Minimal Incision Brow Lift

About the Procedure

Minimal Incision Brow Lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reposition the brows to a natural looking, higher position. A browlift can help to improve the appearance of redundant upper eyelid skin, and in women, give the brows a more attractive arched shape. The MINIMAL INCISION approach involves incisions placed laterally to the brows, in the hairline. This approach is considered minimal since the incisions made are much smaller than with a traditional coronary scar brow lift. Less lifting of the brows in comparison with the direct approach is sometimes the case, however patients who can not tolerate scars in the forehead will prefer this approach. The term DIRECT refers to the way facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Buonassisi accesses the underlying brow structures. The direct approach to browlift involves fine incisions made just above either eyebrow, in the forehead area. The incisions are carefully placed inside the patient’s natural facial creases, and they fade over time.  This procedure allows for a direct and significant lifting of the eyebrows, and is ideal for patients who can tolerate scars. The scars fade over time and often become imperceptible. Which cosmetic Brow Lift Surgery is right for you? The most appropriate approach depends on the specific lower features that you have, and the degree of sagginess of the brows. Dr. Buonassisi will assess your brow and eye features during your surgical consult, clearly explain the pros and cons of each procedure, and recommend which approach is best for you.

Benefits of Brow Lift

The eyes are one of the first parts of the face to show the signs of aging. This is due to a number of factors including, genetics, sun exposure and the natural aging process. As we age, we begin to notice changes that contribute to an overall tired look. Upper and lower eyelids begin to sag and loose their firm texture. At the same time, fat deposits begin to bulge forward as the eyelid structures become lax. The brows begin to descend which contributes to the appearance of redundant upper eyelid skin and an overall tired look. Descended brows contribute to an overall tired and aged look, and often make people look angry when they actually are not. Patients are typically very satisfied with the results of their browlift surgery. Following browlift surgery, your eyes will appear more youthful, rested. If you appeared angry or tired before, these signs will be less noticeable.  In women, the repositioned eyebrow shape often contributes to an attractive, alert appearance. More about The Science of Aging and Facial Changes and how our eyes and brows age can found in this website’s Knowledge Base.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi makes small incisions just above the lateral eyebrows, inside the hairline. He uses special tools to access the brow structures. The incisions are closed with very fine stitches that are removed one week later. This surgery is ideal for patients who do not require a noticeable lift in their brows, or choose to trade off the amount of lift that can be achieved for the scarless approach. Minimal incision browlift surgery typically takes from 1.5 – 2 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• In women, a more attractive arched brow shape
• More open, alert eyes
• Less redundant upper eyelid skin
• Improved angry or tired appearance

Are You a Good Candidate

Direct browlift surgery in Vancouver is most commonly performed on people aged 30 years of age and older who are bothered by descending eyebrows. The procedure is sometimes performed on younger patients who inherited low or flat eyebrows from their parents.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for browlift surgery if you are bothered by any of the following physical features:

• In women, eyebrows that are flat in shape, with no arch
• Descending eyebrows
• Redundant upper eyelid skin caused by lowered eyebrows

General Health

You may be a candidate for direct browlift if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for 2 weeks
• Your eye health is otherwise normal

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from direct browlift surgery to be quite easy, while some experience mild discomfort. There is typically minimal discomfort, aside from some slight itching where the sutures are placed. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides two weeks following surgery. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• Once your sutures are removed seven days following surgery, you will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – however, you will still have some evidence of swelling and light bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup
• At the seven day mark, your incisions will be red and raised – this improves over time, in many cases incisions become imperceptible

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery – makeup can be used to camouflage these signs if they still persist
• The incisions, which are carefully hidden in the natural forehead crease, fade over time, often becoming imperceptible within three months of surgery

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult.

Combination Eye Procedures

Browlift surgery is often combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries. Many patients opt to have their eyelids and other facial features, such as jowls and neck, treated at the same time in order to save having to take time off work and recover from more than one surgery. Browlift surgery is often performed with upper eyelid blepharoplasty, which is recommended when redundant eyelid skin can not effectively be treated with a browlift alone, and when the upper eyelids are also characterized by pockets of protruding fat. Browlift surgery is often combined with non-surgical treatments to smooth away lines and add youthful looking volume to the face.

Alternative Eye Procedures

Sometimes redundant upper eyelid skin is caused by the natural eyelid aging process and not by descending brows.  In this case Dr. Buonassisi may recommend Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgery. Browlift surgery does not treat wrinkles around the eyes – if this is a concern, Dr. Buonassisi may recommend BOTOX® treatments for the Crow’s Feet area, or the area between the eye brows.

What Browlift Procedure Is Right for You?

The most appropriate approach depends on the specific eyebrow features that you have, and the degree of sagginess of the brows. Dr. Buonassisi will assess your brow and eye features during your surgical consult, clearly explain the pros and cons of each procedure, and recommend which approach is best for you. While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult.  If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.