If you feel like your eyebrows and forehead are beginning to sag as you age, you may be wishing that you could elevate the upper third of your face and lift your look. With so many products and treatments on the market, it can be difficult to decipher the good from the bad and determine a procedure that is suited to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
As a minimally invasive procedure, the endoscopic brow lift is widely regarded as a happy medium between temporary injectables and permanent surgery. Keep reading to find out more about the ins and outs of the treatment and what you should expect before, during and after your appointment.
The procedure
An endoscopic brow lift is a surgical procedure that is used to lift the position of the eyebrows and forehead. The procedure is typically performed using an endoscope, which is a tube-like device with a small light and camera attached to it. The endoscope is inserted through small incisions in the scalp and used to view the underlying tissues and muscles present in the forehead and brow area. By making subtle adjustments to the tissues and muscles, the surgeon lifts and repositions the eyebrows and forehead to create a rejuvenated and younger-looking appearance.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can be done using local anaesthesia with sedation. The downtime following an endoscopic brow lift is usually two to three weeks (although this varies from patient to patient). During this time, you may experience swelling, bruising and slight discomfort. The full effect of an endoscopic brow lift can typically last for around five to seven years, making it a favourable option for those seeking long-lasting effects.
Who is an endoscopic brow lift suitable for?
The endoscopic brow lift is generally suitable for people who have issues with the appearance of their forehead and eyebrow region, most likely because of sagging or deep wrinkles in this area. Since the upper third of the face is one of the most common places for wrinkles to form, brow lift procedures are in exceptionally high demand from patients presenting complaint to cosmetic professionals. The procedure lifts and tightens the skin and provides semi-permanent results. While the endoscopic brow lift treats a wide range of concerns and conditions, the most popular include:
- Eyebrows that sag or droop in a rested state
- Deep furrowing or wrinkling on the forehead
- A ‘worn out’ or ‘tired’ appearance due to the intensity of sagging
- A hairline that is unnaturally high or uneven
Generally, patients most suited to an endoscopic brow lift are physically fit and emotionally sound, with realistic expectations about the expected outcome of the surgery. If you are considering undergoing treatment, it is essential to consult with a qualified doctor or plastic surgeon to determine your suitability as a candidate for surgery and whether an endoscopic brow lift is appropriate for your particular concerns and goals.
Choosing a surgeon
The decision to undergo any invasive surgery should not be taken lightly and is a commitment you should only make following careful consideration and extensive research. When selecting a healthcare provider, it is crucial to ask for evidence of training, before and after photos and statistics of the surgeon’s success rates in performing the procedure on other patients. In the UK, all plastic surgeons should be board-certified, an indication that they have met all necessary training and education requirements to deem them qualified to perform surgery.
Expected results
As a targeted procedure that enhances the appearance of the brow and forehead, two areas most prone to wrinkles, the endoscopic brow lift can provide a significant transformation to the overall facial profile.
Some of the most noticeable benefits include the following:
- Reduces the appearance of facial creases
- Visibly lifts the upper third of the face to create a softer and more youthful look
- Reverses a tired or angry-looking expression
- Restores the natural arch of the eyebrows
- Improves the appearance of the eyelids
- Smooths out deep lines and wrinkles
Potential risks and side effects
The endoscopic brow lift is often favoured by patients over a traditional surgical brow lift due to its minimally invasive nature and the much smaller incisions that are created during the procedure. Since the surgery is far less intense and generally performed on an outpatient basis, there is also a lower risk of complications during or after the appointment. However, as with any invasive procedure, there are several potential risks, such as bleeding, scarring and infection. Prior to commencing treatment, your surgeon should conduct a complete medical assessment and consultation, allowing ample time to discuss your needs, set realistic expectations and answer all of your questions and concerns. Provided that you closely follow all aftercare guidelines your surgeon provides, you can typically expect to experience minimal side effects and recover well from your procedure.
