Brow Lift – Forehead Rejuvenation in Austin by Dr. Malena Amato
The brows are typically one of the first areas of the face affected by aging. Their prominent role in facial expressions, gravitational descent of the brows and the forehead’s susceptibility to sun damage accelerates the aging process, leading to premature sagging. By about age 35, both men and women start to notice that their brows sit lower than they used to. This change is usually accompanied by an increase in wrinkling across the forehead and around the eyes and hooding of skin above the eyes. Though Botox and dermal fillers can effectively treat these creases in their early stages, advanced forehead laxity requires surgical care. At Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Malena Amato uses brow lift surgery to restore the brows to a youthful position and smooth frown lines.
Patient Experiences
I had an upper and lower blepharoplasty and eye brow lift! I was frequently asked if I was tired. My eyelids were aging and they were making me look less alert. I'd heard of Dr. Amato's wonderful work from another plastic surgery professional. I had a consultation with her and she answered all my questions and explained my options. She asked me what was bothering me about my eyes and addressed those concerns directly. I felt she also considered my full result so that my look would look natural and complete. I had my surgery a few days ago. It went smooth with Dr. Amato and her team at the surgery center making me feel comfortable and relaxed. Everyone was so caring and kind. I woke up after the surgery, and was made comfortable. By post op day one I didn't need any meds for this procedure. Dr. Amato has remained in great communication. I've been icing my eyes regularly. I feel great. I'm excited for my result.
About Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift surgery, also known as a forehead lift, involves the tightening of the tissues that support the forehead. Sometimes, depending on the type of brow lift being performed, excess skin is also removed during this procedure. Dr. Amato frequently combines brow lift surgery with blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the upper face and restore optimal vision completely (if the patient’s vision has been impacted by eyelid ptosis) or for the ideal aesthetic result. As an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Amato is well-versed in all types of brow lifting techniques, including the minimally invasive endoscopic brow lift; her goal is to offer the best procedure with minimal scarring for each patient.
Meet Malena Amato MD FACS
Learn more about the Georgetown and Stanford alumna and why you should visit Dr. Amato for your next procedure.
Endoscopic brow lift surgery is an excellent choice for eligible candidates because it dramatically reduces the amount of healing time needed after your procedure. Endoscopic brow lift surgery is usually performed under light IV sedation and lasts about an hour. This surgical technique also limits postoperative swelling and bruising, so most patients don’t experience noticeable discomfort during endoscopic brow lift recovery. Endoscopic brow lift surgery can be performed under local anesthesia.
During an endoscopic brow lift, several short incisions are made just behind the patient’s hairline. Dr. Amato then uses a tiny camera (called an endoscope) and delicate surgical instruments to gently manipulate the position of the tissues that support the forehead. The forehead is released, then lifted and fixed into place with self-dissolving sutures or implants. As the patient heals, his or her forehead tissue will become permanently attached to their new location. Dr. Amato often offers Botox® or other neuromodulators as a compliment to the forehead lift surgery to enhance the smooth forehead and brows in their new, elevated position. Be sure to ask Dr. Amato for endoscopic brow lift before and after photos.
Direct brow lift surgery involves the placement of a single incision above the brow, either hidden in the brow, forehead wrinkle, or behind the hairline. Several factors determine the surgical incision site, including the thickness of brows, depth of forehead furrows, and hairline. Some brow lifts can shorten a tall forehead by removing skin. In this technique, Dr. Amato accesses and releases the patient’s forehead muscles, then tightens and repositions them using self-dissolving sutures. Excess skin may be removed before the incision is closed. Direct brow lift surgery is usually recommended for mature patients (those over age 55) who have significant skin laxity or patients with deep forehead wrinkles or a high forehead. Brow lift surgery usually takes 30 to 60 minutes under local and light IV sedation.
Dr. Amato can combine brow lift surgery with various surgical and non-surgical therapies, including blepharoplasty, mid facelift, laser resurfacing, and Botox® injections, dermal fillers, or a liquid facelift for comprehensive revitalization. Feel free to discuss all your cosmetic concerns with her during your consultation; she’ll be happy to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets all your objectives.
What is Brow Lift Recovery Like?
Recovery from endoscopic brow lift surgery is generally one to two weeks for most healing. Most patients see a reduction in swelling and bruising after just 48 hours, and very little discomfort post-operatively. We recommend taking about one week off work following an endoscopic brow lift.
Recovery from direct brow lift surgery takes 10 to 14 days on average, and patients who have a direct brow lift may notice more significant swelling and bruising. Still, recovery from direct brow lift surgery can be managed comfortably with the aid of prescription pain medication. Dr. Amato may also use special compression bandages and place a surgical drain to reduce swelling and expedite healing.
Though you’ll feel better after resting for a week or two, it’s important to understand that your face will continue to heal and adjust for a while after you have surgery. Your brows and hairline may look higher than you expected at first, but don’t worry – they will gradually settle into a more natural position throughout about six months.
