Why Choose To Have A Brow Lift (Browplasty)?
Droop (or ptosis) of the forehead with age can result in the eyebrows dropping and partly covering the eyelid. This can give a ‘tired’ or ‘angry’ look. As a result the forehead can become quite lined as it tries to keep the eyebrows elevated. Surgery can partly correct these changes by lifting and changing the shape of the brow as needed.
Procedure In Brief
Brow lift (browplasty) surgery consists of three different methods. All involve cutting the forehead tissue to leave a deep exposed surface, elevating the brow and allowing it to heal in a higher position.
Suspension Brow Lift (Browplasty)
This technique consists of inserting very small cuts in the hairline and using stitches to hold the brow in a new position while it heals. The scars will be hardly visible. This is Amir Tadros’s preferred method.
Open Brow Lift (Browplasty)
The traditional technique involves removal of skin from the scalp. This ‘open browlift’ is effective but is the largest of the procedures with longest recovery time. It does leave a long scar but this is hidden in the hair.
Endoscopic Brow Llift (Browplasty)
This method uses key-hole surgery. Several small cuts are made in the hairline and the forehead is lifted. This lift is held with some temporary screws while it heals.
Scars
The incisions in the hairline heal extremely well and can be very difficult to see. The larger cut of the open brow lift (browplasty) is hidden in the hair in most patients. However, it would be seen in bald or patients with thinning hair.
Medicines
A full medical history will be obtained before any surgery. As a precaution, do not take any over the counter medicines or herbal remedies prior to surgery or for 3 days following. Also avoid aspirin or ibuprofen based tablets. It would be useful to bring a list of any prescribed medications to your pre-op assessment.
Smoking
If you are a smoker, try and stop for a minimum of five days before and after surgery as it can reduce the chances of complications.
Recovering from Brow Lift (Browplasty)
Length Of Surgery
The operation takes approximately 1 – 1.30 hours and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Length Of Stay In Hospital
Patients can be seen as a day case, or may require an overnight stay.
Dressings And Stitches
You will have small stitches in the hairline. They will be removed at your appointment on day 5.
Time Off Work And Socialising
People vary in recovery, but patients should allow at 1-2 weeks of recovery (full anaesthetic can take longer to recover from). Most patients are comfortable at one week, and it will only be the bruising and swelling that may make you feel uncomfortable about returning to work.
Time To Exercise
Patients usually feel able to walk a distance at 3 days, swim by 10-14 days (if fully healed). Strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) should be avoided for 4 weeks.
Post-Operative Instructions
Day 1 You should be taking it very easy! Either relax in the hospital or at home.
Day 2-5 You can be up and about but your eyes and forehead will be swollen and have stitches that are visible.
5-14 Your stitches will be removed and most of the swelling and bruising will settle over this time. You will be feeling much better from here onwards. You can start exercising gently and build it up over the next 10 days.
Week 3 onwards you will be nearly back to normal.
Driving
Patients should avoid driving until they are completely free of pain and restriction, and be able to confidently perform an emergency stop. This is to ensure they will be covered by their insurance policy. It may take up to two weeks to recover sufficiently.
Follow Up
We will check your wound and remove the stitches at day 5-7. You will then have a final appointment with Mr Amir Tadros at 3 months and at one year. You will not be charged for any follow up appointment relating to your surgery.
Final Outcome
The brow lift (browplasty) will appear higher than expected in the first few days of recovery. The brow will start to drop into the desired position over the first few weeks. This will continue to improve over the next three months.
Potential Complications With Brow Lift (Browplasty)
This is a routine operation that is a great success for the vast majority of patients. However, as with any procedure, it is very important you understand what can go wrong as well as right. The potential complications are listed below.
- Scalp discomfort: You are likely to experience itching and reduced sensation in the scalp. This should not last for long.
- Small degrees of asymmetry: The same operation will be performed on both sides. There is a small risk of minor irregularities in the skin surfaces on one side compared to the other.
- Scars: The quality of scars vary between patients.
- Wound breakdown: Although very uncommon this can result in a delay in wound healing and scar quality.
- Bleeding: A blood clot can collect under the skin, which would result in going back to theatre for its removal.
- Infection: Also very uncommon but if occurs you will need a course of antibiotics.
- Loss of hair: You might experience some very minor hair loss around the cuts. However, if it does occur it is rarely noticeable.
If you experience any side-effects that you are concerned about please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What does Brow Lift (Browplasty) cost?
Browlifts (browplasty) are available from $16,900 – based on a fixed price direct scheme that covers all costs of surgery and any problems in the first 28 days including a return to theatre.
What Is Included In The Cost?
The prices listed are all inclusive and cover. Please note that prices may vary depending on the location.
- The pre-operative assessment and investigations
- The operation
- Hospital day stay and any treatment required
General Questions Regarding Facial Surgery
Am I a suitable candidate for facial surgery?
Suitable candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and wish to address concerns such as ageing, facial imbalance, or functional issues. Skin quality, bone structure, and lifestyle factors like smoking or sun exposure may influence outcomes.
Benefits & Outcomes of facial surgery
- More youthful and refreshed facial appearance
- Better balance and harmony between features
- Improved function (e.g., eyelid surgery for vision obstruction, rhinoplasty for breathing)
- Natural-looking results tailored to individual goals
Recovery & Safety
Patients can expect temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks. Scars are usually well concealed in natural creases or behind the hairline. As with all surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, or asymmetry, which are carefully managed through surgical planning and follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long before I see the final results of facial surgery?
Initial changes may be visible soon after surgery, but swelling and healing can take several weeks to months. Results typically settle gradually. - Are results permanent, or will they change with ageing?
Surgical changes are long-lasting but do not stop the natural ageing process. Over time, features may continue to change. - Will scars be visible?
Facial surgery involves incisions that may leave scars. These are usually placed in natural creases or less visible areas, but all scars are permanent. Their appearance depends on individual healing. - How much time off work or social activities will I need?
Time away from regular activities varies depending on the procedure and your healing. Many people need 1–3 weeks before returning to daily routines, but this can differ. - Can facial surgery be combined with non-surgical treatments?
Some patients choose to combine approaches. This depends on the type of treatments, the timing, and your individual circumstances.
Considering facial surgery?
Schedule a consultation with Mr Tadros and take the first step toward natural, balanced results.
