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The endoscopic brow lift is a common plastic surgery procedure. First, the patient meets with the surgeon for consultation, and the desired results are discussed. Prior to the operation, the surgeon may mark incision site with a permanent marker.
Patients are sometimes asked to wash their hair with antibacterial shampoo immediately before surgery.
On the day of the operation, the hair is put into rubber bands so the surgeon can see the marks he has made for the incisions. Fluid may be injected into the tissue of the forehead so it can be more easily separated during the procedure. Usually, the patient is given general anesthesia. - The surgeon makes several (often 3 to 5) small incisions behind the hairline. She then loosens the forehead from the skull at the the periosteum, or the bone's outer membrane. Depending upon the patient's individual needs, the surgeon may separate the forehead from the skull along a different layer of tissue. He uses either a scalpel or a laser to partially remove the corrugator muscles to decrease their strength and function, as their contraction produces horizontal lines. The skin is then stretched, cut, and fixed with screws, sutures, and staples behind the hairline. The screws may absorb into the skin or they may need to be removed. Some surgeons prefer using small titanium screws, which remain in place permanently.
- Endoscopic brow lifts require minimal post-operative care. A compressive dressing is worn for 1 to 2 days. There is usually little swelling and bruising, although some patients may have swelling around the eyes. Pain is usually controlled with over-the-counter medications only; some patients have no pain, others may have headaches. Follow-up visits take place the day after surgery, once more during the first week, and at 1 and 3 months after surgery.
