoother non-baggy appearance to the upper eyelids. This
endoscopic approach has the advantage of precise muscle sculpting
while preserving delicate nerves and vessels. The lift also lessens
the nasolabial fold (folds near the nose) and elevates the cheek
area providing the patient with a very youthful but natural appearance.
The fact that there are no visible incisions makes this an ideal
surgery. Because the operation is carried out through shorter incisions,
the swelling is minimized and the recovery period may be lessened.
Occasionally, the patient and surgeon may decide that in order
to attain the desired optimal result, additional ancillary procedures
such as laser skin resurfacing, eyelid surgery, a face lift, or
a chin implant may be required. These additional procedures will
be discussed separately as they are not an actual part of the brow
lift operation.
The operation requires approximately two hours. It may be performed
under local anesthesia with intravenous sedatives as required to
ensure the patients comfort, or under general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist
will be present to administer the sedatives (or general anesthetic)
and assist in monitoring all patients to ensure their safety.
At the completion of the operation, drainage tubes are frequently
placed beneath the skin to minimize swelling. These tubes are connected
to a bulb. It is necessary to empty the drainage fluid a few times
at home. The nurse will give instructions at the time of discharge.
The patient may choose to go home on the day of surgery or spend
the night with an office consultant or nurse from the surgery center.
The drains will be removed in the office usually on the first post
operative visit.
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