Most people consider cosmetic surgery last resort in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles, but medical professionals beg to differ. Those of us at Aesthetic Surgical Arts in Overland Park, KS recognize that something as simple as a brow lift can help to correct stubborn lines and wrinkles in the long-term better than at-home alternatives. If you are unsure whether a brow lift is right for you, here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to move forward with this procedure.
What Does This Procedure Entail?
The first step in deciding whether you want a brow lift is understanding what the procedure entails. It is important to do your research about any medical procedure you are considering. Being aware of all your medical options puts you a step ahead when you meet with your doctor.
Not all brow lifts are the same. There are several variations of this procedure, but the three that are most commonly used by medical professionals are Traditional, Temporal, and Endoscopic. Understanding the key differences between them can better help you in deciding which type best fits your needs with the help of Aesthetic Surgical Arts.
Traditional Lift
Also known as a Coronal Lift, this is the most commonly performed of the three methods. It involves a single long incision behind the hairline, allowing for the removal of excess fat and repositioning of the face to smooth out unwanted lines in the forehead and brows. While this is the most common procedure, it is also the most intensive and results in a longer recovery time.
Temporal Lift
Also known as a Lateral Lift, this method involves a series of small inch-long incisions are made behind the hairline, right behind the temple. We typically use this method in combination with other procedures such as double eyelid lift surgery. This method is ideal if you only want to address the outer third of the eyebrow area rather than the entire forehead.
Endoscopic Lift
As the least invasive of the three, an Endoscopic lift starts with a series of small incisions behind the hairline, allowing a small camera to be inserted beneath the skin. The camera allows the doctor to get a better view of the natural face structure and reposition the face to complement these natural features while protecting important nerves in the face.
No matter which technique is used, the benefits are the same. Most patients are pleased with their results, not realizing how much of an impact a few lines and wrinkles had on their appearance.
Top 10 Reasons to Consider a Lift
1. Shave Years Off Your Appearance
Counteracting the effects of aging may be the most obvious reason to look into cosmetic surgery. While this procedure will not halt the effects of aging, it focuses on correcting the issues you’re self-conscious about while maintaining a natural look that will age well as you do. Your doctor works with the nuances of your bone structure, muscle structure, and natural face shape to manipulate the skin in a way that compliments the form it sits on. You can expect an improvement in the brightness of your face, helping you look and feel like we’ve turned back the clock.
For the cost of a single procedure, these are just a few of the physical results:
- Reduces lines of aging in the forehead and brow areas, softening and relaxing your overall appearance
- Reduces the creases that develop across the forehead and the bridge of your nose
- Softens frown lines, the creases between the eyebrows
- Raises eyebrows to a more upbeat and youthful position
2. Not Just a “One Size Fits All” Solution
Ensuring you have a doctor that tailors their skills to your individual needs is half the battle. Talented surgeons like Dr. Camarata at Aesthetic Surgical Arts approach their work with precision and care. This level of dedication brings assurance that your procedure will focus on your individual needs. We are dedicated to making sure that our work compliments your natural beauty on your terms.
3. Improve Your Daily Routine
Ensuring you look presentable before you leave the house is part of everyone’s daily routine. This procedure guarantees that you are at your best from the moment you wake up. While you won’t need makeup, if you applied it, a pristine canvas free of fine lines can help with the overall coverage and longevity of your polished look. Being able to skip the layers of concealer and foundation will also help with the overall health of your skin while saving you time in the morning.
4. Correct Medical Conditions
The benefits of cosmetic surgery go far beyond what the name suggests. A procedure like this one can solve a variety of issues that fall under medical necessity, most of which commonly affect sight. Sagging or drooping skin around the eyes can weigh down your eyelids throughout the day, leading to eye fatigue and other visual impairments. Whether or not your reason for considering cosmetic surgery is aesthetic, you may find it also prevents a variety of health issues.
5. Minimal Recovery Time
You may find that the scariest part of cosmetic procedures can be a long and difficult recovery. Fear not, because this procedure has a minimal recovery time, allowing you to continue with your day-to-day life sooner than you would expect. If you are worried about timing, perhaps an endoscopic lift is ideal. This will have you looking your best just in time for any upcoming events or functions you have planned.
6. Less Invasive Options
As mentioned above, a traditional brow lift is not your only option for achieving the desired results. For those seeking to address specific areas while leaving others untouched, there are different options available. Newer technologies also allow for a less invasive brow lift to be performed with smaller incisions, allowing for more targeted results in areas you are most self-conscious about. You, with the help of your doctor, have more control now over your cosmetic procedure than ever before.
7. Long-Lasting Results
The general purpose of undergoing a surgical procedure is the promise of long-lasting results. A brow lift allows for results that you won’t achieve with night creams and face masks alone. Depending on the type of lift procedure, the results can last anywhere from five to ten years or longer. There are additional steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your results.
