Brow ptosis is a condition in which the eyebrow droops or sags. A brow lift is a surgical procedure that can correct a brow ptosis by raising the brow to improve the upper field of vision. A brow lift may also be combined with a ptosis repair or blepharoplasty to correct the visual impairment.

If brow ptosis interferes with your ability to see, it is considered a medical condition. A brow lift may be covered by insurance and a consultation can help determine your eligibility. A prior-authorization from your insurance company may be required to determine whether a procedure will be covered or considered cosmetic.

Depending on your degree of visual obstruction, there are several techniques that our doctors may recommend for you. One surgical technique is the indirect brow lift or "brow pexy." A second surgical method is called a direct brow lift. Lastly, and perhaps the most impactful, is the endoscopic forehead lift using the Endotine fixation device.

One of the most common brow lift procedures is called the indirect brow lift, or "brow pexy." This is done most often in conjunction with an upper eyelid ptosis repair, or blepharoplasty. The brow pexy procedure is performed through the upper eyelid. An incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid, and the brow area is accessed through incision. Once the eyebrow area is reached, the brow is raised to the desired height and sutures are placed to firmly secure it in place.

A second option is the direct brow lift. In a direct brow lift, a wedge of excess skin is excised directly along the outermost hairs of the eyebrow. By removing excess skin, the brow can elevated. The incision is then closed with sutures. The incision line may appear red and prominent for several weeks. The redness will disappear within the next 6-8 weeks. A direct brow lift is particularly effective for male patients; typically men have more dynamic expression lines along their brow and forehead which allows any visible trace of the incision lines to blend naturally with the forehead. The procedure does, however, have great functional and esthetic benefit for female patients, as well

A third option is the endoscopic brow lift also known as a forehead lift. The endosopic brow lift is done by first creating 4-5 incisions along the hairline. An endoscope is inserted through the incisions. An endoscope is a medical instrument housing a camera that, once inserted into the incisions, allows the surgeon to view the muscles and tissues below the surface of the skin while operating. After inserting the endoscope, the surgeon loosens the area muscles from the skull and elevates the forehead to the proper height. Several small bio-absorbable implants, called Endotine fixation devices, are inserted into the outer layer of the skull. They act like ³tacks² to firmly secure the forehead in place. In time, the Endotine implants dissolve harmlessly, and forehead remains in its newly elevated position.

All of these procedures are done in an outpatient surgical facility. Most will require local or monitored anesthesia. This kind of anesthesia places you in a "twilight" state; you are not completely asleep but will remember little, if any, of the procedure. Sedated consciousness is preferred so your surgeon can accurately adjust the brow line. Recovery time is relatively short. For most people, pain is minimal, but medication will be prescribed to relieve any discomfort.

As with any surgery complications may occur. Talk to our surgeons about the risks involved. Not everyone is a candidate for a brow lift, and our surgeons can help you determine your best options for treatment.