Downward descent of the eyebrows and forehead tissues plays an important role in aging changes of the eyelids. Droopy brows can not only change the appearance of the forehead, but they also alter the appearance of the upper eyelid. Sometimes the brow drooping may be so pronounced that the downward pressure of the eyebrow tissue will contribute to a droopy upper eyelid.
We offer several types of procedures to reposition the eyebrows. Occasionally, the brow position may be adjusted through an eyelid incision. This is called a browpexy. The eyebrow may also be repositioned with an incision above the brow hair, or in the wrinkles of the forehead. This is called a direct brow lift. This technique elevates the brows nicely, but has the disadvantage of leaving a visible scar on the forehead skin.
A newer option for brow repositioning is endoscopic forehead surgery. This technique involves the creation of small incisions behind the hairline. Instruments are passed down through the incisions to the forehead to modify the brow position. Some types of forehead wrinkles may also be improved with this approach. While this technique is often considered cosmetic, it offers the advantage of hiding the incisions and avoiding visible scars.
Some patients may develop temporary numbness along the forehead or a small amount of hair loss in the area of the incision. The numbness typically resolves over a few months, and any small patches of hair loss may be treated with a brief outpatient procedure.
Endoscopic forehead lifting represents a unique way to rejuvenate and soften aging changes of the upper eyelids.
