Lateral Brow Lift

Lateral Brow Lift in Toronto

As your forehead and brow region ages, you may notice that the natural arch of the brow becomes flat or even sloped downwards at the sides. In addition, the entire brow may sit at a lower position when compared to years past. Offered by Toronto facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Tong, a lateral forehead lift is suited for patients that have mild to moderate descent of the brow and lateral forehead.

The Aesthetically Ideal Brow

In youth, the brow should sit just above the level of the upper edge of the eye socket bone. The outer portion of the brow is higher than the inner portion as it slopes gently upwards, before descending slightly at its tail. Aging causes the entire brow to sag, especially at the outer portions, resulting in a flat or even sad appearance to the brows.

Benefits of a Lateral Brow Lift

A lateral brow lift is a procedure that aims to lift the lateral (outer) portion of the brow and restore arch aesthetics. It is a smaller procedure than a Brow Lift (also known as a Forehead Lift) and is not as comprehensive as a Brow Lift for forehead rejuvenation. Instead, the lateral brow lift focuses on raising the lateral brow and temple region. It does not eliminate wrinkles between the eyes or central forehead. Since it is a lesser procedure, the recovery tends to be faster with less bruising and swelling.

Who is a Candidate for a Lateral Brow Lift?

A patient whose primary concern about the forehead/brow region is mild to moderate brow flattening or descent is the best candidate for this procedure. Most patients are middle aged or older. Patients should be generally healthy and fit, with no significant medical problems. Dr. Tong will make sure that you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure during your consultation.

How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon For You

Incisions for Lateral Brow Lift

The incisions for a lateral brow lift are located along the lateral forehead hairline, measuring approximately 3-4 cm. This location hides a scar well because of its natural junction between hair bearing and non-hair bearing skin.

Lateral Brow Lift Procedure

Dr. Tong performs your Lateral Brow Lift under IV sedation or general anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you are asleep and unaware of your surroundings during the procedure. The surgery is conducted at 7 St. Thomas Street, in the same building that houses Dr. Tong’s offices.

Dr. Tong makes the initial incision, and dissection is performed to loosen the tissues of the lateral forehead and lateral brow. The dissection allows the lateral forehead and lateral brow soft tissues to be more easily shifted and manipulated. The lateral forehead region is then elevated to obtain a natural, youthful looking brow arch. The excess skin is removed. Dr. Tong meticulously stitches the incisions closed and a small dressing is applied. With your surgery complete, you are awakened from anesthesia.

Recovery from Lateral Brow Lift Surgery

Recovery Immediately after Lateral Brow Lift Surgery

After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where the effects of the anesthesia will gradually wear off as you are monitored by our nurses. This initial recovery process takes about 1 hour and you will be allowed to go home afterwards, accompanied by family or friends.

Recovery at Home after Lateral Brow Lift Surgery

After going home, be sure to get some rest. Non-strenuous activities such as reading, watching television, or preparing meals, are permitted. You should expect to feel some ‘tightness’ of the forehead, and some swelling and bruising. Discomfort is typically mild, and you will receive a prescription from Dr. Tong for narcotic pain medications to use as needed. Patients are recommended to sleep with their back and head propped up during the first week. This helps to reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort.

Follow up after Lateral Brow Lift Surgery

You will see Dr. Tong one week after your surgery, at which time he will remove stitches. Dr. Tong will advise you on activity allowances, but in general, light exercise may begin at 2 weeks and strenuous exercise may start at 4-6 weeks after surgery. Dr. Tong will also see you in follow-up at 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery to check your progress. Photographs are taken at these visits to record and document your progress. The brow position will settle over the first several months as the tissues relax after surgery. In general, the degree of elevation after settling is approximately 0.5-1cm compared to the preoperative position.

Like any procedure, a Lateral Brow Lift has risks and complications associated with it. The risks are low, but do exist. At your consultation, Dr. Tong will go over the pertinent potential risks and complications associated with Lateral Brow Lift procedures.

Your Lateral Brow Lift Consultation

The initial consultation may take over 45 minutes to complete. There is a great deal of information to understand during your initial consultation, and Dr. Tong will make sure that you understand all the important details. Our aim is to educate you about your brow and forehead rejuvenation options. We know that an educated patient will make better choices about their surgery and their surgeon. You will never be rushed or pressured to make a decision about having surgery.

To learn more about how Dr. Tong can help you with Brow and Forehead rejuvenation, set up a consultation with Dr. Tong by giving us a call at (647) 492-0648, or let us give you a call; just fill out our contact form and we will call you on the same or the next business day. No doctor’s referral is needed.