Browpexy - the Mini Brow Lift

There are two types of browpexy - internal and external. Both procedures are regarded as minimally invasive with smaller or even no additional incisions and scars then a brow lift. It is regarded as the mini brow lift. There are sutures used to stabilise the central and outer portions of the brow to give a more youthful look the the eye area. Browpexy can be used to treated a drooping of the outer portion of the brow and reduce the amount of any overhanging eyelid skin on the outer aspect of the eye.

 

An internal browpexy is usually performed along with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty or other eyelid surgery where the surgeon uses the same incision used for the blepharoplasty to perform the browpexy. This means that there is no additional scars created and the brow is secured to a higher and more pleasing position with a mini brow lift.

 

An external browpexy makes a small incision just above the brow hairs to lift the eyebrow higher. 

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Am I a Good Candidate for Internal and External Browpexy?

 

A person is a suitable for browpexy if they have drooping of the outer eyelid and brow and want a mini lift. Mr Ahmad Aziz will assess you eyes and brow and advise what is most suitable from his clinic in Central London. People that only have a small amount of brow droop are usually suitable for a browpexy as well. People who are having a blepharoplasty tend to consider an internal browpexy at the same time to create a more youthful look to the upper third of the face without any additional scars.  Some people who have a slight excess of skin to the outer eyelid and are not wanting a blepharoplasty may be suitable for browpexy. In addition those with a subtle droop of the brow but do not want the scars associated with a brow lift may consider browpexy. Men with bushy brows are suitable for an external browpexy as the scars can then be hidden within the brow hairline.

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People who are not suitable for browpexy are those with extensive drooping of the brows and those wanting to correct any laxity in the forehead

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How Is Internal and External Browpexy Performed?

 

Both internal and external browpexy are usually performed at the same time as a blepharoplasty to the upper eyelids to prevent the brow from lowering after having the blepharoplasty. It can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.

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With an internal browpexy, an incision is made along the natural eyelid skin crease in the same was as a blepharoplasty. The surgeon then tunnels under the skin thumper part of the eye socket to reach the bone that the brow rests on. Sutures are then used under the skin to secure the brow to a higher and more pleasing position.

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With an external browpexy, a small incision less than 1 cm wide is made at the eyebrow hairs or just above.The brow is then sutured to a higher position onto the bone underneath.

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With both techniques the surgeon will compare both brows to ensure they are as symmetrical as possible before completing the procedure.

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What are the Costs of Internal and External Browpexy?

 

With an internal browpexy done at the same time as a blepharoplasty no additional incisions are required and the cost is therefore cheaper when it is done at the same time. Expect to pay between £2500 - £3500 for a browpexy alone for both eyes which should include the surgeon fees, anaesthetic and hospital fees. If a browpexy is being performed to help improve your vision due to drooping eyelid skin affecting your ability to see, then the cost may be covered by your healthcare insurance policy if you have one.

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How long is the recovery following surgery?

 

Recovery following browpexy is similar to the recovery following standard eyelid surgery. There may be swelling and bruising that can last for about two weeks although some people may take longer. Some people experience some numbness to the eyelid and brow that should resolve with time. A tight sensation is common following a browpexy and usually lasts for about two months as the area heals. The sutures used are dissolvable and this sensation should settle with time. Patients are advised to take a week off work following the surgery and avoid any strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks.

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When will I see the results of my mini brow lift?

 

The results of an internal or external browpexy are not immediate as the swelling and bruising can mask the final outcome. The results will become more obvious once the swelling starts to settle showing a more pleasing look to the eyelid and brow region on the face. As the incisions in an internal browpexy are in the natural eyelid crease the scar is usually hidden and there are no additional scars. The results typically last for 2-5 years and possibly even longer as this varies from person to person. Factors that influence how long the results last for include how often you contract your eyebrows and foreheads with your natural expressions as well the ageing process and the loss of volume to the face and brows that occurs with time.  Some people use botox and fillers to try to maintain the brow height later on as the ageing process continues and the results start to fade.

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Are there any limitations of Internal and External Browpexy?

 

The limitations of browpexy include the following:

• Browpexy provides a small lift and is not suitable for severe brow droop

• It only treats the area between the upper eyelid and eyebrow and does not correct any issues with the forehead

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Are there any risks?

 

The risks associated with a browpexy procedure include:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Itchy eyes

• Dry eyes which can then water

• Injury to the muscles or nerves

• Numbness

• Reduced sensation on the forehead which can last up to 6 months

• Scarring

• Recurrence of droopiness

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Is it a useful procedure?

 

Internal and external browpexy can help to rejuvenate the area between the upper eyelid and the brow. It lifts the brow into area into a more pleasing position with a mini lift. This procedure is mainly done for cosmetic reasons although it can be used if the eyelid skin is blocking your vision and help correct this. The procedure is most commonly done with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty although it can be performed alone. Ensure you choose an Oculoplastic surgeon when considering an internal or external browpexy who is familiar with the procedure in order to achieve the best possible results.