The Operation

Brow lifts are divided into ‘open’ and ‘closed’ types. Each type has specific indications for its use and many variations on how they should be performed have been described. Mr Masters will more fully describe these variations during your consultation and select the best variants on the procedure to suit your individual reuirements.

Closed, or endoscopic, brow lifting uses telescopes to access the forehead from small incisions in the scalp. It is best suited to people who have a normal (or short) forehead length and for males with a family history of male pattern baldness. Minimal to no scalp tissue is removed.

Open, or traditional, brow lifting uses a longer cut in the scalp or at the hairline and removes some scalp or forehead tissue. It is particularly good for patients with “high” foreheads.

Regardless of the type of operation selected, open or closed, the internal steps are essentially the same. Local anaesthetic will be injected to completely numb the operative area and decrease the potential for bleeding. This is done even though a general anaesthetic is used to help make things less tender when you wake up. The small muscles that cause frown lines are weakened or removed and the forehead tissues are released from the underlying bone to allow them to be repositioned as a unit. This repositioning will elevate and reshape the eyebrow.

At the completion of the procedure a drain is sometimes used to ensure no fluid gathers under the skin. The drain is typically removed the following day. A head bandage or garment is usually required for the first week post-operatively.

The Anaesthetic Used

Mr Masters’ preference is to perform brow lifts under general anaesthetic administered by a fully trained specialist anaesthetist.

Where is the Surgery Performed ?

A brow lift is a significant surgical procedure; as such Mr Masters performs them in a fully equipped and appropriately expertly staffed operating room at the Southern Cross Hospital in Wellington.