Brow Lifts in Long Beach & Los Alamitos, CA

Surgery to lift the brow (sometimes known as a forehead lift or browplasty) is a popular procedure that provides a refreshed look to the upper area of the face. A brow or forehead lift improves the low placement or sagging of the brow, the facial region from the eyebrows to top of the forehead at the hairline. In some patients, the repeated, unconscious raising of the brow over time can cause the forehead skin to sag, as can the natural aging process. A sagging brow can often cause an angry, worried, or tired appearance. A browplasty surgically corrects a drooping brow by lifting the eyebrows and eliminating excess skin. Dr. William P. Aiello is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Alamitos, CA who has completed browplasty on many men and women to give them a more youthful appearance. Facelifts, eyelid lifts, dermal fillers, and BOTOX are commonly performed along with a forehead lift at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center for best results, producing a smoother and softer appearance.

As we grow older, skin elasticity diminishes and causes several portions of the face to droop. This is particularly important in the upper face and commonly impacts both women and men. Our expressions are often visible signs of how we feel. When we are angry, we may frown, creating a furrowed forehead or brow. A furrowed or sagging brow may make us appear mad, sad, or tired, even when we are not. Unfortunately, for some people, this can become permanent either as a result of overactive muscles in the forehead or just heredity. A brow/forehead lift can:

• Reduce the furrows in your brow and forehead, creating a softer, relaxed facial appearance
• Minimize the creases that develop in the forehead and frown lines between the eyebrows
• Reposition a low or sagging brow that may be causing hooding on the upper eyelids
• Raise the brow to a more alert and youthful position

Excess eyelid skin, droopy upper eyelids, and droopy eyebrows commonly occur in the same patient. A brow/forehead lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation surgeries, like a facelift, and commonly, an eyelid lift. 

Before the procedure, anesthesia is used. This may be done under IV sedation or general anesthesia based on the complexity of the procedure. The incision performed in a browplasty is chosen, depending on the degree of skin sagging, whether the forehead is addressed, and the appearance of the patient's hairline. Some of the different techniques that may be used are:

• Traditional Incision
  Also known as the open browplasty incision, this puts the surgical incision behind the hairline at the top of the head. The open incision not only conceals scars, but it allows a certain amount of lift control throughout the surgery. The open incision is good for those with both frown lines and a sagging brow. The traditional brow lift is the ideal incision for patients who are concerned about a receding hairline.
• Trichophytic Incision
  The trichophytic incision is made directly against the patient's hairline. A trichophytic incision permits more dramatic lift in the brow for patients who have a low risk for hairline recession.
• Lateral Brow Lift
  Also called a temporal browplasty, the lateral method starts the incision within the hairline slightly over the temples. A temporal incision permits the outer sections of the brow to be treated and is best for sagging that is visible in the outer brow. A temporal brow lift also helps to treat Crow’s feet.
• Endoscopic Forehead Lift
  The endoscopic lift is a more modern method employed in browplasty surgery. This method makes multiple small incisions beyond the hairline and inserts the endoscope, which is pushed to the eyebrow to release its attached tools. Using the endoscope's camera, the brow tissue is repositioned with stitches to place the brow in a better position.

The recovery period after a brow lift varies in each patient. Most reports of swelling and discomfort are experienced with the traditional method compared to the temporal or endoscopic techniques. In general, patients feel some swelling and bruising in the upper portion of the face around the eyebrows and sometimes near the eyes. Cold compresses can help to reduce inflammation. Dr. Aiello recommends that patients sleep with pillows propped under their head for at least three nights after their brow lift. It is critical to avoid any activities or movement that can put pressure on your face. The typical recovery period from a brow lift is around 2 – 3 weeks. The results can often be seen right away with a refreshed appearance that seems softer and more alert. You should have visible improvement in sagging skin and fine lines in the upper portion of the face.

How much does a brow lift cost?
It is better to concentrate on finding a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Aiello, who can give you the best results than to go with the lowest price. Your costs for brow lift surgery will depend on the technique used, anesthesia, facility fees, and more. When your treatment plan is developed during your consultation, cost estimates can be made. Dr. Aiello will also explain payment methods and where to apply for low-interest financing to make your surgery more affordable.

Do I need a brow lift or facelift?
Whether you need a facelift or brow lift will depend on your goals and where you have excess skin. You should openly talk about your wishes with Dr. Aiello so he can help you choose which treatment is best. Some patients who come in wanting a facelift may find they would be better with a brow lift or vice versa, or they may need both. Using his experience, Dr. Aiello will confidently help you decide on your treatment plan to give you your best results.

What about nonsurgical treatments?
You may consider one of the many nonsurgical options, including laser skin tightening and injectables (like Juvéderm and BOTOX), that can provide short-term improvements. However, brow lift surgery is better for longer-lasting results and significant improvements. In your consultation, Dr. Aiello can go over both your nonsurgical and surgical choices to help you decide which is better for your needs.

Will my scars be hidden?
The type of brow lift you undergo will be based on your facial features and aesthetic preferences. A brow lift usually involves incisions in the hair-bearing scalp, but sometimes incisions are made in the forehead and/or the upper eyelids. During your consultation, Dr. Aiello will assess your problem, considering your hairline and hairstyle preferences, and make a recommendation that will yield the least scarring and the best cosmetic results.

Will my results look natural?
If you have an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Aiello, your brow lift will appear natural. He will create your treatment plan for your needs and goals to help you appear refreshed, rather than frozen or tight. When performing your brow lift, Dr. Aiello will concentrate on removing loose skin. The remaining tissue and skin will be smoothed so your results don't lift your eyebrows too high or limit your facial expressions.

Do not let your sagging forehead make others wonder if you're sad, mad, angry, or tired — schedule an appointment to get more information about brow lift surgery with Dr. William P. Aiello at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center in Los Alamitos, CA. By correcting your hanging brow, you can revitalize your whole appearance and seem more youthful and refreshed. Dr. Aiello strives for results that look natural. Your browplasty will have your friends and family saying you look more refreshed instead of thinking you had plastic surgery.