3 Things to Know About Brow Lifts & Mini Brow Lifts

Some people may be surprised to learn that this facial feature is more important than the eyes and mouth when it comes to a youthful appearance – the brow. Eyebrows play an essential role in defining and framing the face. The gentle counterbalance of the arch in the brow and the shape of the jawline all work together to accentuate the face.

During aging, due to a lack of elasticity in the skin and constant movement of forehead muscles, brows can begin to look creased, furrowed, and tired. People with dropping or heavy brows begin to look tired, angry, and grumpy. If you want a more youthful, lively look, a brow lift might be exactly what you need.

At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, we offer brow lifts with stunning results. If you are considering treatment options, there are three things to know about brow lifts and mini brow lifts to ensure your desired aesthetic goals.

What Is A Brow Lift?

A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure that repositions your forehead, resulting in a lift of the eyebrows and a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles. A brow lift can also address other periorbital signs of aging, like excess sagging skin and permanent lines between the eyes caused by using the glabella, a strong muscle that is responsible for frown or scowl lines. 

Over time, even if you are happy and rested, having horizontal lines on the forehead and vertical lines between the eyes can make you look older and give off the wrong emotional expression in social settings. This is why patients at Buckhead Plastic Surgery opt for a brow lift. It permanently improves the forehead by making it look smooth and supple and repositions the eyebrows for a lifted, fresh-faced look.

As with most cosmetic procedures, different types of brow lifts address different aesthetic goals. Plus, since everyone has a unique facial anatomy, certain procedures work better for certain people. Amazing brow lift results depend on meticulous attention to detail with the technical portion of the procedure, as well as Dr. Larsen’s artistic touch to create the balanced facial features you desire. 

One of the three things to know about brow lifts and mini brow lifts is the techniques available to you.

3 Types of Brow Lifts and Mini Brow Lifts

• Coronal Brow Lift
• Endoscopic Brow Lift
• Limited Incision or Temporal Brow Lift

Coronal Brow Lift

At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alan Larsen is skilled in various techniques for brow lifts and mini brow lifts. However, this technique is the industry standard for this procedure and yields the most impressive and lasting results.

One thing to know about this brow lift procedure is it removes the excess skin from the forehead and eyebrows without shifting the hairline. Another benefit of the coronal brow lift is it requires one long incision made in front of the hairline that runs from ear to ear. This incision can be well-hidden as part of the natural hairline. 

With just one incision, Dr. Larsen can remove excess skin and reposition the remaining brow and glabellar muscles for a more flattering, youthful appearance. He can also make small adjustments to create a smoother forehead and browline by removing excess fat and tissue.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

An endoscopic brow lift is also known as a mini brow lift. It is called a “mini” brow lift because it is less invasive than other brow lift procedures. While it is less invasive, we do not encourage all patients to get mini brow lifts because it does not provide optimal results.

The thing to know about a mini brow lift is it shifts the hairline back, so it is only ideal for individuals with a low hairline. In an endoscopic brow lift, small incisions are made just behind the hairline, then muscles are repositioned, and the forehead tissue is lifted.

Temporal or Limited Incision Brow Lift

This procedure is similar to an endoscopic brow lift but is slightly more invasive because larger incisions are made above each temple and behind the hairline. 

During the procedure, Dr. Larsen will then reposition the tissues of the outer brow area through the upper incisions (hairline) and smooth out the worrisome lines furrowed between the eyebrows using the incisions made through the upper eyelid (temples).

Recovery After Brow Lift

Another one of the three things to know about brow lifts and mini brow lifts is there is a recovery to consider that will last 3-4 weeks. Downtime is a concern of patients having a brow lift, especially with younger patients. 

Immediately following surgery, your forehead, eyes, and temporal areas will be swollen. For the first two days, specialized ice packs will be placed on your forehead 24 hours a day to relieve the swelling and discomfort. The ice is applied for the first 48 hours followed by warm compresses. 

Keeping your head elevated with no movement helps promote a speedy recovery for most patients. During the healing process, your forehead and eyes will feel tight for the first week or two. Meanwhile, healing will continue for quite some time. It is not uncommon for mild swelling and small lumps and bumps to take 1-2 months or more to resolve. After one month, you should see better results, and after three months, you should see great results.