WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?

The best candidates for browlift are men or women of any age with good general health. This procedure is most commonly performed on people from age 40 onwards, to aid in reducing the visible effects of ageing, however it can be performed at an earlier stage for treatment of inherited droopy brows and similar conditions.
You do not require a referral from your general practitioner as this procedure is not classed as a medical procedure and you will not be able to claim through Medicare or your private health fund.

WHAT TO EXPECT

At your initial consultation with your Surgeon, your face and individual needs will be assessed and the options best suited to you will be discussed. Be frank in your discussions and ask as many questions as you would like to. Remember to mention if you are taking any medications and if you are a smoker or non-smoker.

SURGERY

Browlift Surgery is performed under General Anaesthetic as Day Surgery in Hospital. In this procedure, the muscles and skin that cause the droopy brow are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids and minimise frown lines. This can create a more youthful and less severe look to your face and is often done in combination with other facial surgical procedures such as Facelift, Necklift, Eyelid reduction or Laser resurfacing.
Often people don’t realise how much their droopy brow contributed to the signs of aging until after the Surgery. Browlift is a minimally invasive procedure often producing a dramatic change in the appearance of your face, giving a brighter and more confident look, whilst visibly reducing the signs of ageing.
This also applies to the placement of the incision line. Incisions can be made underneath the nipple, immediately under the breast in the inframammary fold, or underneath the armpit or axilla. The incision is typically two to three centimeters long when using saline implants and four to five centimeters long when using a silicone implant. This is because the silicone implant comes pre-filled, whereas the saline implant can be inflated when inside the chest wall.
At the time of surgery, an incision is made in the appropriate area and a ‘pocket’ is made underneath the muscle or skin where the implant can be fitted. The Implant is then inserted and centred beneath your nipple. For saline implantation, the Implant is filled with saline solution through a port until the desired size, shape and symmetry is achieved. The incision is then sutured with dissolving sutures underneath the skin. A drain is inserted into the area to drain away any fluid that may collect. These drains are usually removed 24 – 48 hours after your surgery. Your chest will be bandaged tightly and this bandage will be left in place for 24 hours.

RISK

All Surgery carries some risk and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict every outcome because everyone is different. Browlift is normally a safe procedure providing the clients have been carefully selected, the surgeon is adequately trained in the procedure as well as having training in General Surgery.
Complications in the short term include infection at the suture sites, bruising or haematoma on the brow and surrounding the eyes. You may experience some temporary numbness on the scalp and brow area and you may experience headaches and discomfort following this Surgery. These symptoms are usually transient and can be controlled with medications supplied by doctor.
Complications in the long term include permanent nerve damage, which can lead to droopy brow. The incidence of this occurring is approximately 1 – 3%. It is also possible to have permanent numbness, asymmetry, visible scarring and hair loss. Your surgeon will discuss these and other complications that are specific to this Surgery with you during your consultation with him.

AFTER SURGERY

It is important that you have someone to take care of you at home in the first few days following your Surgery as you will be advised to rest and elevate your head and neck for several days postoperatively.
Bruising may appear on your forehead and around your eyes. This usually dissipates within seven to ten days although may persist for six to eight weeks. This bruising and swelling can be camouflaged with special make-up, which is available through our Clinic.
You will be asked to attend our rooms on an outpatient basis, to be monitored postoperatively. This will also enable us to address any problems you may have.
Most people are back to work within one to two weeks. You may resume light physical activity when you feel comfortable to do so. Vigorous exercise, straining and bending or heavy lifting should be avoided for two to three weeks.