Is a Brow Lift painful?

It’s common to feel slight discomfort as well as a sensation of tightness throughout the forehead where the procedure took place. Swelling and bruising are typical during the first 10 days after surgery and are mostly resolved after about two weeks. The recovery process should not be painful, and over-the-counter medication should be enough to provide you with relief, however, we will provide you with a recovery plan, including some temporary pain medications and prescriptions needed for an optimal recovery.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of appointments needed for a Brow Lift varies with each of our patients, but your provider will discuss what your recovery should look like during your initial consultation to provide a clearer idea of what your schedule will look like. Most patients are requested to return for a few days post-surgery so their recovery can be monitored, the drain (if there is one) can be removed, and bandages can be changed. Usually about 10 days after your procedure, the sutures will be removed. You can expect a few more appointments over the next six months that are appropriately spaced apart. Pictures may be taken during one of these follow-ups to use as a comparison.

How long until I see results?

Brow Lift results are practically immediately visible, but there will still be some swelling, redness, and potential bruising. Over time, your post-surgical swelling will resolve and the incision lines will fade. Most patients should expect it to take up to six months for their brow to see its optimal results post-surgery once their head completely heals.

Can I combine Brow Lift with other procedures?

Absolutely! Many of our Ottawa Brow Lift patients will combine their procedure with Eyelid Surgery , Facelift , or a Chin Implant for a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. If you’re considering multiple procedures, please inform your provider of your goals. We will provide you with additional details and advice on the best course of action to help you achieve your desired results.

What are the risks associated with Brow Lift?

Our team of plastic surgeons is experienced and skilled and takes pride in their ability to provide a positive experience and with successful results, every surgery does come with its associated risks. Below are some of the potential complications associated with a Brow Lift: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) can result in pulmonary embolism with chest pain and shortness of breath (very rare) Elevated hairline Eye irritation or dryness Facial asymmetry Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis Fluid accumulation Infection Loss of hair around the incisions Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching Pain, which may persist Poor wound healing Possibility of revision surgery Skin loss Unfavorable scarring If you experience any concerning or long-lasting side effects, please contact Ottawa Plastic Surgery immediately.

Brow Lift

In Ottawa

Brow Lift

Introduction

Your eyebrows are one of the more defining features of your face. They convey emotion, show expression, and outline your eyes. As we age, the lines on the forehead only get worse, leading to drooping eyebrows or heavy eyelids – traits commonly associated with a tired and angry appearance. Since no one wants to seem angry when they are not, a popular way to treat this is with a Brow Lift from Ottawa Plastic Surgery. By tightening up the skin on your face, we can reposition your eyebrows to a more desirable location. To learn more about this procedure, please keep reading the information provided below.

brunette brow lift | Ottawa Plastic Surgery in Ottawa, Canada

What is a Brow Lift?

A Brow Lift (also called an eyebrow lift or forehead lift) is a surgical procedure that raises your eyebrows to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines and to lift sagging skin. The treatment aims to fix conditions associated with aging by removing or changing the muscles and skin that create drooping eyebrows, “hooding” eyelids, forehead furrows, and frown lines.

A Brow Lift can include a variety of techniques, but the three most common types include the Hairline or Coronal Brow Lift, the Lateral Temporal Brow Lift, and the Direct Brow Lift.

The Hairline Brow Lift

This classic technique requires a longer incision along the hairline, but can also provide the most powerful and long-lasting results with an aesthetically “friendly” incision. This procedure is ideal for patients who want to lift their eyebrows while shortening the forehead by removing a strip of skin and underlying tissue along the incision.

This procedure lifts everything from the hairline down to the eyebrows and can address eyebrow shape and asymmetry, making it perfect for patients with a high forehead. The scar from the incision, once healed, is virtually undetectable as the incision is made in such a way that hair follicles are preserved allowing for hair growth through the scar. Following the procedure, there will be some bruising and swelling. Patients usually return to their normal daily routine in 1-2 weeks.

A Coronal Brow Lift is a similar type of surgery, except the incision is made on the crown of the head further back in the hairline. Though this hides the incision well, it increases the height of the forehead which is usually not desired.

Lateral Temporal Brow Lift

The Lateral Temporal Brow Lift is very popular as it only requires two small incisions hidden in the hair and leaves no visible scar. This procedure can lift the lateral or outside part of the eyebrow, tightening and smoothing the forehead while lifting the corner of the eyebrow to a feminine and youthful position. Eyebrow shape and asymmetry can be addressed with this type of lift.

This type of lift may not be ideal for someone with severe brow descent or heavy skin. Following the procedure, there will be some bruising and swelling. Patients are usually comfortable returning to their normal routine activities in about one to two weeks.

The Direct Brow Lift

Sometimes called a Mid-forehead Brow Lift, this approach requires removing a section of skin and underlying tissue above the eyebrows or in the forehead. It beautifully lifts a sagging brow while tightening and smoothing the forehead.

This procedure also addresses eyebrow shape and asymmetry, with proper care being taken to position the incision along the eyebrows so that it is maximally camouflaged. Patients will experience some bruising and swelling following the procedure. They are usually comfortable returning to their normal routine activities in about 2 weeks.

This procedure is best for a patient with a severe brow droop that already has significant forehead wrinkles that hide the incision. It is also preferred for patients with an extremely thin or balding hairline. Since it is a less invasive procedure, it can often be done under local anesthesia.

Together, you and your board-certified plastic surgeon will determine which is the best choice for you.

What are the Benefits of Brow Lift?

Many of our Brow Lift patients in Ottawa have discovered the following benefits from their surgery:

Diminished forehead lines
Eliminates the “tired” or “angry” look
Improved vision by opening up your eyes
Improves the appearance of the forehead
Long-lasting results
Reduced sagging in Upper Eyelids
Removal of excess skin
Restored natural arch in your eyebrows

Who are the Best Candidates for a Brow Lift procedure?

