The first signs of aging often occur in the brow area. Drooping eyebrows can crowd the eyes and make the upper eyelids appear full and heavy. Patients with a drooping brow often complain of looking older than they are. They may also look angry or tired when they are not. A brow lift is a surgical procedure that remedies a drooping brow by lifting, shaping, and repositioning the eyebrows. Dr. Stephen Weber is a double board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Denver, CO who performs customized brow lifts to help patients meet their aesthetic goals.
Surgical Services
Brow Lift at a Glance
A drooping brow occurs as part of the normal aging process. Factors like stress, smoking, and genetics can cause brow drooping to occur earlier than patients would like. In many cases, a brow lift is the only way correct a drooping brow and rejuvenate the eye area. Patients who have severe aging of the eyes may combine a brow lift with a blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) for a complete rejuvenation effect.
A Brow Lift Procedure with Dr. Weber
Dr. Weber performs brow lifts as outpatient procedures in a Weber Facial Plastic Surgery in-office surgical suite or local ambulatory surgical center. Local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia may be used to perform the procedure. A board-certified anesthesiologist administers IV sedation or general anesthesia medications and monitors the patient throughout the procedure to make sure they are comfortable or completely asleep and feel no pain. The steps used to perform the procedure are as follows:
- Incisions are carefully and strategically placed behind the hairline to prevent the appearance of a noticeable scar from forming after surgery.
- Brow lift. Weak muscle and loose skin are carefully separated from the forehead bone. Portions of muscle and skin are surgically removed. The brow is gently lifted and secured to the forehead using absorbable fixation anchors.
Incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures. Dr. Weber carefully closes incisions so they heal properly and do not form a noticeable scar. Total procedure time is approximately 60 minutes.
Recovery from Brow Lift
Patients are brought to the postoperative recovery room after their procedure. They are monitored by an anesthesia doctor or nurse while the effects of sedation or anesthesia medications wear off. Pain medications are given if patients feel any discomfort or pain. After patients are completely awake and alert and their pain is managed, they may be driven home by a family member or friend.
Dr. Weber gives all his patients at-home recovery instructions before their procedure. He advises patients to have someone stay with them for the first 24 hours after surgery. Patients will see Dr. Weber for their first postoperative appointment 24 hours following surgery and again 5 days after their procedure. Patients are usually cleared to return to work and normal activities after their five day follow-up appointment.
Brow Lift Results
Most patients will notice their initial results within the first few days after their procedure. Results continue to emerge throughout the course of recovery as postsurgical swelling subsides. It usually takes approximately 3 months for final results to be seen. Final results include the following:
- An elevated and youthful position of the brow
- A reduction in heaviness and hooding of the upper eyelids
- An alert, open appearance of the eyes
Results are very natural, subtle and beautiful. Dr. Weber’s training, skills, and experience enable him to provide patients with a refined, delicate brow that symbolizes youth and beauty.
Brow Lift before and after
Good Candidates for a Brow Lift procedure
Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their forehead may be candidates for a brow lift procedure. Patients who undergo the procedure are usually healthy non-smoking adults with no serious medical conditions. Patients who have a positive outlook and realistic expectations are the best candidates. The definitive way for patients to determine if they are a candidate is to arrange and attend an initial brow lift consultation with Dr. Weber.
An Initial Brow Lift Consultation with Dr. Weber
Dr. Weber believes in building strong relationships with his patients. At initial consultations, he carefully listens to his patients so he can understand their aesthetic goals. The highlights of an initial brow lift consultation include the following:
- A medical history review. The patient’s medical history is thoroughly reviewed and when applicable previous cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures are discussed.
- A physical examination. The patient’s brow and face are examined. Signs of aging are noted and accessed. Photos are taken for comparison purposes.
- A discussion. Weber and the patient discuss all treatment options that can be used to help the patient reach their aesthetic goals. If a brow lift is an appropriate treatment option, Dr. Weber will carefully explain the entire procedure and recovery.
A question and answer session are held at the end of the consultation. Dr. Weber carefully answers all questions and addresses all concerns so patients are completely comfortable and at ease with their treatment decision. Dr. Weber’s patient-focused approach allows patients to go into their procedure feeling confident, excited, and ready to see their results.