Dr. Amato provides thorough, personalized follow-up care to all her patients. If at any point during your recovery you experience discomfort or have concerns, she encourages her patients to reach her directly by phone, even outside of regular office hours.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next steps, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato is looking forward to speaking with you soon!
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for brow lift surgery if you have low-set brows, heavy upper eyelids from low-set brows, and visible creases in your forehead, especially if those creases don’t respond optimally to non-surgical treatments like Botox. Another indicator that you could benefit from a brow lift is a changed expression: Do you look tired, sad, or angry all the time—no matter how happy and well-rested you are? If you do, then a brow lift may help restore an alert, vibrant look that reflects your real personality.
To have brow lift surgery, you’ll need to be in good overall health and be a non-smoker. If smoking cessation is difficult for you, ask your doctor about using a nicotine patch before and after surgery. Be prepared to provide information about your medical history, including any medications (prescription and over the counter) and supplements you take. Dr. Amato will need to review this information during your consultation to determine your eligibility for surgery. Dr. Amato may offer other nonsurgical techniques that can lift the outer brow, such as Botox or another neurotoxin. For surgery, she may ask you to stop taking certain medications (with your doctor’s permission) before surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Is Brow Lift Surgery Covered by my Insurance?
In some instances, brow lift surgery may be covered by insurance if the brow position is extremely low and contributing to peripheral vision loss. Dr. Amato is experienced in evaluation to see if you are a candidate for medically necessary coverage.
Schedule a Consultation for Forehead Lift Surgery in Austin, Texas
If your forehead and brows are altering your natural expression and aging your face, brow lift surgery might be right for you. To learn more about this procedure, contact Austin brow-lift surgeon Dr. Malena Amato to arrange a personal consultation. When you meet Dr. Amato, she’ll listen to your concerns and create a fully individualized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and wishes.
Brow Lift FAQs
Yes, a brow lift can often compliment the results of a facelift (which focuses on the lower third portion of the face) or an eyelid surgery (which focuses on the upper or lower eyelids). By combining these surgeries, you can save significant money by avoiding undergoing anesthesia multiple times and other hospital fees. Also, combining your surgeries will significantly minimize downtime from work, home life, and physical activities.
Strenuous exercise or activities can significantly increase the risk of bleeding, infection, swelling, and bruising if done too soon after a brow lift procedure. Light activities, such as slow walking, are often encouraged after the effects of anesthesia have worn off. This is usually on about day 2 of your recovery.
Heavy activities, such as running, lifting, yoga, or aerobics, can be safely resumed about two weeks after your operation.
Depending on the nature of your work, most patients can return to their sedentary jobs one week after their operation. However, a lengthy recovery period may be necessary if their job entails more strenuous activity or involves being on their feet for long periods.
Most, if not all, plastic surgery procedures (surgical or non-surgical) can result in varying degrees of bruising and swelling, which tends to peak at about the third day before starting to improve. In addition, bruising generally starts to fade faster than swelling. On average, bruising will resolve within one to two weeks. To help reduce swelling and bruising after brow lift surgery, make sure to follow Dr. Amato’s surgery care instructions and the following tips:
Avoid Blood Thinning Medications
Some common medications can worsen bruising. Stop using pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and aspirin-adjacent products for two weeks before your procedure and two weeks after your brow lift surgery. Tylenol is safe to take and can be used with the pain medication provided to you by Dr. Amato.
Elevate Your Head
Pile a few pillows behind your head or elevate your mattress top if you can while resting. Gravity will help reduce bruising and swelling in the treatment area by encouraging everything to drain.
Apply Cold Compresses
To help reduce swelling, apply cold compresses periodically throughout the day. The cold will help constrict the blood vessels and calm inflammation. However, it is important to mention that you should never place ice or cold material directly onto your skin or the incision. Instead, cover the ice pack or the bag of ice with a soft cloth and let it gently rest against your skin for no longer than 20 minutes.
Take It Easy
Activities that increase the heart rate or blood pressure can exaggerate swelling and bruising and delay recovery. Take it easy for the first two weeks of your recovery and only engage in light walking, which helps blood circulation without causing too much exertion.
Every surgery has the potential for a scar since incisions allow access to muscle and tissues beneath the skin. However, the incisions for a brow lift are strategically placed along the hairline so they remain hidden from view. Therefore, only you, the patient, and your plastic surgeon will know exactly where the incisions are located.
You can gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo, such as baby soap, two days after your brow lift procedure. Avoid applying the condition to your scalp. Instead, apply it only from the neck down to help detangle your hair. Avoid pulling or tugging on your incision when brushing your hair out after surgery by combing from the neck down. Ensure your incisions are dry by gently blotting them with a clean, soft towel and keeping wet hair from lying over them.