The eyebrow region needs to be critically assessed with relation to the upper eyelids, forehead and hairline. There are multiple factors at play which is why it is important to be formally assessed by a qualified plastic surgeon for an accurate assessment.

A browlift when required is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift, midface lift or upper blepharoplasty.  It is definitely a less common operation in current times as there is a trend to non-operative measures to treat the upper third of the face.  A traditional browlift addresses the eyebrow position, glabella frown lines and the transverse frontalis forehead lines.  There are multiple different approaches and methods of fixation which are discussed further below.  The fundamental corrective procedures of a browlift include –

• Elevating the eyebrow and excision of skin +/- hair to change the hairline
• Division of the frontalis muscle responsible for transverse forehead lines
• Division of the procerus and corrugator muscles responsible for frown lines

Non-surgical

Certain products can be used that aim to reposition and shape the eyebrow.  A combination of paralysis of the muscles that either elevate or depress the brow aim to either drop or lift the eyebrow respectively.  The most common combination is to lift the outer half of the eyebrow and/or depress the inner half in order to give a higher arched brow laterally.

Lateral Temporal Browlift

One approach, the lateral temporal lift, places an incision about 2 inches in length inside the hairline of the temple region.  Dissection is then done down to the outer orbital rim and the lateral eyebrow only is elevated.  It does not address the inner eyebrow and does not involve dividing any muscles.

Bicoronal Open Browlift

This is the standard browlift that involves an incision either just in front or behind of the hairline which goes right across the top of the head from one ear to the next.  It aims to address all of the features listed above.

Endoscopic browlift

Endoscopic browlift is still performed but less so than previously.  It involves 4-5 shorter incisions in the hairline across the scalp and then suspension of the eyebrow. .

Methods of fixation

Methods of fixation to fix the eyebrow in place to the deeper unyielding structures (bone or temporalis fascia) include –

• Suture fixation
• Bone tunnels
• Endotine – a small dissolvable prosthesis with barbs.

BROWLIFT

Damien Grinsell – Before & Afters

AHPRA Registration: MED0001207555

Registered medication practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialty registration in surgery – plastic surgery)

It is important to remember, any invasive procedure carries risks and individual results may vary depending on factors, not limited to but including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and existing medical conditions. These are true and accurate images. Outcomes shown are only relevant to these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Before any surgery, we recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner who should discuss with you at length these risks including possible complications and recovery/aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. If unsure, always seek a second opinion from a specialist plastic surgeon.