What’s the difference between a facelift and a brow lift?

Facelifts

As people age, the signs of aging are often visible on the face. They’re more obvious in some people than others. Those who are bothered by looking older than they feel may turn to cosmetic surgery.

Among the options are a facelift and a brow lift. These procedures are both designed to address the visible signs of aging on the face. Although they sound fairly similar, these are different procedures. What’s the difference between a facelift and a brow lift? How can you decide which one is right for you?

Facelift primarily addresses the midface

A facelift is targeted at the midface area, meaning the cheeks, and can also address the area around the mouth and at the jawline. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon removes any excess sagging skin and tightens and lifts the remaining skin. Tissues like fat and muscle may also be repositioned or removed, in order to sculpt the most youthful and attractive version of your face. This procedure can create a rejuvenation of the midface and lower face, but does not affect the forehead.

Brow lift addresses the forehead

In order to target the upper part of the face, a separate procedure is used. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, aims to lift drooping brows and correct the lines that can appear on the forehead as part of the aging process, including horizontal lines across the forehead as well as vertical ones between the eyebrows.

Can you have both procedures at the same time?

For those who have concerns about both the forehead and the midface and lower face, a brow lift and a facelift can often be performed at the same time. This allows for just one surgery and recovery period. The surgical time is a little longer, but the results address the entire face and can make a significant difference in how young and refreshed someone looks. Studies have shown that the results can be long-lasting, with improvements still measurable a decade later.

Considering having a brow lift and/or facelift in Wollongong or Bowral?

If you’ve been bothered by the visible signs of facial aging and are considering seeking plastic surgery to correct these, then a consultation with a plastic surgeon is a good next step. After an exam and a discussion of your needs and goals, your plastic surgeon will be able to let you know whether you’re a candidate for a facelift and/or a brow lift. You will then be able to decide for yourself whether you’d like to proceed with the surgery.

If you’re in our area, we invite you to visit us in one of our conveniently located offices in Wollongong or Bowral. With years of training, including a prestigious fellowship in the US, Dr. Sjarif is very well qualified and capable of getting great results for his patients. You want to put your face in the hands of a surgeon who’s very highly trained and skilled. Please contact our office to schedule your appointment.