What is a brow lift?
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that repositions, contours, and rejuvenates the brow and temporal area, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance. It is a powerful technique to address common signs of aging, such as drooping brows, forehead laxity, and hooded upper eyelids, which can make the face appear tired. Mr. Orfaniotis frequently performs brow lift procedures in conjunction with his deep plane face and neck lift surgeries, offering comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
There are multiple terms associated with brow lift surgery, including
- Brow Lift: General term for repositioning and elevating the brow.
- Brow Reset: Focuses on restoring the brow to its original, youthful position.
- Brow Re-Contouring: Emphasizes reshaping the brow to enhance facial aesthetics.
Mr. Orfaniotis emphasises achieving a natural result by avoiding overcorrection, particularly in the central aspect of the brow, which can lead to an unnatural or overly “surprised” look and aims to maintain the identity and shape of the eyes.
Trends in Brow Lifts: What to Avoid
While the popularity of certain trends, such as the “fox eye” or “cat eye” look, has grown in recent years, these styles often produce overly dramatic and unnatural results. These techniques aim to elongate and elevate the outer brow to an extreme degree, which can look artificial and age poorly over time. Mr. Orfaniotis takes a more natural and tailored approach to brow lifting, focusing on harmonizing the brow with the rest of the face. The goal is not to follow fleeting trends but to deliver timeless, natural beauty.
Brow Lift Technique
Mr. Orfaniotis uses a modern approach to brow lifting combining some of the principles of deep plane surgery with the endoscopic brow lift technique. His approach does not necessary require specific endoscope equipment but is a minimally invasive approach that allows for precise and natural results. The steps include;
- Small Incisions: Tiny incisions, approximately 2.5 cm, are made discreetly within the temporal hairline.
- Deep Dissection: The procedure targets the deep layers of the brow, rather than only addressing the superficial skin, resulting in a more natural result as it addresses the decent of the deeper layers of the temporal scalp. By addressing the deeper layers, the results are durable and age naturally.
- Attachment Release: The attachments of the brow to the bony orbit are carefully released.
- Repositioning: The deeper layers of the scalp including the brow are repositioned higher to restore a more youthful rested eye look enhancing the feminine arch of the brow, or giving a subtle , discreet lift for male patients. Mr Orfaniotis does not use any devises to suspend the brow eg endotine. He suspends the brow with dissolvable sutures to the deep fascia and the bone.
- Balanced Outcome: The central and medial aspects of the brow are subtly adjusted to avoid exaggerated or unnatural elevations.
This technique minimizes scarring and downtime while maximizing results, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
Why might I need a brow lift alongside a deep plane face and neck lift?
Combining a deep plane facelift with a brow lift offers a more complete facial rejuvenation. While a face and neck lift targets the lower two-thirds of the face, aging in the upper third particularly the forehead and brow can create imbalance if left untreated. In patients with visible aging in this region, lifting only the lower and mid-face can exaggerate the contrast, leading to an unnatural or incomplete result.
Additionally, vertical lifting of the midface during a facelift can cause bunching of tissue around the temples. Without a brow lift, this can create heaviness in the brow area, lateral hooding of the eyelids, and a sensation of heaviness around the eyes.
When a brow lift is performed in conjunction with a facelift, it allows for better overall facial harmony and can also reduce the length of the facelift scar, as the excess tissue no longer needs to be addressed through extended superior incisions
Recovery After a Brow Lift
Initial Swelling and Bruising
Mild swelling and bruising around the brow and forehead are expected and typically resolve within 1–2 weeks.
Wound Care
As the incision is hidden in the hair, no dressing can be applied to the wound post-operatively. During the first week, patients are advised to gently cleanse the wounds with antiseptic and apply antibiotic ointment as directed.
Stitch Removal
Stitches are usually removed between days 7 and 9. Mr Orfaniotis does not use staples in brow lift procedures, ensuring a more comfortable recovery and minimal scarring.
Hair Treatments
Once the sutures are removed, hair-strengthening treatments such as minoxidil may be introduced to support hair growth around the incision sites.
Massage
Gentle, regular massage is recommended to improve scar quality and promote optimal sensory nerve recovery.
Return to Normal Activities
Most patients return to light activities within a week and can gradually resume more strenuous activities after 3 weeks.
For a consultation with Mr. Orfaniotis to explore whether a brow lift is right for you, contact our office today. Read more about Brow Lift Facts below.
Brow Lift Procedure Facts
Anaesthesia
General Anaesthetic.
