Brow Lift

As we age, the skin on the forehead begins to sag, and the brows may descend until they no longer frame the eyes properly. The entire upper face can appear to have a tired, sad or angry expression. Luckily, a browlift (also known as a forehead lift) can correct this facial issue, as well as smooth the forehead wrinkles to restore a more youthful and rested look.

Board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. David Rodwell, has extensive experience performing brow lifts. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with their brow lift for an enhanced facial presence and to decrease downtime and expense. Others choose to combine eyelid surgery to address hooding of the upper eyelids or undereye sagging.

Why Consider a Browlift?

Browlift surgery helps patients achieve a youthful, alert and rested appearance. Many men and women who have moderate to severe forehead wrinkles, as well as vertical lines between the eyebrows seek to resolve these effects of aging with plastic surgery.

A browlift can:

• Lift sagging eyebrows to their original position or correct a naturally low brow
• Reshape drooping eyebrows to create a natural arch
• Smooth out forehead wrinkles
• Tighten the entire upper one-third of the face

“Dr. Rodwell’s skill and attention to detail are special, and I consider myself lucky to have chosen a time when he was available to touch my life.” — Gwen W.

Dr. Rodwell’s Approach to Forehead Lifts

Dr. Rodwell is experienced in multiple forehead lift techniques where he hides the incisions within or at the hairline. With the removal of excess skin and tissue, he will lift the facial skin and carefully suture it into a more youthful position. Dr. Rodwell will pay careful attention to the forehead muscles, which can cause deep lines and wrinkles at the brow and on the forehead. When muscle movement is limited in this area, the wrinkles soften to a younger, smoother skin texture.

Dr. Rodwell’s technique often lowers the hairline, causing the appearance of a smaller forehead. This procedure can be successful in resolving a high hairline, and it can also be used to help raise a low eyebrow as well.

Here a hairline is lowered with the incision hidden in the hairline (one month after surgery)

Appearance of a hairline-lowering browlift incision

Dr. Rodwell ensures the new position of the brow will have a natural appearance and is not overly tight. The eyebrows will remain in a relaxed and natural position without a constantly surprised expression.

This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an IV sedation.

What to Expect After a Browlift

As with most surgeries, you may have some tenderness, swelling and bruising near your incisions. You will be directed to apply cold compresses and keep your head above your heart when resting in the early stages of recovery. No drainage tubes will be necessary, but you will wear a light bandage for the first night after surgery.

Plan to take up to two weeks off from work. Dr. Rodwell will provide a full list of post-surgery instructions as well as medication for pain. He will monitor your progress during your follow-up visits to his office to ensure your recovery is as quick and comfortable as possible. After the swelling subsides, you will be able to see your results.

To respect the privacy of our patients, we do not publish a gallery of before-and-after patient photographs on the internet. Representative photographs from actual patients are available for review in our office during your consultation.

Browlift FAQs

How long will my browlift results last?

Many factors determine how long the benefits of a forehead lift will last. Genetics, smoking, sun exposure and general health all play a role in the effects of aging. Although a brow lift does not stop the aging process, your results will set the clock back up to a decade from before surgery. You will always look younger than if you never had the procedure.

Will a brow lift change my appearance dramatically?

Many patients report their friends and family comment on how rested they look after surgery. Your appearance will not change dramatically, you will just look naturally refreshed.

How much pain is involved with a forehead lift?

Surprisingly, a brow lift is highly tolerable and has little pain or discomfort during recovery. Although there is mild discomfort, oral medications and ice compresses will relieve most pain you will encounter. After a couple of days, most patients stop their prescription meds and switch to over-the-counter medications.

Is there a way to predict how I will scar after a brow lift?

Most incisions are hidden at or within the hairline, so any visible scarring is rare. Dr. Rodwell also uses a meticulous surgical technique to minimize any scarring. However, if a patient scars easily or has trouble with scarring, it is important to make Dr. Rodwell aware so he can suggest ways to alleviate scarring.

Will I be awake during forehead lift surgery?

No. Either general anesthesia or local with IV sedation will be used for the procedure. You will need a responsible adult with you to take you home and care for you after surgery due to the effects of anesthesia.

When will I be able to exercise after a brow lift?

You should avoid all strenuous activities for at least four weeks following surgery. These activities include heavy lifting, aerobic exercise, or hard labor. You should also avoid bending, straining or lifting during the initial stages of recovery so you will heal effectively.

What can I do to prepare for forehead lift surgery?

You will be given pre-surgery instructions by Dr. Rodwell and his staff to follow and ensure you are fully prepared before brow lift surgery. These instructions may include no smoking, no anti-inflammatory medications or certain supplements and vitamins. The most important preparation is to make sure you have realistic expectations and a positive attitude.

If you are considering a forehead lift in Charleston, contact Dr. Rodwell today to discuss your candidacy.