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Overhanging skin in the upper eyelids can be addressed in two ways: an
upper eye lid lift or a brow lift. While in the past surgeons often chose to
automatically perform an upper eyelid lift to correct sagging of the upper lid,
more often today, a brow lift is used to create the same result.
A brow lift can be performed alone or it may often be performed at the same
time as a facelift which also removes excess skin and tightens muscles in
the mid and lower face.
Younger adults who have a naturally low brow or who already have deep
frown lines due to stress or muscle overactivity may also benefit from a
brow lift.
Sometimes, patients may focus their attention on excess skin in the upper
eyelids and not realize that it is their sagging eyebrows that are the cause
of the problem. Dr. Semlacher will explain the benefits of both eyelid
surgery and brow lift as each procedure applies to you.
The surgical technique that Dr. Semlacher recommends will depend on
things such as the position of your eyebrows, the amount of excess upper
eyelid skin you have and the height of your hairline (the height of your
hairline can be altered a little after surgery).
Often, an incision is made across the top of the scalp, beginning above the
ears and hidden in the hair. Sometimes, the incision may be placed at the
front of the hairline or the middle of the scalp. The incision is designed to
be inconspicuous when it is healed. Through the incision, Dr. Semlacher
can modify or remove parts of the muscles that cause frown lines, remove
excess skin and lift your eyebrows to a more youthful level.
Another forehead lift technique uses an endoscope, a long, thin tube with a
light on the end, attached to a video camera. The endoscope is inserted
through several tiny incisions in the scalp and allows Dr. Semlacher to see
and work on the inside structure of the forehead. The endoscopic
technique has the advantage of requiring minimal incisions, but it may not
be beneficial for all patients.
If your main concern is frown lines between your eyebrows, a limited
endoscopic procedure can be performed to correct these problems. If you
are having upper eyelid surgery performed, it may also be possible to treat
frown lines by way of the incisions that are made in the upper eyelid.
Complications from a brow lift are infrequent though sometimes the normal
numbness and itching that follow the surgery may be prolonged.
Sometimes, patients experience minor hair loss where the scalp incisions
were made, but this is usually temporary and is easy to conceal.
Swelling and bruising should be gone within two weeks. You may use
camouflage makeup almost immediately. Do expect temporary numbness
and possibly some itching of the scalp as the nerves heal.
You will have an accurate idea of how you will look within two weeks.
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