Sagging of the eyebrows is a common cause of baggy upper lids which is often treated by lid surgery. This surgery does not address the eyebrow problem and often leads to a less than satisfactory result. Elevation of the brow can be preformed directly above the eyebrow, the mid forehead or through the lid incision during eyelid reduction. The brows can also be lifted by keyhole (endoscopic) surgery and the incisions are, in this case, made within the hairline. All these procedures utilise the use of CO2 Laser in order to minimise swelling and bruising.

The effects of aging are inevitable, and often the brow and forehead area, along with the eyes, show the first signs. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. Sun, muscle activity and gravity all affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrows. Even people in their thirties may have faces that look older than their years. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as a forehead or brow lift. Based on variations in how men and women age and on new advances in medical technology, different methods are used to perform this procedure.

If you are wondering how a forehead lift could improve your appearance, you need to know how these procedures are performed and what you can expect. This information can address many of your concerns and provide you with the information you need to understand brow surgery.

To see what a brow lift can do for you, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards.

Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. This procedure is usually done between age 40 and 65, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.

Incisions can be placed behind the hairline, above the brow, mid-forehead or through an upper lid incision during a lid lift. Dr Lamb normally uses an endoscopic technique that allows the procedure to be performed minimising incisions and reducing the visibility of scars. CO2 Laser is used for cutting to minimise bruising. Dr Lamb will advise the best technique suitable for you.

You will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the week following surgery. In some patients, this may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. You will be advised to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which usually settle in the early post-operative period. The sutures are usually removed within 10 days following surgery. The bandages will be removed within three days. It is important to follow Dr. Lamb's advice on resuming normal activities. For most patients, the recovery time will not exceed seven to ten days but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods. Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with special make-up techniques.

Private insurance and Medicare do not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve sagging foreheads and brows which interfere with vision or if there is asymmetry, may be partly reimbursed.