Besides being a very talented surgeon, Dr. Weber is kind. The same is also true of everyone in the Lonetree Facial and Plastic Surgery office. I would highly recommend Dr. Weber to anyone. I had a previous chin augmentation and cheek lift procedure by a Dr. in Lakewood. That surgery was a terrible experience. The chin implant was misplaced, and my cheeks initially had huge swollen ridges on top, and my midface looked very hollow. No amount of makeup can hide a botched surgery. I waited for years to have the results corrected, and to be honest, I was afraid to trust another surgeon. I was very lucky to have found Dr. Weber. Dr. Weber had treated me with Radiesse as a temporary fix to the cheek area. The Radiesse helped a lot to minimize my hollow cheeks. I was very impressed with Dr. Weber, and finally decided to go ahead and have him do a permanent fix. I had a cheek augmentation, had the chin implant replaced, and had an upper blepharoplasty. The recovery was quick. I was out and about after 7 days. I am more than thrilled with the results! The overall improvement in my appearance is dramatic. Yet the results are very natural looking. Several coworkers mentioned that I looked rested, and my best friend commented that my hair looked great (my hair hasn’t changed). My cheeks and chin look good now, and my eyes no longer look tired.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brow Lift
Are different approaches used to perform a brow lift?
An important part of a brow lift procedure is the approach. Dr. Weber uses multiple, highly effective approaches to provide his patients with excellent results. The following approaches may be used:
- Endoscopic approach
- Tricophytic/Hairline approach
- Coronal approach
- Direct or mid-forehead approach
The ideal approach depends upon the severity of brow drooping and eyelid aging and the position of the hairline. During initial consultations, Dr. Weber explains to patients which approach will be the best for their specific situation. In most cases an endoscopic approach will be appropriate. However, in more complex or severe cases a coronal approach or hairline browlift might be ideal in order to address severe aging or a high hairline combined with heavy eyebrows.
Are there risks associated with a brow lift?
There are risks associated with all surgical procedures. The risks associated with a brow lift will be carefully explained to patients at their initial consultation. Because Dr. Weber takes any and all measures necessary to reduce risks, the overwhelming majority of patients find that potential risks do not play a factor in their treatment decision.
Can men have a brow lift?
Men who have a drooping brow are great candidates for a brow lift. Lifting the brow removes wrinkles and restores a more youthful look. Men who undergo a brow lift look younger and more relaxed after their procedure.
Can I have a brow lift if I have thin hair?
Dr. Weber uses special incisions to perform brow lifts on patients who have thin hair or are going bald. He carefully places incisions in areas where they will not form a noticeable scar.
Will my brow lift results not look natural?
Dr. Weber provides patients with natural-looking results. He takes great care to make sure he lifts the brow to an appropriate height. Patients do not have to worry about their brow being elevated too much when they choose Dr. Weber as their brow lift surgeon.
Do I have to stop smoking to have a brow lift?
Smoking interferes with healing processes and prevents patients from achieving optimal results. Patients are advised to stop smoking two weeks before and two weeks after their brow lift procedure.
Can I combine my brow lift with another procedure?
A brow lift may be combined with a blepharoplasty or facelift to completely rejuvenate the face. Patients who are interested in a combined procedure may discuss their options with Dr. Weber at their initial consultation.
Are there ways to maximize my brow lift results?
Patients who are interested in maximizing their results are encouraged to follow all of Dr. Weber’s recovery instructions. In addition, the following measures can be used:
- Always apply sunscreen to the brow when going outside for a prolonged period of time
- Regularly exercise and eat a well-balanced diet
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol in excess
Patients who receive maximum results are usually those that have a positive outlook and realistic goals and expectations.
Is it important that my brow lift is performed by a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
Facial Plastic Surgeons who are board certified are the most qualified surgeons to perform brow lifts. When choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon, patients should always look for one that has experience and a documented history of providing patients with excellent results.
Does Dr. Weber have brow lift before-and-after photos and patient testimonials?
Dr. Weber has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals using a brow lift procedure. He believes that before-and-after photos and positive patient testimonials are a great resource patients can use to help them make their treatment decision. At initial consultations, Dr. Weber shows patients before-and-after photos of patients who had a similar condition to theirs. Patients who choose to have a brow lift go into their surgery knowing what type of results they will receive.
What can I do to prepare for my initial consultation?
Dr. Weber asks that patients bring a list of medications and herbal supplements they are currently taking to their initial consultation. He also encourages patients to think about their aesthetic goals and reasons for wanting to have surgery. Patients who want to bring pictures for Dr. Weber to review may do so.
How do I arrange my initial consultation?
Patients who are ready to attend an initial brow lift consultation can contact Dr. Weber’s office in Denver, CO at 303-792-2224 or info@weberfacialplasticsurgery.com.
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.