What is an Endoscopic Brow Lift?

An endoscopic brow lift is a type of plastic surgery that is designed to give the patient a more youthful appearance. It involves raising the eyebrows and upper eyelids. An endoscopic brow lift can even be used to soften frown lines that have become deeply engraved in the skin between the eyebrows. This technique is effective at ridding the face of the angry scowl that so many people develop as they age.

A plastic surgeon performs an endoscopic brow lift by making three to small incisions in the area of the scalp that in back of the hairline. Once these incisions are in place, the plastic surgeon slips an endoscope, fitted with a tiny camera, under the scalp. This makes it possible for the plastic surgeon to see under the patient's skin, without making a very invasive incision across the person's head. Endoscopic brow lifts are often considered preferable for younger patient's who need a bit less facial rejuvenation than more-invasive techniques can provide.

With an endoscopic brow lift, a plastic surgeon can weaken the muscles that cause angry-looking frown lines, but he or she cannot change the muscle structures that lead to horizontal lines. The surgeon can lift the forehead but not remove any extra scalp tissue. Essentially, the surgery merely shifts the scalp tissue upward, so that it sits further back on the skull. This surgery is performed while the patient is under IV sedation, and it typically takes about one or two hours to complete. Though an endoscopic brow lift takes just a short time to finish, the results typically last for about 10 years.

People who have endoscopic brow lifts typically experience less post-operative itching than those who opt for traditional brow-lift methods; they also tend to experience less scalp numbness, a recovery symptom that is only temporary. Furthermore, the incisions from this surgery are smaller than those used with traditional lift methods, and they are less prone to becoming infected. Most patients are asked to follow up with their doctors within a few days of surgery. Patients usually have their sutures removed at this time. Most patients can return to work within one week of having surgery endoscopic brow lift surgery.