Brow & Forehead Lift in Medford
Create more youthful lines in your brows
Dr. Osborn performs Brow and Forehead Lifts to raise eyebrows and reduce ridges and furrows on the forehead, thus creating a smoother, more youthful appearance. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries.
Temporary Brow Lift
The PDO Thread Lift is a treatment that lifts and tightens sagging skin tissue, using threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO). The threads introduce them into the deeper layers of the skin and will elevate the skin and brow to lift the corner of the brow. About 6 months after the procedure, the PDO threads will disappear and the lifted facial contours will remain for an additional 3-6 months.
The PDO threads are inserted via cannulas into different layers of the skin. Once inserted, the threads anchor the skin and lift it upwards. There are many types of PDO threads such as Nova threads, Euro threads, and Mint threads but the general principle is similar. There are also many different providers that will perform the procedure, many of which may not have the training or understanding of the brow and face like a CMF surgeon.
MIS Brow Lift-Lateral
Because of the short-term effect of PDO threads, if you are looking for a longer-lasting solution, we recommend an MIS brow elevation at CMF surgeons (MIS=minimally-invasive surgery). During the procedure, we make a small (3-4mm) incision below your brow and create a tunnel to elevate the corner of your eyebrow. This allows us to detach the brow and reposition the brow predictably to get a longer-lasting lift.
We pass a suture similar to a PDO lift and anchor it above your brow in your hairline. This allows for precise adjustment and control over the position of the brow, a greater elevation, and precise contouring. With many insta-lift procedures, there is little control over symmetry or elevation once they have been threaded. Regardless if we use a resorbable suture (PDO) or a permanent one, by detaching the brow from the underlying tissue, we get a better-controlled lift and longer-lasting result.
MIS Brow Lift-Central
For many patients looking for the elevation of the corner of the brow (lateral lift), they may also benefit from a mild elevation of the central portion as well, yet not be ready for a full brow lift. The motion of the central part of the brow is from a group of muscles that make up the glabella. From a small incision in the upper eyelid or hairline, we can detach and reorient these muscles to elevate the central part of the eyebrows.
This may help bring further contour and shape to the brow and upper eyelids giving a more open or awake appearance. Botox injections target this area for the mid-brow wrinkles, and a central lift can be a long-term solution to eliminate or reduce the need for Botox injections.
Trichophytic Brow Lift and Endoscopic brow lift
An incision is generally made across the top of the head from the front of one ear to the front of the other ear. The forehead and brows are elevated and excess skin is removed. The flap is then sutured. Newer techniques now allow us to perform Forehead Lifting through small incisions in the scalp by using Endoscopes and specialized instruments. This accelerates the healing process.
Time to Complete
Each brow procedure takes 15-30minutes and can be done with local anesthesia or IV sedation.
Recovery After a Browlift
PDO lifts are a 2 or 3-day recovery with mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
MIS lifts have slightly more swelling and discomfort for 2-3 days, but by 1 week, most or all swelling is resolved. We recommend a light headband for the first couple of days after the procedure. Sutures are dissolvable and are usually gone by day 5.
Full brow lifts are a 7-10 day recovery from swelling and bruising, with moderate discomfort for 3 days. A headband is worn for the first 5 days to help with swelling. Sutures are dissolvable and are usually gone by 1 week.
Post-Operative Information
Antibiotics may be prescribed for several days following surgery. Sutures are generally removed within one week. Swelling and some bruising may occur, they should subside within a few weeks. Our doctors will prescribe ice compresses and eye exercises to reduce swelling and regain mobility. Women will be allowed to use eye cosmetics for up to two weeks after surgery. You can proceed with your normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks. A final evaluation may occur within several months from the initial surgical procedure.
Insurance
Your insurance company may pay for part or all of the cost of surgery if the procedure is performed as a result of visual impairment. Because every insurance carrier is different, it is recommended that you check with your own insurance company to determine the level of coverage.