Length of Stay
Day case if combined with upper blepharoplasty, overnight stay if combined with face and neck lift.
Surgery Duration
90 minutes
Aftercare
We offer a comprehensive recovery support package designed to ensure a smooth recovery. Read more about our first class recovery support package here.
Post-Op Appointments to plan for.
Removal of sutures at one week.
6 week and 6 month appointment with Mr Orfaniotis.
Complications of Brow Lift Surgery
As with any surgery, complications can occur, though they are uncommon. These may include:
Infection & Wound Healing
Risk of infection, delayed healing, or wound breakdown.
Scarring & Hairline Changes
Incisions may cause visible scarring or hair thinning along the hairline.
Hair Shedding (Trichogenic Shock)
Temporary hair loss near the incision can occur after surgery. Hair usually regrows over time, but recovery may take months and sometimes needs treatment.
Bleeding & Fluid Build-Up
Haematoma (bleeding under the skin) or seroma (fluid collection) can develop and may require drainage.
Poor Scarring
Scars may be thickened (hypertrophic), stretched, keloid, or uneven in colour (lighter or darker than surrounding skin).
Nerve Sensation Changes
Temporary numbness or tingling in the scalp or forehead is common and usually resolves. Sensory recovery can take months and may involve itching, discomfort, or sensitivity.
Motor Nerve Injury
Rarely, the nerve that controls forehead movement can be affected, leading to weakness or asymmetry. Recovery is usually complete but may take months.
Skin Changes
Bruising, swelling, skin discolouration, small veins, indentations, or irregularities may occur but typically settle with time.
Loss of Lift or Asymmetry
The brow may drop slightly over time if fixation weakens. Minor asymmetry in brow height or shape may also persist or become more visible.
Blepharoplasty Surgery Facts
Anaesthesia
Upper Blepharoplasty : Local anaesthesia with sedation. When combined with Brow lift twilight or a short anaesthetic is advised.
Lower Blepharoplasty: General Anaesthetic.
Length of Stay
Day case
Surgery Duration
Upper Blepharoplasty: 60 minutes
Lower Blepharoplasty: 90 minutes.
Aftercare
We offer a comprehensive recovery support package designed to ensure a smooth recovery. Read more about our first-class recovery support package here.
Post-Op Appointments to plan for.
- Removal of sutures at one week.
- 6 week and 6 month appointment with Mr Orfaniotis.
Risks and Complications Upper Blepharoplasty
- Scarring: While scars are well-concealed in the natural eyelid folds, some patients may experience noticeable scars.
- Dry Eyes or Irritation: Temporary dry eyes or sensitivity to light may occur after surgery, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.
- Infection or Bleeding: These complications are rare but can occur, which is why post-operative care and follow-up appointments are essential.
- Asymmetry: Although the procedure is designed to create balanced results, there is a small chance of slight asymmetry.
Risks and Complications Lower Blepharoplasty
- Scarring: In a standard lower blepharoplasty, scars are well-concealed inside the eyelid. However, patients requiring additional techniques such as a skin pinch or festoon removal may have external scars, which can be more visible.
- Chemosis: Swelling of the conjunctiva can occur, leading to a gluey or irritated sensation. This usually resolves within two weeks, though in rare cases it may persist longer. Treatment typically involves a short course of antibiotic and steroid eye drops.
- Prolonged Swelling: More likely in patients with a history of filler in the under-eye area or those with pre-existing malar mounds.
- Prolonged Bruising: In some cases, bruising may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin types.
- Contour Irregularities: Following fat transposition, minor contour irregularities can occur due to partial loss of blood supply to the fat. In fat grafting cases, palpable or visible lumps may develop. These usually resolve with conservative measures, though in rare instances minor revision surgery may be needed.
- Dry Eyes or Irritation: Temporary dryness, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation may occur in the early healing phase. These symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.
- Infection or Bleeding: Although uncommon, these risks exist with any surgery and are minimised through careful technique and close post-operative follow-up.
- Asymmetry: While the goal is to achieve symmetry, minor differences between the two sides may remain, particularly in cases of pre-existing asymmetry.
- Eyelid Malposition: Rarely, lower eyelid malposition (e.g., ectropion or retraction) can occur. Mr Orfaniotis’ technique is specifically designed to preserve eyelid support and minimise this risk.
- Double Vision: This is usually temporary in the initial phases of recovery caused by the pressure effect of the swelling of the ocular muscle called the inferior oblique muscle. This usually resolved when the swelling subsides and the muscle regains full activity.
