Brow Lift in Upland & the Inland Empire
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises sagging eyebrows and smooths lines across the forehead and between the brows. The surgeon lifts and tightens the skin and muscle of the upper face to create a calmer, more rested expression.
As skin loses elasticity, the brows can drop and heavy creases can form, making you look tired, worried or angry even when you are not. A low brow can also make the upper eyelids look heavier than they really are. Patients in Upland and the Inland Empire who want more than Botox can offer often consider a brow lift. Younger patients sometimes choose it to raise the outer part of the brows.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with deep forehead lines or frown lines between the brows
- People whose brows have dropped and make the eyes look hooded
- Those who look tired or upset even when relaxed
- Younger patients who want to lift the outer brows
- People who have tried Botox but need more lift than it can provide
- Healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations
Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy
A common worry is ending up with a surprised look. Dr. Smiley's goal is a smooth forehead and a natural, refreshed appearance around the eyes, so you look more rested rather than different. He recommends a technique based on how much extra skin you have and the result you want.
Options include minimally invasive approaches such as the endoscopic brow lift, which uses a tiny camera and a few small incisions near the hairline, and the Endotine lift, which uses small absorbable devices to hold lifted tissue in place. For more significant sagging, a coronal lift uses an incision across the top of the scalp, while a subcutaneous lift places the incision at the hairline so the hairline does not move back. Dr. Smiley will explain the trade-offs of each, including where scars will fall.
What to expect
Consultation
Your visit takes place at our Upland office at 330 East 7th Street. Dr. Smiley will assess your brows, forehead and eyelids and recommend a technique. Before surgery, you will need to avoid smoking, caffeine and blood-thinning medications as directed, and you will be asked to see your eye doctor to rule out conditions such as glaucoma. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092 to set up a visit.
The procedure
A brow lift is an outpatient surgery done in an accredited surgical facility, not at the Upland office. It may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the technique and your needs.
Recovery
Mild discomfort for about a week is common and can be eased with medication Dr. Smiley prescribes. The first stage of healing usually takes about five to ten days, and many results are visible in around two weeks. Mild swelling can linger for up to three months, depending on the technique and how your body heals. Everyone heals differently. Wear a hat in the sun while incisions heal.
Risks and safety
Possible risks include scarring, bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin, infection, temporary changes in skin sensation, hair loss near incisions and uneven brow position. Anesthesia also carries risk.
Dr. Smiley reviews these risks with you at your consultation. Results vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Will a brow lift make me look surprised?
A well-planned brow lift aims for a natural, rested look. Dr. Smiley focuses on placing the brows in a position that suits your face.
What is the difference between a brow lift and Botox?
Botox relaxes muscles to soften fine lines for a few months but cannot lift sagging skin. A brow lift physically raises and tightens the tissue.
How long is brow lift recovery?
Many people are past the early healing stage in five to ten days and see much of their result in about two weeks. Mild swelling may last a few months.
Will my scars show after a brow lift?
Most incisions are placed within or along the hairline. Where they fall depends on the technique, and Dr. Smiley will explain this before surgery.
Book your consultation in Upland. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092. Consultations are complimentary.
Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Brow Lift at dr-smiley.com.