Understanding Brow Lift or Forehead Lift Surgery

Overview
Millions of people around the world continually fight the aging process or to enhance their appearance through cosmetic and plastic surgery. Whether it's a chemical peel, chin implant, or a full body lift, individuals seeking cosmetic enhancement are able to choose just about any body part for improvement. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a very common plastic surgical procedure. Understanding the basics of a forehead lift, who benefits from it, the procedure, and its costs will help consumers make educated decisions regarding this type of surgery.

The Basics of Brow Lifts
A brow lift is considered a type of face lift surgery. It offers individuals a more youthful appearance without undergoing a complete cosmetic surgery facelift procedure. A forehead or brow lift enhances a youthful appearance and is a full facelift alternative to individuals requiring the most enhanced effect from a full facelift procedure, but without the cost.
Several different options are available for individuals considering a brow or forehead lift. One of the most important things to consider is where the incision will be located. There are several choices, including:

• Coronal incision -involves an incision that is located behind and within the natural hairline
• Pre-Trichial incision (Subcutaneous approach) -made at the hairline
• Endoscopic surgery -utilizes a technique of 1/2 inch to 1 inch incisions located within or behind the hairline

During a coronal forehead lift, an incision is made along the top of the head from one ear to the other. Alteration of muscles that create appearances of wrinkling or scowling can be adjusted by an experienced plastic surgeon through this incision. Following removal of excess muscle or skin, the surgeon closes the incision. Patients should understand that numbness along the incision site is common for up to six months following the procedure.

The endoscopic forehead lift is a newer technique that involves up to a half dozen very small incisions hidden within the hairline. An endoscope, a small, narrow tube with a camera attached to one end, is inserted into the incisions to enable the surgeon to find and weaken muscle tissue to create a more relaxed appearance with a minimum of tissue damage and scarring. The procedure is relatively new, developed in the mid-1990s, so long-term result studies have not been conducted.

The pre-trichial or subcutaneous approach is not as commonly used as a coronal incision or endoscopic surgery, though excess skin may be removed using this procedure. Though this technique does not allow the hairline to be moved higher along the scalp line, this approach does allow a surgeon to access all of the same muscular alterations, similar to a coronal approach. However, this technique also carries the risk of the most scarring, which on some individuals may be very visible.

These procedures serve to lift the eyebrows and to reduce the appearance of drooping or saggy skin that appears at the corner of the eyes during natural aging processes. Cosmetic or plastic surgery performed on the forehead or brow also serves to reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as frown or scowl lines that often appear between the eyes as we age. Consumers should know that a brow lift or forehead lift is not designed to eradicate crow's feet, the appearance of puffy or baggy eyelids or as an overall wrinkle treatment.

Who Benefits from a Brow Lift?
Any individual concerned about appearance may benefit from a brow lift. A brow lift can alleviate a tired appearance and tighten loose skin as well as remove excess skin from the forehead and brow. Brow or forehead lifts are especially beneficial for individuals with deep grooves or frown lines between the eyes or sagging brow lines, and is most commonly performed in individuals between 40 and 65 years of age. A brow lift can restore confidence in many men and women and promote feelings of self-esteem and attractiveness.

How Much Does a Brow Lift Surgical Procedure Cost?
The average cost of a brow lift procedure ranges between $3,500 and $6,000, depending on specific techniques and desired results. However, any type of facelift prices are also determined by location and availability of accredited and experienced facial plastic surgeons. Individuals traveling to India for a brow lift or forehead lift may save up to 40 to 60% of costs charged in the United States. Travelers to Costa Rica spend an average of $1,800 for the same procedure. Most health insurance carriers in the United States do not cover the cost of elective plastic or cosmetic surgery.

Who Performs Brow Lift Surgical Procedures?
Any cosmetic or plastic surgical procedure should be performed by an experienced, trained and accredited and certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon. A cosmetic or plastic surgeon should have at least five years of surgical training and at least two years of training and experience in plastic surgical procedures. Make sure that the surgeon of your choice belongs to plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgery organizations or associations in his or her country of origin, and preferably one that is a member of international cosmetic and plastic surgical organizations or associations.