SERVICES: BROW LIFT

What is a brow lift?  

 

The eyebrow normally rides above the eyelids, out of the way of the eye and its field of view.  In some people, the eyebrow can fall and rest heavily on the eyelids.  The eyelids in turn can be forced downward, in front of the eye, potentially blocking peripheral vision.  Many patients find themselves trying to overcome their sagging eyebrows by flexing their forehead muscles to pull their brows and eyelids out of their field of view.  Sometimes, the drooping eyebrow can be bad enough to interfere with activities like driving or reading.  The symptoms of drooping eyebrows are similar to those of drooping eyelids.  Dr. Repp can help you determine whether drooping eyebrows, eyelids or both are contributing to your symptoms.  

 

An eyebrow lift can help relieve these symptoms and may help restore peripheral vision, while also potentially improving the overall appearance of the eyebrows and upper face.   Some patients elect to have an eyebrow lift before their symptoms are severe because of the benefits an eyebrow lift can have on their appearance.   

 

Will I need any testing?

 

It’s important to meet with Dr. Repp to determine if you are a candidate for an eyebrow lift.  If you are a potential candidate, sometimes health insurance helps to cover the cost of surgery. Depending on your insurance company, you may require a series of tests prior to surgery, such as a test of your peripheral vision.  Not all patients will qualify for their health insurance to assist with the cost of surgery, but you may still be able to proceed with an eyebrow lift even if your insurance will not pay for surgery.  In this case, your insurance company considers your surgery cosmetic, with the cost covered by you.  

How is an eyebrow lift surgery done? 

 

There are many ways to raise the eyebrows, restoring them to their natural position.  Dr. Repp can help tailor a plan to your unique situation, but here a few common techniques:

• An incision can be made just behind your hairline, allowing Dr. Repp to raise your eyebrows.  A well-placed incision can often be camouflaged by your hair, optimizing your result.  

• Some patients benefit from an approach that combines an eyebrow lift with an upper eyelid lift, using the same incision.  Ask Dr. Repp if this is right for you.  

• If you have a severely drooping eyebrow, Dr. Repp can make an incision at the top of the eyebrow to remove tissue above the drooping brow.  By removing this tissue, the eyebrow can lift, restoring your field of view.  Much like other surgeries to lift an eyebrow, this technique has both advantages and disadvantages.  Talk with Dr. Repp to find out more about this option.  

 

What should I expect the day of surgery?

 

An eyebrow lift is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing you to recover at home following surgery.  

 

Eyebrow lift surgeries are commonly done in an ambulatory surgery center.  Dr. Repp will work together with you to customize a plan to help keep you comfortable during surgery.  Most patients receive medication to help maintain general comfort during the procedure (IV sedation).  They will also get medication to anesthetize the eyebrow area.  

 

The eyebrow lift surgery can be performed on its own, or at the same time as other procedures.  Dr. Repp will work with you at your initial office visit to determine if additional procedures, such as an eyelid lift, are a good fit for you.  

After surgery, most patients will return home the same day for their recovery.   

 

Can you tell me about the recovery and aftercare?

 

Each patient is unique, so Dr. Repp will customize an after-care plan for you, but some general guidelines follow.  Ask Dr. Repp if these apply to you before following any of the recommendations on this site.  And if something does not seem right, do not hesitate to call Dr. Repp.

 

Most patients will use frequent cool compresses for the first two days after surgery.  During this time, Dr. Repp will likely ask you to limit activity, commonly recommending that you avoid any heavy lifting or bending.  These activities can stress your surgery site and set back your healing.  Following surgery, most patients experience mild-to-moderate discomfort that can often be effectively treated at home with medications recommended by Dr. Repp.  If you experience more than mild pain or discomfort, you should call Dr. Repp immediately for recommendations.  You will also need regular ointment on your incision line.  The ointment acts as a salve, soothing the incision as you heal.  

 

Many patients wonder when they can safely return to work or other normal activities.  There is no single answer for every patient, so ask Dr. Repp for details.  Lastly, Dr. Repp will likely place sutures during your surgery.  Typically, these are removed between one-to-two weeks following surgery.  Ask Dr. Repp for details.  

Conclusion:

 

An eyebrow lift is a common surgery performed by ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons.  In some patients, it can help improve a patient’s quality of life or the aesthetic harmony of the eyebrows and upper face.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Repp to find out if you are a good candidate.