BROW REJUVENATION
Raising the brow through a fine incision set just along the eyebrow — easing a low or heavy brow, especially the outer tail, to open up the eyes for a refreshed, naturally rested expression that still looks like you.
THE PROMISE
The appearance of the brow is invested with an emotional, expressive and psychological significance that makes it one of the most prominent features of the face. As the brow naturally descends with aging, its position often imparts undesired characteristics to the face, such as fatigue, sadness, anger, ennui, or other qualities that do not represent the individual’s state of mind.
A direct brow lift is a focused, precise procedure that raises the brow — particularly its outer part, or tail — through an incision made directly above or along the eyebrow. It is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation in an outpatient setting, so patients are able to go home directly afterwards, and on average takes around one hour to complete.
The direct brow lift requires removing a section of skin and underlying tissue above and following the length of the eyebrows. Care is taken to position the scar just along the eyebrows so that it is maximally camouflaged. It needs to be clear to the patient that there will be a visible scar at the upper edge of the eyebrows. Generally this scar takes several months to fully heal and is often minimally visible. Patients with pre-existing wrinkles on the forehead and full eyebrows will find the scar is quite cosmetically acceptable. The procedure is very effective and allows for greater field of vision, especially when combined with upper eyelid surgery.
AT A GLANCE
PROCEDURE TIME
1 hour
ANAESTHESIA
Local anaesthesia with sedation
DISCOMFORT
Mild post-operative discomfort
RECOVERY TIME
2 to 4 weeks
VISIBLE RESULTS
4 weeks
HOW LONG IT LASTS
10 to 15 years
Recovery is generally painless, and most patients are ready to return to their everyday activities within about two to four weeks. Patients sometimes experience some tightness and minor discomfort for a few days. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment should be applied to the sutures above the brow several times a day; this will aid in suture dissolution and wound healing. It is common to have some bruising around the eyes for one to two weeks following the procedure. Strenuous activity and rubbing of the area should be avoided for two weeks following the procedure. Of course, specific instructions for post-operative care will be provided and explained thoroughly by Dr. Karatzias at the time of surgery. We use the most advanced surgical technology, disposables and techniques when performing treatments and procedures to maximise your results and diminish the length of your recovery period. To reduce risks and maintain as much of the results for as long as possible we recommend that you refrain from smoking for a minimum of six weeks prior to the surgery and for the duration of your recovery period.
A direct brow lift is well suited to individuals with brow ptosis — a low, heavy or sagging brow that can make the face look tired, sad or stern and that can crowd or hood the upper eyelids. It is frequently combined with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) when a heavy brow is part of the picture.
To determine if this procedure is right for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Karatzias. During the consultation, your concerns will be discussed in depth and the best surgical or non-surgical solution will be determined, always having your trepidations and expectations in mind.
To see if you are a candidate for this procedure or if you wish to learn more details about it, please complete our online consultation form or call us at +357 22 275522.
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Will I still look like myself, or will my expression change?
The aim is a refreshed version of your own face, not a startled or "done" look. Raising a low or heavy brow — mostly its outer tail — simply restores a more rested, open-eyed expression, so people tend to notice you look less tired rather than that you have had something done.
Where is the scar, and will it be visible?
The incision sits just along the upper edge of the eyebrow, where it is most easily camouflaged. There will be a scar there — that is made clear beforehand — but it usually takes several months to settle and is often only minimally visible afterwards. People who already have some forehead lines and fuller eyebrows tend to find it especially easy to disguise.
Does it hurt, and what are the bruising and swelling like?
It is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, so the area is numb during the procedure, and recovery is generally painless afterwards. Most people feel some tightness and minor discomfort for a few days, eased with simple measures, and bruising around the eyes is common for one to two weeks before it fades.
How much time off will I need?
Most patients are ready to return to everyday activities within about two to four weeks. It is best to avoid strenuous activity and rubbing the area for two weeks, and we suggest not smoking for at least six weeks before surgery and through recovery to support healing.
Are the results long-lasting?
A direct brow lift gives a lasting improvement in brow position, though no lift stops the natural ageing process — over the years the brow continues to age gently, as it would normally. Looking after your skin and avoiding smoking helps the result hold for as long as possible.
Can it be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes — it is frequently done together with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) when a heavy brow is part of the picture, and the combination is very effective, also opening up the field of vision. Whether to combine procedures is discussed at your consultation; you can also reach us on +357 22 275522.
RELATED PROCEDURES
A subtle surgical lift and outward tilt of the eyes for a more almond, awake look.
Comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower two-thirds of the face, a natural partner to brow and eye work.
Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss whether a direct brow lift is right for your goals. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
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