With the demand for plastic surgery growing each year, technology and expertise in the field continue to grow as well. In the past, there were fewer options open to patients seeking facial rejuvenation, often with only one technique or procedure available to tackle the complex and individual problem of aging in each area of the face. Today, surgeons know that everyone ages at a unique rate and in various areas of the face. The browlift, a surgery for rejuvenating the forehead, has evolved over the years to become a customizable surgery with a few different approaches. One is known as the “open” browlift. So what does this technique accomplish, and how does it compare to other types of browlift?
What Is the Open Technique?
The open brow lift uses an extended incision that runs from ear to ear. This incision is hidden by the hairline, and may vary in size and shape. The open brow lift is a more invasive method of lifting than some other techniques, but it is used in patients who require more dramatic results from the procedure. The open method is the “traditional” brow lift technique.
Recovery
Because the open brow lift requires a fairly long incision, there are some disadvantages when it comes to recovery. Patients who receive incisions in the scalp for browlifting and face lift surgery will experience numbness from damage to the nerves. This numbness can persist for months, and in rare cases, it may be permanent. All brow lift techniques require a certain amount of downtime, typically about 10 days to two weeks, and patients will experience the normal side effects of surgery: swelling, bruising, and manageable discomfort.
Results
Open brow lift surgery can have significant positive results in the elevation of the brow, lifting it as much as one centimeter and making the face appear more youthful. The procedure is tailored to each patient to avoid over-lifting the brow and to achieve the patient’s goals as closely as possible. A browlift, in addition to improving the overall look of the forehead, can improve “hooding” over the eyes, brightening and softening the resting facial expressions.
How It Compares
The other two most popular types of brow lift are the endoscopic approach and the direct browlift. But how do these techniques compare? How does the surgeon determine which technique to use?
The Endoscopic Technique
This brow lift surgery, the endoscopic browlift uses a small camera inserted through small, discreet incisions to access the brow area and allow the surgeon to gently rejuvenate the brow area. This method is preferred for its lighter touch, but patients requiring significant lifting of the brow may want to opt for a more invasive technique like the open or direct browlift. Generally, 3-5 mm of lift can be expected with this technique.
The Direct Technique
This is the least preferred method for lifting the brow, and it is usually only performed when the hairline is too elevated to hide the incisions, such as in men with a receding hairline. The brow is directly accessed through an incision in the deep forehead crease or along the eyebrow.
Is It Right for You?
If you need significant brow lifting, then the open technique may very well be a good option for you. However, your plastic surgeon may advise using the endoscopic technique, or even another procedure altogether. Some patients who think they need a brow lift benefit from eyelid surgery instead, or may even want to consider both procedures for comprehensive anti-aging. The only way to get personalized advice on achieving your plastic surgery goals, however, is to meet with a qualified facial plastic surgeon.
A Skilled Browlift Surgeon
If you are considering brow lift surgery, you will need the advice and skills of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. It takes a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon to be able to customize the procedure to suit each patient while providing consistently good results. If you need a reliable professional in the Boston area, come to Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery in Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), MA, to meet with Dr. Stuart Bentkover, an experienced and reputable surgeon who focuses solely on facial surgery. Dr. Bentkover has over 25 years of experience, and will work with you to come up with solutions that work best for you. Call today to schedule your consultation.