What is a Brow Lift?
There are two main types of brow lift. The most common is an invasive, permanent surgical procedure which is carried out under general anaesthetic. The second type of brow lift is temporary and requires the use of chemical injections to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.
What is a Brow Lift Used For?
Both surgical and non-surgical brow lifts are used to correct the drooping of the eyebrows and improve the appearance of the forehead. The finished result creates a more youthful look.
Statistics
Brow lifts are a popular cosmetic procedure amongst both men and women. From a recent analysis of data from 2012, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) found that the number of brow lifts had risen 17% when compared to previous years.
The cost of a surgical brow lift can vary from anywhere between £2500 and £6000, depending on the individual’s desired outcome and the amount of care they require pre and post operation.
How Does a Brow Lift Work?
A surgical brow lift requires a general anaesthetic. which allows a qualified doctor to create several incisions along the hairline of the patient. The surgeon will then lift and reposition the tissue of the outer brow area to create the desired effect of a rejuvenated brow.
Chemical brow lifts are accomplished with the use of either botulinum toxin A (Botox) or abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport) which are injected to relax a triad of muscles that help to hold the brow down. This allows the muscles that pull the brow up to function unopposed and thus raises the eyebrow. The chemical used are non-permanent and the overall effect lasts around three to six months.
Who Should Conduct a Brow Lift?
Both the surgical and non-surgical brow lifts should be conducted by a qualified medical expert. The surgical brow lift, in particular, will require the attendance of both a qualified surgeon and an anaesthesiologist in order to ensure the safety of the patient during the procedure.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The side effects an individual will suffer from will vary from individual to individual, but some common side effects of brow lift procedures include:
- Bruising, often around the eyes.
- Numbness of the forehead and scalp. Usually last around 6 months but can be permanent in some cases.
- Muscle weakness around the forehead and brow area.
- Blood clots including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
- Infection of the wounds.
- Scarring including keloid or hypertrophic.
- Bleeding or oozing from the wounds.
Treatment
Treatment for side effects will depend on their severity and the individual suffering. Whilst most side effects that result from a brow lift will resolve within six months of the procedure, some can be more permanent.
If you have experienced any of the above side effects, it is best to report them to the clinic who provided the procedure and attend your GP for advice as to what you should do next.
Long-Term Complications Prognosis
There are several long-term complications that can occur as a result of a brow lift, including alopecia, dysesthesia, asymmetry of the face, and scarring. The impact of the more permanent complications, in particular, is thought to be magnified by the positioning of the highly visible area which they affect, the face.
The long-term complications of a botched brow lift are therefore more than just physical, often affecting an individual’s emotional health as well.
How Do I Make a Claim?
If you have experienced any of the symptoms we have listed, you should first seek medical advice. If you wish to pursue a claim, we will require details (where possible) of the practitioner or company who carried out the procedure, details of the dates this was undertaken and details of what symptoms you are experiencing.
We would also advise that you report the side effects to the practitioner or company who carried out the procedure. We can then assess the prospects of your claim and look to obtain compensation for the injury.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you’ve suffered as the result of a botched brow lift or other cosmetic surgery, get in touch today for a free initial consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.
