Brow lift surgery is a procedure that is mainly done for cosmetic purposes. Those who undergo brow lift surgery usually exhibit a more youthful appearance, reduced signs of aging, and a smoothing away of deep creases on the forehead.
If you’ve decided to undergo brow lift surgery and after you’ve decided upon the right brow lift surgeons in Grand Rapids, it’s time to think about what you should expect during the surgery. By being prepared, you can feel more comfortable and less stressed about the procedure and the recovery period that awaits you.
Anesthesia is Involved
Some procedures out there don’t require anesthesia, but a brow lift isn’t one of them. As you plan for your procedure, your brow lift surgeon will review with you your anesthesia options. In most cases, you’ll be able to decide between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. There is no “better” option when it comes to anesthesia, since it is very patient specific and will depend on your preferences and current health.
The Incision
After the surgeon or anesthesiologist sedates you, the surgeon will begin the procedure by making an incision. There are two types of incisions – an endoscopic incision and a coronal incision.
First, the endoscopic incision is created right where your hairline meets your forehead, starting at your ears. On the other hand, the coronal incision takes place above your forehead and into the hairline. The advantage of this incision is that there is a much lower chance that any scar tissue will be visible since it is hidden in your hairline.
Once your doctor performs the procedure, the incision will be closed. Usually, the incision is closed with special clips, surgical tape, adhesives, or sutures that can be absorbed by the body or removed by the doctor.
After the Surgery
Most brow lift surgeons in Grand Rapids recommend that you highly limit any activity the day after surgery. You need to give your tissue time to heal and the ideal time frame to achieve that is a few weeks to months. As time goes on, you’ll be able to perform more and more activities.
In terms of swelling, the first 24 to 72 hours are the most critical. You’ll need to rest and sleep with your head elevated. Some people also experience bruising, but that side effect also subsides within a few days to two weeks.