A patient who has a low eyebrow position that falls into the eyes is an excellent candidate for a Brow Lift in Ottawa. Patients who tend to furrow their brows, developing those “angry lines” between the eyebrows, are often also good surgical candidates. A few other characteristics of a good Brow Lift candidate should include:

Aged 40 or above
In good general health
Have wrinkles and sagging skin in the area around the eyes and forehead that they want to get rid of
Maintain realistic expectations for results
No history of bleeding, clotting, or negative reactions to anesthesia

First steps of a Brow Lift

What’s the first step?

If you are interested in getting a Brow Lift from Ottawa Plastic Surgery, your first step will be to contact our office for a personal consultation with one of our board-certified facial plastic surgeons. During this appointment, you will be able to discuss the aesthetic goals you have for your brows, ask any questions, and address any concerns. Your forehead and the rest of your face will be examined, and a surgical plan will be created that will best suit your needs.

It is very important to be honest when discussing your medical history during this consultation to ensure the best, most positive results and avoid any potential risks.

After you and your provider agree on your surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to help schedule your surgical date, as well as provide you with instructions to follow before your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Brow Lift Surgery

When you come in for your Brow Lift surgery, you will first be administered general or local anesthesia to make your experience more comfortable.

Once the anesthesia begins to take effect, your provider will begin the surgery using the techniques discussed during your consultation. For a clearer understanding of what happens during each technique, please refer to the information provided on the types of Brow Lifts above.

This procedure will typically take 1 ½ – 2 hours to perform but will vary depending on the degree of change and techniques used.

Brow Lift Recovery

You will be able to return home after your Brow Lift surgery, however, we highly recommend taking the first week off from work so that you may recover comfortably. After the first day or so, you will be able to shower as long as you are gentle when cleaning near the incision sites. While you are recovering, you will probably experience some slight discomfort and tightness throughout your forehead. You can also expect swelling and bruising to occur for the first 10 days, usually entirely subsiding after two weeks. You will be prescribed some temporary pain medication to ease any discomfort or pain during the beginning stages of your recovery.

After the first week of your surgery, you will be able to return to a sedentary position at work, but you may notice that you might become tired a little faster than usual, so an initially limited work schedule is advised. After about two to four weeks, you can gradually resume exercise with your provider’s approval.

Brow Lift Cost

How Much Does Brow Lift Cost in Ottawa?

The cost of Brow Lift in Ottawa varies on a variety of factors, including which technique is used and the degree of change you are hoping to achieve. After your consultation and having your surgical plan created, our Patient Coordinator will be able to use that information to provide you with a breakdown of the entirety of your treatment.

Why Choose Ottawa Plastic Surgery?

There are several options when selecting a surgeon to perform your Brow Lift, so we certainly appreciate you considering us. When choosing a surgeon to perform your operation, it’s always important that they have the proper credentials. Our plastic surgeons are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Plastic Surgery. We are a combination of artists and surgeons, where we blend science and beauty, creating stunning facial aesthetics for our Ottawa patients. Our entire team strives to provide an elevated experience for our patients.

The Ottawa Plastic Surgery practice has performed over 9,000 cosmetic procedures, and our medical providers are both award-winning surgeons. Ottawa Plastic Surgery is the only clinic in Ottawa that focuses exclusively on aesthetic plastic surgery.

Brow Lift FAQ’S

It’s common to feel slight discomfort as well as a sensation of tightness throughout the forehead where the procedure took place. Swelling and bruising are typical during the first 10 days after surgery and are mostly resolved after about two weeks.

The recovery process should not be painful, and over-the-counter medication should be enough to provide you with relief, however, we will provide you with a recovery plan, including some temporary pain medications and prescriptions needed for an optimal recovery.
The number of appointments needed for a Brow Lift varies with each of our patients, but your provider will discuss what your recovery should look like during your initial consultation to provide a clearer idea of what your schedule will look like.

Most patients are requested to return for a few days post-surgery so their recovery can be monitored, the drain (if there is one) can be removed, and bandages can be changed. Usually about 10 days after your procedure, the sutures will be removed. You can expect a few more appointments over the next six months that are appropriately spaced apart. Pictures may be taken during one of these follow-ups to use as a comparison.
Brow Lift results are practically immediately visible, but there will still be some swelling, redness, and potential bruising. Over time, your post-surgical swelling will resolve and the incision lines will fade. Most patients should expect it to take up to six months for their brow to see its optimal results post-surgery once their head completely heals.
Absolutely! Many of our Ottawa Brow Lift patients will combine their procedure with Eyelid Surgery, Facelift, or a Chin Implant for a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. If you’re considering multiple procedures, please inform your provider of your goals. We will provide you with additional details and advice on the best course of action to help you achieve your desired results.
Our team of plastic surgeons is experienced and skilled and takes pride in their ability to provide a positive experience and with successful results, every surgery does come with its associated risks. Below are some of the potential complications associated with a Brow Lift:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) can result in pulmonary embolism with chest pain and shortness of breath (very rare)
- Elevated hairline
- Eye irritation or dryness
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Loss of hair around the incisions
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation or intense itching
- Pain, which may persist
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Skin loss
- Unfavorable scarring
If you experience any concerning or long-lasting side effects, please contact Ottawa Plastic Surgery immediately.

Schedule A Consultation

If you live in Ottawa and would like to correct your forehead’s appearance from droopy and wrinkly to refreshed and smooth, contact Ottawa Plastic Surgery or use our website to schedule your Brow Lift consultation. A helpful member of our team will reach out to you and help you take the first step towards a more youthful appearance

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