If you are planning to undergo a brow lift, a wise thing to do would be to first find out all about the brow lift complications. Scroll down to know about the brow lift surgical procedure along with the risks associated with this cosmetic surgery.
Fine lines, wrinkles or sagging skin are the most common signs of aging that appear due to the decreased production of collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein that keeps the skin taut as well as supple. When the production of collagen decreases, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and this is when, the fine lines and wrinkles start appearing. Though aging is inevitable, those who are very conscious about the way they look, may feel unnerved as the signs of aging become more conspicuous.
A majority of people who dread the sight of sagging skin are ready to go under the knife and spend huge sums of money to reverse the effects of aging. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is one such cosmetic surgery that is performed for getting rid of the fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead. Though cosmetic surgery may put such people out of misery by giving them a younger looking skin, one cannot ignore the risks that are associated with such surgical procedures. In this article, we will find out how a brow lift is performed, along with information on the common brow lift complications.
How is a Brow Lift Performed?
Well, if you are planning to go under the knife to get rid of the unwanted lines and wrinkles on your forehead, you must first look for an experienced plastic surgeon. After all, when you pay huge sums of money, you want to be assured of the fact that your money would be well-spent. The risks associated with a brow lift would definitely be lower when you have an experienced surgeon performing the surgery. There are two ways of performing the brow lift surgery. The brow lift is classified into the classic lift and the endoscopic lift.
Under the classic lift, the surgeon makes an incision, that stretches across the forehead, from one ear to the other, behind one’s hairline. This is followed by the tightening of the muscles that cause the skin to hang or sag. The excess fat or tissues are then removed so that the skin on the forehead looks taut. The drooping eyebrows can then be raised so as to make one look aesthetically pleasing. The last step involves the suturing of the incision.
Endoscopic brow lift, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure, wherein an endoscope is inserted into the skin through a small incision on the forehead. The endoscope has a mini-camera attached on one end. The visuals can be seen on the video monitor, and thus, there is no longer a need to make a continuous large incision. Small surgical instruments can be inserted through smaller incisions, in order to remove the excess tissue. The muscles are tightened, so that the eyebrows can be raised and the skin on the forehead is firmer.
Complications Associated with a Brow Lift Surgery
Risks cannot be ruled out in most of the surgical procedures, and brow lift is not an exception as well. Since this surgical procedure is performed under anesthesia, the risks associated with the administration of anesthesia cannot be ruled out. The severity of the symptoms would depend on the type of procedure employed. The patient would experience a mild discomfort after the effect of anesthesia wears off, and swelling and bruising may be observed. It may take about a couple of weeks for the facial swelling to subside.
Infection and bleeding are the most common complications that are mostly associated with surgeries. The risk of infection and bleeding is definitely higher in classic brow lift due to the large size of the incision. Thus, the intensity of postoperative pain as well as swelling and bruising would be more in the classic brow lift. Numbness or tingling sensation are some of the brow lift side effects that patients commonly experience.
If the endoscopic brow lift surgery is not performed properly, the effect of the surgery may not last for a long time. The skin around the eyebrows and the forehead could develop wrinkles and may start sagging after the surgery. An early relapse would defeat the purpose of such a surgery. Though serious complications such as forehead paralysis or loss of sensation around the incision are rare, there’s a need to ensure that the surgery is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Excessive scarring, development of bald patches along the incision, muscle bulges and changes in the facial expressions are some of the complications that may occur. If you end up in wrong hands, you may even end up with asymmetrical eyebrows. Abnormal facial expression such as the ‘surprised look’, could occur if the eyebrows are raised too high. The eyebrows are an important part of the facial symmetry, which is why, you must look for an experienced surgeon, who is well-known for providing the desirable results.
The reason why one may want to get a brow lift or a face lift is to enhance one’s facial symmetry and facial beauty. Thus, one would certainly feel stressed out if such a plastic surgery goes wrong. It is therefore, essential to consult an experienced plastic surgeon and find out all about the possible risks or complications associated with a cosmetic surgery.
