Brow Lift
What does the surgery involve?
If the eyebrow has dropped or flattened, then an eyebrow hitch can be performed through the same incision as an upper eyelid blepharoplasty with no additional scars or signs of surgery.
If the brow hitch is performed alone then a small incision is made within the eyebrow, so it is well hidden. A small space is created and then a stitch is passed from the under-surface of the skin and attached to the deep tissue. The stitch is then tightened, which elevates the outer part of the eyebrow.
Stitches are not required on the surface of the skin and the suture under the skin will not be visible.
The procedure takes no more than half an hour to perform and is normally carried out under local anaesthetic (you are awake, but the area is numb) in the clinic procedure room.
However, it can also be performed with sedation (you are awake but drowsy) or under general anaesthetic (you are unconscious) if you prefer.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery should be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are aware of possible complications. All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation.
Scarring
Scars on the eyelids or eyebrow tend to settle remarkably well, so that the scars are barely perceptible. However, some patients heal with thick scars, and this can make them more noticeable.
Bruising & Swelling
This is very common, and bruising may take a couple of weeks to settle. Many patients wear dark sunglasses to conceal this.
Nerve Irritation
It is possible to have sensitivity or tenderness at the site of the deeper suture. This is uncommon but if it occurs it should settle with time. However, there is a small risk of permanent tenderness.
Infection
This is rare as the eye area has good blood circulation.
Asymmetry
The height of the eyebrows is rarely identical as our faces are made of two different sides. Symmetry will be checked with a ruler during the surgery, and it can be used to correct pre-existing eyebrow asymmetry.
Recurrence
The suture used to secure the eyebrow in position is absorbable and will disappear after several weeks, when the eyebrow has healed in the new position. If, on a rare occasion, the suture breaks before it has healed, then the procedure would need to be repeated. This correction would be covered within the terms and conditions of your warrantee.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
You can return to work the following day, and you need to avoid strenuous activities and contact sports for 1-2 weeks.
