Some consider this procedure a moderate form of a midface lift although it is more similar to a traditional brow lift. The truth is that a lateral brow lift falls somewhere between the two.
A Midface lift allows for the correction of the entire midface region including the cheeks, the nasolabial fold between the nose and the corner of the mouth, the jaw line and the under-eye bags. The lateral brow lift affects only with the lower eyelid and crow’s feet at the corner of the eye. Compared to standard brow lift surgery, which elevates the entire brow area, the lateral brow lift is restricted to the outer third or outer half of the eyebrows. The procedure is intended to raise the end of the brows to a more feminine or youthful position while restoring the firmness and smooth surface of the skin. This results in a more relaxed and refreshed look as well as a more cat-like eye shape, without any detectable scars or a lengthy recovery period.
Whom it can help?
The development of fine creases around the eye and the drooping of the brows are among the first signs of facial aging. Illiminating these lines at an early stage results in a shorter recovery time and a more natural looking appearance.
The lateral brow lift is designed for patients who are in their 30's or 40's and have begun to experience facial aging in the form of crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes as well as midfacial or brow drooping. With the lateral brow lift, you can delay or even avoid, the necessity of a more comprehensive surgery. Apart from cosmetic reasons, a temporal brow lift is occasionally performed to correct congenital brow unevenness.
Interested?
How temporal lift is accomplished
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and requires small incisions in the temple area above the hairline (hence the name temporal brow lift or temporal lift). Once the scars fade, they completely blend in with the hair. The incisions can be placed at or behind the hairline and their length can be anywhere from 2 to 10 centimetres. The longer the incision and the higher its placement, the more extensive the lifting. Our plastic surgeons ensure the scars will be invisible by using a zigzag pattern when closing the incisions. If you want to learn more about this incision closure technique, please read about Z-plasty, W-plasty and geometric broken line closures on our page about scar revision.
Upon making the incision, the surgeon separates the skin from the underlying fat and bone structure. This method ensures that the elevation will be even and the skin surface smooth. Skin is then slightly pulled towards the incision and attached to the underlying structure. Excess skin is removed and stitches or staples are used to close the incision. Your surgeon may also use internal sutures to suspend the tissue. The procedure is then repeated on the other side. The result is usually a 4-5 mm elevation in the level of the outer side of the brow. That is enough to give the face an impressive rejuvenation but not too much, which results in the surprised & overdone look.
The outcome of the surgery is immediately visible and in spite of the swelling, the recovery time is relatively short. Cold compression and painkillers help you through any discomfort and within approximately 5 days, the sutures are removed. After 7 - 10 days, you will feel like your old self and you may start to gradually resume normal activity.
Choosing the right procedure
It is essential to understand that lateral brow lift will only give you a modest improvement. This is a great advantage if you have a moderate amount of sagging in the brow and under-eye area because the results are natural-looking and discomfort is minimal.
The procedure is highly beneficial in recreating the natural shape and contour of the eyebrows and to smoothing the upper portion of the cheeks. On the other hand, if you seek more intensive lifting, you should consider a more invasive treatment. In that case, however, a temporal lift can still be a part of a full facelift and you may also combine it with eyelid surgery.
We offer a wide range of cosmetic surgeries for every individual need. Minor differences or modifications in each procedure can mean several weeks shorter recovery period or much more significant result, as well the difference in prices from one surgery to the next.
