* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Brow rejuvenation is most commonly performed in the 40 to 60 year age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose, can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

Brow rejuvenation is often performed in conjunction with a facelift. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a browlift, especially if a patient has a significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids.

Male patients who are bald or have a receding hairline are still good candidates for brow rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Rohrich simply alters the incisions in the scalp to make them less noticeable.

Brow rejuvenation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them in detail with Dr. Rohrich.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

During your consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your specific needs and concerns. This will help Dr. Rohrich to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. Dr. Rohrich will evaluate your face, eyes and brow as well as your skin, underlying bone and hairline. After your consultation a photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with Dr. Rohrich's patient coordinator to discuss surgery fees and scheduling dates. You may also schedule an additional consultation to view computer imaging so that you can visualize the results of each technique that Dr. Rohrich has specifically designed for your surgery.

Dr. Rohrich will review your medical history and check for conditions that may cause problems during or after the procedure such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems or the tendency to form excessive scarring. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history and provide any information about medical conditions, drug allergies, previous surgeries and any medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

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How is the surgery performed?

A technique that Dr. Rohrich uses most often for browlift rejuvenation surgery is the endoscopic technique. This technique utilizes an endoscope, a long, thin tube with a light on the end, attached to a video camera. The endoscope is inserted through tiny incisions in the scalp and allows Dr. Rohrich to see and work on the various internal structures of the forehead. The advantage of the endoscopic technique is that it requires minimal incisions.

A more invasive approach, the "open" technique, involves making an incision across the top of the scalp, beginning above the ears and hidden within the hair. The incision may be placed just inside the hairline or, in some cases, toward the middle of the scalp. The incision is designed to be inconspicuous when healed. Dr. Rohrich will modify or remove parts of the muscles and/or excess skin, and reshape and lift your eyebrows.

Because of individual factors, not everyone will achieve the same results from brow rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Rohrich will help you decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals. Make sure you understand the technique that Dr. Rohrich recommends and why he feels it is best for you

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What happens the day of surgery?

Your browlift surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is typically used for patients undergoing brow rejuvenation. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique used and if you have any other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery at the same time. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored. There is surprisingly little discomfort from the surgery.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you to assist you the first couple of days while at home. The "Patient Care" section on this site gives instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

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What is the recovery like?

The immediate postoperative experience for a patient who has had a classic or "open" browlift rejuvenation surgery may differ significantly from a patient who had the procedure performed endoscopically.

Classic or "open" browlift rejuvenation patients may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which is controlled with medication. Patients who are prone to headaches may be treated with an additional longer-acting local anesthetic during surgery as a preventive measure. You will keep your head elevated for 3 to 5 days following surgery to keep the swelling down. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes, however, this should begin to disappear in a week or so. As the nerves heal, numbness on the top of your scalp may be replaced by itching. These sensations may take as long as six months to fully disappear. Bandages will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery. Most sutures and clips are removed within 7 to 10 days and sometimes in two stages.

Endoscopic browlift rejuvenation patients may experience some numbness, incision discomfort and mild swelling. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but is controlled with medication. Endoscopic browlift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation and sensory loss as felt by patients who have the open browlift technique.

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What should I know about my results?

Whenever surgery is performed on your body a scar will result. The incisions are placed in areas to make the scar the least noticeable. Dr. Rohrich will discuss the placement of incisions during your consultation.

Loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line is common, especially with the classic "open" browlift procedure. It is usually temporary, but may be permanent in some patients.

Some of your hair around the incision may fall out and may temporarily be a bit thinner. Normal growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent hair loss is rare.

Patients are pleased with the results of browlift rejuvenation no matter which surgical method was used. Patients don't realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the surgery.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Fees are due in full at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.

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