Commonly suggested ways to preserve your post-surgery results include:
- Avoid smoking
- Stay hydrated
- Follow a doctor-recommended skincare regimen
- Eat healthily
- Manage stress
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
These are just a few of the guidelines that may be included in the aftercare instructions you receive from your doctor after surgery. The goal of these instructions is to assist in the healing process and ensure that the desired results hold up in the long-term.
8. Easy Approval
There is no point in considering a procedure until you are sure you would be approved as a candidate. It surprises most people to learn that they are already ideal candidates for a brow lift just based on an initial consultation. Apart from a few minor recommendations in the days leading up to and following surgery, most patients find that they are approved for the procedure with little to no lifestyle changes.
Ideal candidates include:
- Non-smokers (or prepared to quit before surgery)
- Those in good health and relatively fit
- Those with wrinkles and/or sagging skins around the eyebrows and forehead
- Those who wish to fix stern, furrowed brows to appear more approachable
- Anyone eager to make physical alterations to improve confidence
9. More Effective Than Alternatives
While daily skin regimens offer some relief for dry skin, they do little to get rid of persistent wrinkles and creases in the brows and forehead. Facial fillers attempt to remedy these issues but only offer a temporary solution. Cosmetic procedures like brow and face lifts are more effective in battling unwanted wrinkles in the long term.
10. Cost-Effective
When you consider the lasting results of this procedure, the price tag is well worth all the benefits that come with it. This procedure can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the individual facility and skill level of the surgeon. This price point can intimidate some as not everyone can afford a cosmetic procedure like this. If you find yourself in this category, do not give up hope: there are options available.
Through Your Insurance Company
Because of the medical complications that can arise as a result of sagging skin around the eyes, your insurance may cover part or all of your surgery costs. To weigh your options for surgery, discuss the conditions of your medical coverage with your insurance provider. All insurance companies provide a contact number on the back of your insurance card or on their respective websites.
Third-Party Financing
Apart from contacting your insurance company, there may also be help available in the form of third-party financing. Be sure to ask your doctor whether these resources are available through their office or if they have contact information for any additional resources. Finding yourself on the wrong side of your insurance company is not an uncommon problem in the medical community, and it never hurts to ask what is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Could Be Causing Wrinkles in My Brow Line?
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to wrinkles on your brow line. The most common cause of these wrinkles is tension in the brow, manifesting in two separate types: vertical and horizontal. These wrinkles develop in the center of the brows and along the center of the forehead. Squinting, intense facial expressions and natural aging are examples of possible causes of wrinkles in these areas. While cosmetic procedures cannot stop the natural aging process, they can help keep up a youthful glow to ensure that you age gracefully.
How Do I Know if I Need a Brow Lift?
While booking a consultation with a professional is always preferred, there is a simple way of determining whether your case merits a consultation from home. Using a mirror, start by observing the natural position of your eyebrows in relation to the rest of your face, noting any droop in your relaxed eyebrows. This would also be apparent if you observe a decrease in the free surface area on the eyelid when applying makeup. Next, gently lift the skin of your eyebrow in the desired position with your forefinger. If adjusting the position of your eyebrows eases skin from your upper eyelid, then a lift may be needed.
How Long Should I Expect the Effects of My Procedure to Last?
This procedure has one of the best retention rates compared to other cosmetic surgeries. While the consensus among professionals is that the effects should last anywhere from five to ten years, most people that undergo this procedure don’t return for a second one. Depending on the individual and their dedication to the recommended aftercare, as mentioned above, the long-term effectiveness of the results varies.
At What Age Should I Consider Having This Procedure?
There is no standard age for this procedure. While some patients age into their 40s and 50s with no need for a lift, some need one as early as their 20s. Several factors can affect the elasticity of the skin, and therefore the ages at which patients seek medical help do not fall within a set standard. Your body will show the signs at its own pace, and being able to read the signs can help in offsetting the effects of aging.
Find the Right Team
While educating yourself on the process and procedures is important when contemplating any cosmetic procedure, finding a medical team you can trust is just as instrumental in your long-term success. You should be sure that your doctor is reputable and their team has your health and wishes in mind when going forth with your procedure. Finding a positive and uplifting community of medical professionals and developing trust within that community will be all the encouragement you need to move forth with confidence.
Trust Us to Lift Your Brows and Your Spirits
Educating our patients and building a bridge of trust from the start is an integral part of our mission. We would love to opportunity to guide you through this process personally. If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from a brow lift or other services, contact Aesthetic Surgical Arts in Overland Park, KS. We’re happy to answer any of the questions you may have regarding the process. Call today to schedule your consultation!
