Endoscopic Brow Lift
The endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can restore a youthful, refreshed look to the area above your eyes. Sagging brows and forehead wrinkles are visibly reduced, conditions that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.
The tissues that cause furrowing or drooping of the brow are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. Dr. Dry uses an endoscope, a special viewing instrument that allows the surgery to be performed with small incisions.
What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a surgical technique that involves the use of an endoscope, a special viewing instrument that allows a surgeon to see images of the body's internal structures through very small incisions.
What is an Endoscope?
An endoscope consists of two basic parts: A tubular probe fitted with a tiny camera and bright light, which is inserted through a small incision; and a viewing screen, which magnifies the transmitted images of the body's internal structures. During surgery, the surgeon watches the screen while moving the tube of the endoscope through the surgical area.
It's important to understand that the endoscope functions as a viewing device only. To perform the surgery, a separate surgical instrument, such as a scalpel, scissors, or forceps, must be inserted through a different point of entry and manipulated within the tissue.
What Happens During an Endoscopic Brow Lift?
Typically, an endoscopic brow lift requires the same preparation steps as the traditional brow lift: the hair is tied back and trimmed behind the hairline where the incisions will be made.
Rather than making one long incision as in a traditional brow lift, Dr. Dry makes three to five short scalp incisions, each less than an inch in length. The endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the doctor to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin.
Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and underlying tissues are removed or altered to produce a smoother appearance. The eyebrows may also be lifted and secured into their higher position by sutures beneath the skin's surface or by temporary fixation screws placed behind the hairline.
How Will I Look and Feel After the Endoscopic Brow Lift?
Endoscopic brow lift patients may experience some numbness, incision discomfort and mild swelling. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Endoscopic forehead lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation felt by patients who have had the classic forehead lift. The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week and the temporary fixation screws within two weeks.
When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with stitches or clips and the area will be washed. Gauze and an elastic bandage may also be used, depending on your surgeon's preference.
Are you interested in learning about the endoscopic brow lift? Contact our Kirkland plastic surgery office (convenient to Seattle, Bellevue and Eastside) to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gavin Dry.