Facelifts and brow lifts are two options for individuals looking to reverse the signs of aging. Both of these procedures can improve signs of aging, but they target different areas of the face. Here are the significant differences between these two plastic surgery procedures:
Target Different Areas
One significant difference between a facelift and a brow lift is the areas that they target. A facelift targets the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The aim of this procedure is to lift and tighten the sagging skin and muscles and reduce wrinkles in these areas. A brow lift, or a forehead lift, targets the upper half of the face. Brow lifts focus on the forehead, eyebrows, and the area between the eyes. In this area, muscles are altered to smooth wrinkles and raise the eyebrows.
Address Different Concerns
The concerns that may lead individuals to consider a facelift or a brow lift are different. Patients choose facelifts when they have a significant amount of skin sagging in the middle and lower part of the face. Sagging skin can result in the appearance of jowels, sagging or loose skin below the jawline, deep nasolabial folds, or sagging skin under the chin and onto the neck. When one receives a facelift, these signs of aging can be reversed to create a more youthful appearance.
Brow lifts address concerns involving the features located in the upper part of a patient’s face. Patients may choose a brow lift to address concerns like heavy furrowed brows, deep forehead wrinkles, or sagging eyebrows. After a brow lift, the patient’s eyes can appear more open and alert. Patients may also notice reduced signs of aging on the forehead.
Use Different Surgical Techniques
The surgical techniques used in each procedure involve different incisions and placements. Facelifts usually require incisions that start around the temples and move down behind the ears or along the hairline, allowing the surgeon to lift and reposition underlying tissues. A plastic surgeon may also remove fat from these areas. A small incision can be made under the chin for patients who want to address neck concerns.
Brow lifts involve different techniques depending on the patient’s specific targeted areas. A surgeon can use either traditional or minimally invasive surgical techniques to alter the forehead and eyebrows. A more traditional brow lift may involve longer incisions along the hairline, which allow the surgeon to lift the entire forehead. The minimally invasive techniques involve surgeons creating smaller incisions to reduce scarring and recovery time.
Have Different Anesthesia and Recovery Time
The types of anesthesia used and patient recovery time may vary between a facelift and a brow lift procedure. Facelifts are generally performed while the patient is under general anesthesia, which allows them to be completely unconscious during the plastic surgery procedure. The recovery time for a facelift can be up to several weeks. Patients may experience side effects such as temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Brow lifts can be performed either under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the surgeon and how complex the procedure is. Intravenous sedation allows patients to be semi-awake, but they feel no pain during the procedure. Recovery time for a brow lift varies depending on the type of surgical techniques that are used. Traditional techniques have a longer recovery time, while minimally invasive procedures reduce recovery time. Brow lifts generally have a shorter recovery time than facelifts. Side effects of a brow lift can include bruising, swelling, and temporary loss of skin sensation.
Focus on Different Ages and Candidates
Age may play a role in a surgeon determining which patients are good candidates for a facelift or brow lift. Surgeons may recommend a facelift for patients in their 40s to 60s who show significant lower face and neck changes. Before reaching this age range, patients can choose Botox or dermal fillers to address aging concerns. Surgeons may recommend a brow lift for patients who are in their 40s to 50s, but this procedure can be done at any age if the patient wants to address specific concerns, especially if their concerns are affecting their quality of life. Patients can also opt for Botox or dermal fillers to minimize signs of aging on the upper region of the face before choosing a brow lift procedure.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure for You
Time, gravity, sun exposure, and genetics are common factors that affect how our faces age. To reverse signs of aging, a surgeon can perform a facelift or a brow lift. These procedures can be completed separately or simultaneously to create a more youthful appearance. For more intense results, patients can choose to combine the two and add other surgical procedures such as eyelid surgery or nose reshaping. At Somerset Plastic Surgery, we can help you choose which surgical procedure will best address your concerns. Contact us today to learn more about the courses we offer.