We do not always look as good or as young as we feel. Heredity and over exposure to the sun can eventually cause our skin to relax and droop causing a tired, sad or even angry look. The Brow Lift is a surgical procedure that provides elevation and repositioning of the soft tissue around the brow. This eliminates the loose skin and results in a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding on an operation
Where is the surgery performed?
Keeping you comfortable
What happens during the procedure?
What are the immediate after effects?
What about the swelling and bruising?
Will there be a scar?
How long does a brow lift last?
What should be done right before surgery?
What can be expected post operatively?
When can you resume work?
What is the cost of a brow lift?

Deciding on an operation

During the initial consultation the surgeon will make a thorough evaluation of your facial features to determine whether surgery is indicated. You will then discuss any questions and concerns relating to your surgery. A successful outcome depends not only on the skill of the surgeon, but also on your realistic expectations about what can be achieved and your general well being. Once surgery is agreed upon, pre operative photographs will be taken to help the surgeon plan the operation.

Where is the surgery performed / Is hospitalisation necessary?

With brow lift surgery, hospitalisation is not necessary and the procedure is performed in our fully licensed Day Surgery Centre. You will stay a short while after surgery and can then go home. It is essential that you arrange to have a friend or family member accompany you home and preferably to stay with you during the first one or two days after surgery.

Keeping you comfortable

Pre operative medications to relieve tension and local anaesthetics to numb the facial area during surgery are commonly administered. This assists in keeping you comfortable and free of pain during and after the operation. If desired, intravenous sedation can be administered.

What happens during the procedure?

The incision is made in the hair line area of your forehead on both sides of the head. The skin is undermined together with the underlying soft tissue covering the forehead down to the level of the eyebrows. The skin is then lifted and re-draped, and consequently stitched into position. There are no drain tubes.

What are the immediate after effects?

After the operation, some swelling and bruising can be expected. There may be mild discomfort for a short time after surgery though this can be easily controlled by taking panadol. Significant pain is rare. Sutures are removed seven days after surgery, or can dissolve themselves.

What about the swelling and bruising?

The bruising and swelling are minimal and will take approximately three days to subside. Some numbness or altered sensation for about six weeks might be expected. The brow area will feel tight at first, however this will gradually ease.

Will there be a scar?

The incision will be made at the hairline, so we may expect a scar in that area. A good healer will have a very thin, pale scar.

How long does a brow lift last?

The improvement lasts for many years. Even though the skin will still continue to age after the procedure, it will do so at a slower rate.

What should be done right before surgery?

• Usually the brow lift will be done in the morning, so you must have nothing to eat after midnight on the night before.
• The head should be washed with a good medicated shampoo in the morning.
• Nail polish should not be worn.
• Light clothing should be brought with you to be worn after the procedure.

What can be expected post operatively?

Following the operation, you should stay in our recovery room for about two hours. You will then be able to go home, but you will not be permitted to drive.

During the first 24 hours after the procedure you will need to stay in a sitting up position as the head will be protected with dressings. Some assistance should be available at home. It is best to eat soft foods and to avoid smoking.

After 24 hours you will need to come in for your post operative review. Two days after that, the bandages will be removed. After these dressings are removed you can have a shower and wash your hair. Showers are important to have every day in order to keep the suture line free of clotted particles.

When can you resume work?

Patients will vary in the time they need to take from work or their normal schedule. Usually though, a patient will require two weeks off work, as well as appearing in public. Once you start to resume your activities, it is advisable to apply make up gently, and in an upward direction. Tinting or colouring of your hair should be put off till at least four weeks after the operation.

What is the cost of a brow lift?

Fees for the surgery will vary depending on methods used and the extent of the work done. They are normally specified during your consultation appointment. As a general guide the total cost of the surgery ranges between $2,500 - $4,500. Theatre and accommodation costs of $1,100 are included in the above price. Medicare does not assist with this procedure.