Do you find that, lately, friends are constantly asking if you are tired even though you’re logging 10 hours a night? Or maybe your colleagues think that you are mad when really, you’re just thinking things over. If so, the problem is almost always a “heavy” brow. This is when your forehead sags down so it sits atop your eyebrows making you look a bit like a Shar Pei. Patients often mistakenly think that they just need blepharoplasty surgery on their upper eyelids to correct the problem. But, in many cases, the issue is twofold. You may indeed need some skin and fat removed from your upper lids, but you’ll also need a brow lift to reposition your eyebrows to a more lifted, youthful looking position.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bruce Van Natta prides himself on never making a patient look “operated on”. This is particularly critical when it comes to a brow lift or forehead lift. The consequences of over-lifting the brows is that dreaded “deer in the headlights” look when someone appears perpetually surprised. And let’s be honest, this is just as bad as always looking tired. Dr. Van Natta would rather under-correct the brows than ever produce this startled appearance.

Brow Lift Consultation

If you are tired of always looking tired, it may be time to book a brow lift consultation with Dr. Van Natta at his Indianapolis office. During your meeting, he will listen closely to what it is that bothers you about your face. He will perform a thorough physical exam to assess the degree of ptosis or sagging in your forehead as well as your skin tone and elasticity. The latter is what allows your skin to “bounce back” after a surgical procedure. Then, together, you will discuss the best treatment plan for your goals, anatomy and lifestyle.

As an avid, and early adopter of new innovations and techniques, Dr. Van Natta offers his patients a wide variety of non-surgical options for treating the brow from injectables to lasers. If one of these will address your needs, he will let you know. However, he will also be honest with you if he feels that it’s time for a more aggressive surgical brow lift. As with all of his facial procedures, Dr. Van Natta has the ability to “preview” your brow lift results. He uses computer generated images to show you what you will look like both before and after your brow lift. It’s kind of like trying on a dress before you buy it. You want to make sure that it fits.

Are You a Candidate for a Brow Lift?

Any brow lift candidate must be in good overall health, a non-smoker and without any pre-existing medical conditions that may adversely affect your surgery. A brow lift can benefit both men and women who suffer from:

• deep horizontal lines in the brow due to sagging skin
• “hooded” eyebrows and/or sagging upper eyelids
• a perpetual look of being tired, angry or sad

Brow Lift Surgery

Dr. Van Natta performs his brow lift surgeries under general anesthesia. He first makes a couple of very small incisions in your scalp. These are not only well hidden within your hairline, but typically heal so well that they are basically invisible. Next, he takes a “scope” or thin camera-like device, and inserts it though these incisions. This allows him full access to your forehead and brow while also keeping the surgery minimally-invasive. The advantage of this is smaller incisions and less trauma to the treatment area.

Last, he tightens and removes some of the muscles that are causing your frown lines and heavy brows. He may also combine your brow lift surgery with some Botox to further smooth out any forehead lines. All of this will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation. The results are pretty amazing. Your face will look younger, brighter and more vital. This is a surgery that can completely rejuvenate your entire appearance as well as your self esteem.

Brow Lift Recovery

Recovery from brow lift surgery is surprisingly easy. While you can expect to be bruised and swollen for the first couple of weeks, most patients are up and back to their daily lives within just a few days. Any pain or discomfort is typically managed with over the counter pain medications like Tylenol or Advil.

In general, patients can return to light exercise at 2 weeks post op and more vigorous exercise at 3 weeks post op. Although all of the swelling may take anywhere from 3-6 months to fully resolve, you will notice a more lifted appearance to your face almost immediately. And a lifted face is a happy face so don’t be surprised if you find yourself smiling more often. Never a bad thing.

To find out more about a brow lift with Dr. Bruce Van Natta at Meridian Plastic Surgeons in Indianapolis, contact us today or call (317) 575-0330 to schedule a consultation.