A brow lift is a cosmetic surgery designed to improve the appearance of the brows and forehead. It involves repositioning sagging eyebrows and smoothing out the forehead. This leaves patients looking younger and more refreshed. Natural aging leads to facial changes. This can impact the area around your eyes, as the skin is much more delicate. Fine forehead lines can deepen into deep wrinkles from repeated facial expressions. This can make you look tired and angry, even when you are rested and feeling great. Cosmetic surgeries, such as a brow lift, effectively address these issues. However, many patients are concerned about scarring or signs of surgery. So, will brow lift scars be hidden?
Will Brow Lift Scars Be Hidden?
When planning a brow lift, a board-certified brow lift surgeon will consider several incision techniques. The placement of the incision determines how noticeable the scarring will be. The surgeon’s focus is on reducing visible scarring. However, it is a part of the natural healing process after surgery. Caring for your skin and following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions is necessary.
Direct Brow Lift
A direct brow lift involves an incision just above the eyebrows. It offers strong results due to the incision placement. However, there may be some residual scarring. Patients with thick brows benefit from this type of incision as it can conceal the scar. Caring for the incision as instructed by your surgeon can dramatically reduce its appearance. Several cosmetic facial treatments can reduce scarring.
Internal Brow Lift
An internal brow lift involves a small incision inside the upper eyelid crease. The scar sits in the natural fold of the eye. This makes it nearly invisible once the incision has healed. It is beneficial for patients who need a subtle lift. Many patients opt to combine a brow lift with upper eyelid surgery to maximize their results.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift involves several small incisions behind the hairline. The surgeon utilizes a small camera to reposition the tissue. This is beneficial as there is minimal cutting, which reduces the risk of scarring. Any residual scarring is discreet as it is behind the hairline. Once you have fully recovered, scarring is faint or nearly invisible.
Pretrichial Brow Lift
A pretrichial brow lift is placed along or slightly in front of the hairline. This technique is often used on patients with higher foreheads. Because of a higher forehead, patients often want to keep their hairline intact. When the incisions are fully healed, the hairs grow back, helping conceal the scar.
How to Minimize Scarring After a Brow Lift
As with any surgical procedure, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. However, an experienced surgeon at the top oculofacial plastic surgery center can reduce the appearance of scarring. Technique and skill can leave you looking rejuvenated without any visible scarring. Scar reduction also relies on how you care for your skin after surgery. Below are some of the most effective ways to reduce scarring after a brow lift.
Follow Post-Operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incisions after surgery. This includes how to clean incisions, what ointments to apply, and how to change dressings. One of the most important factors in reducing scarring is keeping your incisions clean and protected. This reduces the risk of infection and supports optimal healing. It is necessary to avoid touching and scratching the incision sites.
Sun Protection
Sun exposure can darken scars as they are healing. This inevitably makes them more noticeable. After surgery, use sun protection on a daily basis. It is best to use SPF 30 or higher, even if you do not go outdoors. If you do go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective sunglasses. Avoid the sun during peak hours for the best results. Applying sunscreen regularly helps protect your healing skin from damage as it is extra sensitive. Consistent sun protection helps scars heal much faster. It also reduces the risk of discoloration.
Avoid Swelling and Straining
You should focus on rest and recovery after surgery. The initial recovery period lasts about 2 weeks. However, each patient is uniquely different. You will experience swelling during this period. Avoid lying down flat and stay elevated, even when you sleep. Use a cold compress to help manage swelling. You should avoid heavy lifting, straining, bending, and intense exercise for the first month after surgery. You can do some light walking as this helps with circulation, blood flow, and healing. Intense activity can have the opposite effect. Wait until your surgeon clears you for exercise. Swelling and straining can make scarring much worse.
Scar Approved Treatment Options
Your surgeon will provide you with recommendations for scar treatments. These are helpful once your incisions have fully closed. Standard products include silicone gels, scar creams, or gentle massage. These treatments can improve skin elasticity. They can also flatten raised scars. Avoid using these products too early. Wait for your surgeon’s confirmation to ensure the skin is ready for treatment.
Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Certain lifestyle habits can positively impact your skin and the healing process. Focus on a balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense foods. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E can strengthen your skin. They can also promote collagen production, which is effective in scar reduction. Stay hydrated and aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. Regular exercise is also beneficial as it improves blood circulation. Blood circulation ensures that oxygen and other nutrients are delivered to healing tissues.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Avoid smoking and excessive drinking. Both can have a negative impact on your skin. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to healing tissues. This slows down the healing process. It also increases the risk of wider, darker, or raised scars. Excess alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin. It can also weaken your immune response and interfere with collagen.
Top Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your brows, contact Dr. Nicole Langelier and her team today to schedule a consultation!