Has anybody told you lately that you look tired, worn out, sad or angry when you are feeling happy, energetic and at peace with the world?
If happens more than once it is no coincidence! Have a good look at yourself in the mirror and the chances are that you will see that your eyebrows seem to look fallen and there are bags underneath them.
This usually happens to both men and women between 40 to 60 years of age. The cosmetic treatment to restore that vigorous, calm and youthful look is known as eyebrow or brow lift surgery and can work wonders with your self esteem and is likely to last for many years without further treatment.
There are two alternative procedures depending on age, skin condition, hairline, etc.
Both procedures will require a general anaesthetic:
Open Brow Lift
An ear to ear incision is made on or just behind the hairline. In the case of men who are balding the incision is made along a forehead crease that will eventually hide any visible scarring.
The forehead skin is slightly lifted to gain access to the underlying tissues allowing the muscles and tissues to be reduced. This tightening of the muscles then lifts the eyebrows.
The incision is then stitched or clipped.
On average the Open Brow Lift procedure takes about one and a half hours from start to finish.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
This operation is more sophisticated than the Open Brow Lift. Three to five one inch (2.5 cms) long incisions are made above the eyebrows. A small flexible tube with a miniature camera attached is passed into the tissues allowing the surgeon to see and operate on those muscles that need to be removed or tightened.
The small incisions are then stitched or clipped with the brows lifted and held in place with stitches behind the hairline.
This procedure takes a little longer as it is more refined than the open Brow Lift.
Recovery takes up to 14 days before being advised to return to work with the stitches removed about ten days after the operation. Most surgeons prefer patients to stay overnight in hospital after the surgery in the rare case of an unexpected development.
You are likely to be advised to sleep in an upright position for a week or so to help reduce the swelling, not to use any cosmetics and shampoo your hair daily.
It is important to attend any follow up appointments made with the surgeon or hospital.
Some Dos and Don’ts
Consider very carefully whether you need eyebrow lift surgery. All invasive surgical procedures carry a degree of risk however minimal.
Its important to have the correct surgery for your eyes. If, for example you have a blepharoplasty procedure , your eyes wont look quite right if the real problem is the eyebrow position.
Ensure that the surgeon you are considering for this surgery is a member of an approved medical association and has relevant qualifications and experience.
Check that the hospital is fully equipped to deal with any emergencies that may arise as a result of cosmetic surgery, and, of course, that it has a high standard of cleanliness and maintains proper hygiene procedures throughout the premises and not just in the reception and other areas on view public.
Most important of all you should expect your surgeon to take the time to build up your trust by explaining to you in detail the procedure and after effects of the surgery you are contemplating undertaking.
A successful result will leave you with renewed self confidence, remove that worried, tired look making you look years younger.
