Brow Lift

Brow Lift Ottawa, Ontario

A brow lift repositions the eyebrows in a more youthful position. It also corrects forehead lines and creases, and can shorten a high forehead (I do not like the term forehead lift as this gives the opposite impression; a young brow has nicely positioned eyebrows, is smooth and the forehead is not lifted or longer). An Ottawa Brow Lift is performed either under the skin and above the muscle (subcutaneous), under the muscle and galea (subgaleal) or under the periosteum (subperiosteal).

Dr. Lacey now commonly performs a subcutaneous browlift, after experience with the other procedures. This dissection preserves all sensation to the scalp, raises the brow as desired, treats forehead lines, smooths the lateral brow and can be done under local anesthetic. It is performed through a temporal incision that is hidden in the hair and no hair is shaved and the incision is barely visible afterwards. The incisions only meet in the midline if the inner brows need lifting, if there are deep forehead lines, or a high forehead that Dr. Lacey needs to lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a brow lift do?
  • Repositions a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid
  • Raises the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position
  • Shortens a long forehead
  • Correction of deep forehead lines
  • Smoothing of wrinkles in the lateral brow

What procedures that complement a brow lift?
  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate aging eyes and deep tear trough grooves
  • Facelift to correct aging changes in the cheeks, jawline and neck
  • Skin resurfacing of cheek or lip lines (dermabrasion)
  • Volumizing the cheek and face with permanent fat or absorbable fillers (Juvederm, Radiesse or Perlane)

What are the steps of this procedure?

First, a consult with Dr. Lacey is necessary to come up with a surgical plan that meets your goals and is safe and gives a predictable result. This will detail if the brow lift needs to be done with eyelid surgery, and whether a facelift or other procedures will be performed allowing for a single recovery.

A full face is when a brow lift is performed with a facelift. This can also include eyelid surgery, fat grafting for permanent cheek volume, or dermabrasion to treat sun damage or deep lip and cheek lines. A full face takes 6-7 hours and is done under general anesthesia. You will stay overnight in our fully accredited surgical clinic with 2 nurses. This is the only facility of its kind in Ottawa. Only 7-10 days is needed off work and you have a single recovery. The 7-10 day recovery is the same whether the eyelids, face or brow are done together, or separately.

At the >pre-op pictures are taken, post-op instruction sheets and prescription are given and any other questions answered. The surgery is then performed under local or general anesthesia depending on your preference; both are equally safe and effective. Someone will need to drive you home. Recovery will take 7-10 days depending on how you usually bruise and swell. All measures including homeopathic arnica montana are employed to speed your recovery. You will be able to go out and about in just 2-3 days with sunglasses. Stitches come out at  your 1 week follow-up. Prescribed pain killers are only necessary the first few days. Mild asymmetry that only you or Dr Lacey can notice is possible, and often present before surgery too. Most people can apply some cover-up if necessary, and return to regular work at 10 days.