What are the risks associated with Brow Lift Surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, with brow lift surgery there is always a possibility of complications. Although these complications are extremely rare, they can include:
Infection - This type of complication may occur after any surgery, although it is exceedingly infrequent. During and prior to the operation, the patient is given antibiotics.
Frontal Hairline Alteration - It is also possible to notice a reduction in hair density around the incision lines. So, the scar may become noticeable unless the hairstyle is designed to conceal it. With endoscopic surgery the incisions are placed within the hair, so the hairline is very little displaced.
Hair Loss - Temporary or permanent hair loss can occur following a brow lift. But this is very rare, and most of the time, the hair will grow back to its initial state.
Forehead Lag - Some patients may experience a decreased feeling in the forehead which is most commonly temporary. This is a result of the stretching or injury to the nerves. Although this operation removes the forehead wrinkles, it may remove animation of the forehead as well. This temporary paralysis recovers over 8-12 weeks. Permanent loss of sensation rarely happens.
Skin Necrosis - Some small areas of skin may become dead after the brow lift surgery. If this complication ever occurs, the area is usually within the hair bearing scalp. The problem can be solved by a minor corrective procedure.
Lagophthalmos - This means that the patient is unable to fully close the eyes. It may rarely happen to the patients who underwent a blepharoplasty prior to a brow lift.
Changes of Facial Expression - The patient's facial expression may be modified after the elevation of the eyebrows and especially where intensive swelling has occurred. As the swelling heals, the skin of the forehead gradually resettles to its natural position.
Asymmetry - It is known that asymmetry is common to each human face. So, correction of these asymmetries may not be achievable 100%. However, surgeons do their best to make adjustments so that it becomes hardly noticeable.
Eyebrow Shape - In most cases, the eyebrow shape will not be changed by the brow lift surgery. So if it happens, it is exceedingly uncommon.
What other complications are there?
Other complications include:
- Skin contour irregularities.
- Skin discoloration and swelling.
- Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal position of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis), loose eyelid skin or abnormal laxness of the lower eyelid (ectropion) can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures; brow lift surgery will not correct these disorders; additional surgery may be required.
What happens in the event of permanent damage?
You might need further surgery to correct the problem.
When can I expect to make a full recovery?
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. The key is to be as prepared as possible to follow your surgeon's advice completely. For example, if you are physically fit when you have this operation, you will recover much more quickly.
Find out more
Only through an in-depth discussion with your surgeon will you be able to understand the risks, benefits and expected outcomes of this procedure.
If you would like to find out more about brow lift surgery or arrange a consultation, contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.