Endoscopic Brow Lift

In this post we will focus on endoscopic brow lift and its techniques, side effects, benefits, pros&cons, recovery time, cost, procecude steps, results, incision locations, efficiency,etc.

What is Endoscopic Brow Lift?

Brow ptosis, or sagging eyebrows, can occur due to various factors, including facial nerve damage from conditions like facial paralysis or Bell’s palsy. For people affected by these conditions, plastic surgery offers a solution to address brow ptosis.

What is Brow Lift Surgery? A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, revitalizes the area above the eyes to enhance a patient’s natural vibrancy. By removing excess sagging skin from the forehead and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues, this procedure can correct a heavy, drooping brow, eliminate deep furrows, and restore a smoother, more youthful contour to the upper third of the face.

An endoscopic brow lift is often referred to as a “less invasive” procedure and is sometimes called “keyhole surgery.” This is because it utilizes an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and magnifier attached.

Endoscopic brow lift vs. traditional brow lift

A traditional or “open” brow lift is a more invasive surgical procedure that involves stitches, bandages, and a recovery period of several days. It can also lead to bruising and swelling.

For patients with facial paralysis or Bell’s palsy, an endoscopic brow lift provides a less invasive alternative to the standard approach. This technique achieves similar results to an open brow lift while reducing scarring and recovery time.

During the surgery, a qualified plastic surgeon, trained in endoscopic techniques, performs the procedure under anesthesia. The camera on the endoscope captures images that are displayed on a screen for the surgeon and their team to view. This allows the surgery to be conducted through small incisions beneath the skin.

Types of Brow Lift Surgery & Endoscopic brow lift techniques

Classic or Coronal Brow Lift

The coronal brow lift, once a common technique, is now less frequently used due to the availability of less invasive methods. However, it may still be needed in some cases. This procedure involves a long incision behind the hairline from ear to ear, where excess skin, fat, and tissue are removed, and the remaining skin and brow muscles are repositioned for a more youthful look.

Temporal or Limited Incision Brow Lift

A temporal brow lift, often combined with eyelid surgery, uses slightly longer incisions than an endoscopic brow lift. Incisions about 1 inch long are made above each temple, behind the hairline, to lift and reposition the outer brow tissues. Additionally, through incisions from an upper eyelid procedure, the area between the eyebrows is lifted to smooth frown lines.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

Cosmetic surgeons increasingly prefer the endoscopic method for brow lifts due to its minimal invasiveness while still delivering excellent results. For this procedure, your surgeon makes several short incisions, about ¾” long, just behind the hairline. Using a tiny camera and specialized instruments, they reposition the forehead muscles, lift underlying tissues, and remove excess fat and tissue to achieve a naturally youthful appearance.

Endoscopic brow lift procedure steps

1.Anesthesia

2.Incision Placement

3.Endoscope Insertion

4.Tissue Adjustment

5.Muscle Repositioning

6.Incision Closure

7.Recovery and Monitoring

Endoscopic brow lift recovery

In an endoscopic brow lift, the surgeon makes small incisions concealed within the patient’s hairline. After creating an incision above the temple, the endoscope is inserted. The surgeon then carefully lifts the brow tissue to achieve the desired result.

Brow lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, using either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure varies based on the type of brow lift and whether additional procedures are being done simultaneously. Incisions are typically closed with sutures or staples, which are removed about a week post-surgery.

Most patients experience minimal pain but may feel some discomfort and tightness in the forehead. Swelling and bruising are common in the first 10 days and usually resolve within about 2 weeks.

Recovery time can vary depending on whether the brow lift is done alone or with other procedures. Typical recovery milestones include:

– Day of Surgery: Light walking around the house is encouraged.
– 1 to 2 Days After Surgery: Showering is allowed; avoid the incision sites.
– 1 Week After Surgery: Return to a sedentary job; some may return earlier. You may feel fatigued, so a limited work schedule is advisable. If bruising is a concern, your surgeon can suggest camouflage makeup.
– 1 to 2 Weeks After Surgery: Driving can resume if you have full mobility and are not on prescription pain medication.
– 2 to 4 Weeks After Surgery: Gradually restart exercise, following your surgeon’s advice on permitted activities.

Endoscopic brow lift benefits

A brow lift offers several benefits:

– Reduces Forehead Wrinkles: It smooths out wrinkles and lines on the forehead for a more even complexion.
– Lifts Sagging Eyebrows: The procedure also elevates drooping eyebrows, giving a more alert and vibrant look.
– Restores a Youthful Appearance: By addressing signs of aging on the forehead and around the eyes, a brow lift helps patients look and feel more refreshed, positively affecting their self-confidence and quality of life.

Pros and Cons of Brow Lift Surgery

Pros:

– Effective for Deep Creases and Sagging: A brow lift can smooth deep forehead creases and lift sagging skin and eyebrows, providing results beyond what noninvasive treatments like Botox can achieve.
– Balances Facial Asymmetry: It can correct asymmetrical features, including unilateral brow lifts for addressing issues on one side of the forehead.
– Quick Procedure: The surgery typically takes about one to two hours, with patients usually going home the same day.
– High Patient Satisfaction: Studies, such as those published in JAMA Plastic Surgery, show high satisfaction rates, with 93% of patients pleased with their endoscopic brow lift results and 96% recommending the procedure.
– Positive Reviews: Many RealSelf members who reviewed their brow lift found it “Worth It,” enjoying a more youthful appearance with minimal side effects.

Cons:

– Limited Impact on Upper Lids: While it can help reduce the appearance of sagging upper lids, it won’t remove excess skin on the lids; an upper lid blepharoplasty is needed for that.
– Visible Scarring: Some patients may experience visible scarring, although newer techniques aim to minimize and hide incisions under the hairline.
– Expectation vs. Reality: Results may not always meet expectations.
– Possible Numbness: Numbness around the incision sites can be a long-term side effect.
– Hair Loss: Temporary or long-term hair loss around the incision sites is possible.
– Negative Feedback: Some RealSelf members found the procedure “Not Worth It” due to issues like nerve damage, visible scars, or unnatural results.

How long do brow lift results last?

10 to 15 years. Factors such as skin genetics, thickness, and post-operative care can impact how long the results of a brow lift last.

How much does a brow lift cost?

It ranges $3000 – $19000.

As an average cost :$7.500

Endoscopic brow lift incision locations

For an endoscopic brow lift, small incisions are made just behind the hairline and sometimes above the temples to allow access for the endoscope and surgical instruments.

Endoscopic brow lift risks

Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a deeply personal choice that involves assessing whether the procedure aligns with your goals and if the associated risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will need to sign consent forms to confirm that you understand the procedure and its risks, which include:

– Anesthesia risks
– Bleeding
– Elevated hairline
– Eye irritation or dryness
– Facial asymmetry
– Facial nerve injury, causing weakness or paralysis
– Fluid accumulation
– Infection
– Hair loss around incisions
– Numbness, skin sensation changes, or intense itching
– Persistent pain
– Poor wound healing
– Possible need for revision surgery
– Rare risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, chest pain, and shortness of breath
– Skin loss
– Unfavorable scarring

These risks will be thoroughly discussed with you before you provide consent. Be sure to address all your questions with your plastic surgeon.