The eyebrow lifting surgery, or browlift, is a cosmetic procedure that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among those seeking a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Over time, it’s common for the skin and facial tissues to lose elasticity, which affects facial expressions. Drooping eyebrows often give the face a sad, tired, or grumpy appearance. Want to know what an eyebrow lift consists of? We explain it all in this post.
Around the age of 30 or 35, collagen levels gradually decrease by about 1% each year. At first, the changes are almost imperceptible, but as time passes, they become more evident. This happens because collagen supports the lower layers of the tissues, which in turn help maintain the smoothness and firmness of the upper layers of the skin. So, the less collagen we have, the more sagging occurs.
On the other hand, elastin is the protein responsible for giving our skin elasticity. With time, this also decreases, making the skin more saggy as we age. In the case of the eyebrows, when these two factors combine, they tend to droop over the eyes, reducing the distance between the eyebrows and the base of the eye. This situation changes the facial expression.
The Browlift, or eyebrow lift, is a cosmetic surgery designed to lift drooping eyebrows and reduce wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. This procedure not only improves the appearance of the eyebrows but can also correct sagging in the forehead skin and provide a more youthful, rested appearance.
There are several techniques for eyebrow lifting:
This is the most modern and least invasive technique. Small incisions are made in the scalp, through which an endoscope is inserted to lift the forehead tissues and reposition the eyebrows.
This is a more traditional method where an incision is made along the hairline from ear to ear. This technique allows for a greater lift and is ideal for cases of severe eyebrow drooping.
This approach focuses on lifting the outer parts of the eyebrows, ideal for those with mild to moderate drooping who want a subtle rejuvenation.
Each of these techniques has its own indications, and the facial surgeon will evaluate which is most suitable based on the patient’s needs and characteristics.
A Browlift is suitable for people who want to correct drooping eyebrows and improve the overall appearance of the forehead and eyes. A good candidate for this surgery typically presents:
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. The eyebrow lifting surgery can significantly improve appearance, but it doesn’t stop the natural aging process, though it does slow it down in the treated area.
Depending on the chosen technique, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions to lift the eyebrows and reposition the underlying tissues. In the case of the endoscopic browlift, the incisions are very small and are made in the scalp, minimizing visible scars. In contrast, with the coronal browlift, the incision is hidden in the hairline. Once the eyebrows are repositioned and the excess skin is removed, the incisions are closed with very fine sutures that leave almost no scars. These, being very fine and strategically hidden, will become imperceptible over the months.
After surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising in the treated area, but these symptoms usually decrease within the first few days or weeks. It’s not a painful surgery, although it may cause some discomfort during the first few days.
Recovery time varies depending on the technique used and the patient’s ability to heal, but in general, the following is recommended:
Most people can return to work and normal activities in about two weeks, although this will depend on the patient’s recovery and whether or not any other facial surgeries were performed.
The results of eyebrow lifting surgery are usually visible almost immediately, although the final result is better appreciated after the first few weeks. The results tend to be very natural, restoring a rejuvenated, rested, and refreshed appearance to the face. Although it doesn’t stop the aging process, the results usually last several years.