As we age, fullness may develop in the skin of the upper eyelids and the brows can begin to adopt a low appearance. This decent of the eyebrows can be a consequence of the natural ageing process. A brow lift (cornoplasty) provides the opportunity to reposition the eyelids and the eyebrows and in doing so the overall appearance of the face.
A brow lift (cornoplasty) can target a patient’s cosmetic concerns about the appearance of low eyelids or eyebrows.
Most individuals considering a brow lift (cornoplasty) are between the ages of 40 and 50, with eyelids and brow lines that have started to lower and creases or wrinkles begin to form on the forehead. Hereditary can sometimes increase these issues for people in their 20s and 30s and in these particular situations a browlift can be an appropriate option.
Anyone considering a brow lift (cornoplasty) should have a good understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve. Following a detailed discussion with Dr Paul Quinn, some patients decide to undergo a brow lift (cornoplasty) combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a facelift (rhytidectomy).
The procedure can also provide treatment for the following cosmetic issues:
Advances in surgery, including the use of endoscopes, has increased the popularity of brow lift (cornoplasty) surgery reducing discomfort, scarring and recovery time. However, there still may be some discomfort, scarring, and recovery time involved.
A series of four or five 1-1½ cm long incisions are carefully placed within the hair-bearing skin of the scalp to gain access. Small telescopes (endoscopes) attached to miniature television cameras are then used in conjunction with specially designed instruments to allow the forehead to be elevated from the underlying bone and the release of soft tissues down to the level of the eyebrows.
The skin of the forehead and eyebrows can then be lifted and held in place with a series of stitches attached to the bone.
Often after this type of operation, direct surgery on the upper eyelids (blepharoplasty) becomes unnecessary.
The operation is usually administered as a day case procedure, but an overnight stay in the hospital can be arranged.
Dressings and stitches will be used immediately following surgery and patients are advised to rest with their head and shoulders raised for the first seven to ten days after the operation.
It is common to experience some swelling in the region of the surgery but this usually subsides within a few days, and a return to work is possible after two to three weeks.
Risks of cornoplasty include hematoma (blood clots), excessive scarring, numbness, infection and hyperpigmentation caused by the bruising. Dr Quinn will take you through the risks prior to surgery to ensure you are aware. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Find more information here.
A bruised, swollen and tender forehead is normal after your brow lift (cornoplasty) surgery and should decrease in around 10 days. Besides pressure bandages, there may also be thin drains in place to get rid of excess fluid and blood. Dr Quinn will provide you with instructions for dealing with these until they are taken out. He will also give you information on antibiotics, painkillers and what kinds of activities are allowed — follow these instructions very carefully. You can expect to be groggy from the anaesthesia for one to two days; sleep is a good remedy and will help in the healing process. Your first post surgery visit and bandage change could come as soon as the day following your surgery.
The results of a brow lift cornoplasty start to show as the swelling subsides. Full results should be visible within a few months.
There are risks with any surgery, which is why it is vital that you follow the instructions provided to you by your surgeon.
The results from a brow lift (cornoplasty) are semi-permanent, which means in many cases, the results can last for years. However, it’s important to note that outcomes will vary. Less invasive cornoplasties, such as the endoscopic technique, will not last as long as more traditional or coronal techniques.
It is important to remember that as you age, your brows will continue to lower; however, another brow lift (cornoplasty) in the future is always an option.