The effects of ageing are inevitable, and often, the brow and forehead area show the first signs. Sun, wind and the pull of gravity all affect the face, resulting in frown lines, horizontal creases across the forehead and increasing heaviness of the eyebrows, creating a sad or tired appearance.

What is the Classic or Open Brow Lift and what is the Endoscopic Brow Lift??

A Brow Lift or Forehead Lift is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows. In the Classic or Open Brow Lift an incision was made across the top of the scalp, beginning above the ears and hidden within the hair. Nowadays we use the endoscope. In the Endoscopic Brow Lift three 3-4 cm incisions are placed inside the hair line. It can be performed alone or more commonly in conjunction with other procedures, such as a Face Lift or a Blepharoplasty, to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance. Dr Harris Zavrides also utilizes the endoscope for resection of forehead masses. He described his experience on this at the prestigious journal: “British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” which is the official journal of the “British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons”:  

Endoscopic Resection of Forehead Osteomas.
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 45 (2007) 392-395.

Am I suitable for an Endoscopic Brow Lift?

An Endoscopic Brow Lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range to improve the visible effects of ageing in the upper third of the face. It can however help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines, or low, heavy brows. To see what a brow lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards.

How is the Endoscopic Brow Lift performed?

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic but local anaesthetic with sedation can also be used. In the Endoscopic Forehead Lift three 3-4 cm incisions are placed inside the hair line. An endoscope (a pencil like camera connected to a monitor) is then inserted through one of the incisions allowing us to see and work in the various internal structures of the forehead. The endoscopic technique has the advantage of requiring very minimal incisions. Both bruising and swelling are much more limited and the post-operative experience is much more subtle.

An alternative fixation technique for the Endoscopic Brow Lift.

Dr Harris Zavrides and Dr Andreas Foustanos use their one personal technique for brow fixation during the Endoscopic Brow Lift. The technique was presented in several congresses like:

        Endoscopic Brow Lift.

8th Greek-Cypriot Surgical Congress.

        Greek Surgical Society.

        Cyprus Surgical Society.

        November 1- 4, 2007. Nicosia-Cyprus. 

The technique is also described in two Plastic Surgery Journals. The first Journal: “Annals of Plastic Surgery” is a peer review one and one of the most prestigious Journals of the world (it is the official Journal of The American Society of Plastic Surgery):

    An alternative fixation technique for the Endoscopic Brow Lift.

Annals of Plastic Surgery.2006 June; 56(6):599-604.

The second Journal: “Annals of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery”

is the official journal of the Romanian Society of Plastic Surgeons:

    Endoscopic brow lift.

    Annals of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery. Vol: 1/2005. pp: 5- 10.

What can I expect after the operation?

The procedure takes 1 hour and as already mentioned, is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. An overnight stay at the center is usually advised, although not necessary. Following an Endoscopic Brow Lift you will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising that may involve the eyelid and cheek areas as well. It helps to keep your head elevated for two to three days, to keep the swelling down. Cold compresses may further reduce this swelling. Stitches or clips are usually removed in a week’s time.

When can I resume my normal activities?

It is important to realise that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals, depending on the extend of the procedure. You may shower and wash your hair after a day or two and you can wear make-up after three days. You should avoid straining, bending and lifting during the early post-operative period. You should however be able to resume most of your normal activities within 7-10 days. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks. You should temporarily avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and for the long term, be conscientious about the use of a sun block to protect your skin.