As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, which can cause the brows to droop. Additionally, years of squinting in the sun can damage the delicate skin around the eyes, causing wrinkles and crow’s feet. A brow lift can help to correct all of these issues, giving you a more refreshed and youthful look.
In addition to combating the effects of aging, a brow lift can also be used to improve the appearance of certain medical conditions, such as ptosis (drooping eyelids) and blepharospasm (excessive blinking or spasms of the eyelids). If you suffer from either of these conditions, a brow lift can help to alleviate your symptoms.
A brow lift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can be performed in the same operation to give optimal results when it comes to appearance and function.
Preparing for a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty
If you’re considering a brow lift and blepharoplasty, it’s important to do your research and prepare accordingly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Make sure you have a realistic understanding of what the surgery can achieve. A brow lift can’t miraculously erase all signs of aging, but it can improve the appearance of your eyebrows, eyelids, and forehead to restore a more youthful look.
2. Talk to your surgeon about your medical history. Let them know if you have any health conditions or allergies, as well as any medications you’re taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications, including aspirin, blood thinners, and even vitamins.
3. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery. Although these are typically outpatient procedures, you won’t be able to drive yourself home due to the effects of the anesthesia and the dressings around your eyes.
4. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully regarding post-operative care. They will give you specific instructions on how to care for your skin and what medications to take (if any). If you wear contact lenses, you may need to wait two weeks before using them again.
5. Be patient – it may take several weeks for the full results of the surgery to become evident after swelling and bruising lessens. Most people are very pleased with their results, but there is always some degree of swelling and bruising after surgery which can be surprising to some patients. Know that it’s part of the healing process and you’ll soon be looking and feeling more youthful in a matter of weeks.
Precautions to Take After Surgery
Individual responses after brow and eyelid surgery vary, but some general precautions to take include the following:
- Have someone with you for 24 hours after surgery
- Keep your head elevated for the first 48 hours after surgery
- Stay hydrated following surgery
- Stay on top of pain medications post-op
- Ice the surgical site(s) daily to reduce swelling
- Limit physical activity for seven days
- Abstain from alcohol for at least 48 hours
- Walk daily to improve circulation after surgery
- Avoid direct sunlight for six months (use sunscreen and clothing to protect the skin)
- Apply Vaseline to the skin around the surgical site for the first week (if skin was treated with a laser or chemicals)
Once you reach the six-week mark post-operation, you might start treating your skin with vitamin E to help any visible scarring fade.
What Happens During a Brow Lift
During a brow lift, your surgeon will make an incision in your hairline and remove excess skin, muscles, and fat from your forehead. They may also reposition your eyebrows to create a more youthful appearance. The surgery typically takes about two hours to complete, and you will be able to return home the same day.
What Happens During Blepharoplasty
During eyelid surgery, the doctor will make a small incision in the eyelids, usually in the crease to hide what minimal scarring may result. Excess skin and muscle are trimmed, and excess fat is removed. Then, the eyelids are sewn back together with dissolving stitches. The process takes about two hours but can vary in length depending on whether just the upper, lower, or both sets of eyelids are altered.
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To discuss your options for corrective surgery, get in touch with Dr. Tanenbaum today.