Brow ptosis is due to a variety of factors. Our forehead and brows can change appearance over time due to age, sun damage, and genetics. This can cause our brows to lower and drop. Lowered eyebrows can give us frown lines and forehead lines.
Eyebrow ptosis usually occurs as a result of weak forehead muscles. This happens with age and can cause the eyelids to lower too. If the eyebrow and forehead become looser it pushes the eyelid skin down. This often presents as ptosis of the eye and an eyebrow lift surgery may be recommended to repair both concerns.
Facial Surgery
What Is Brow Ptosis?
Brow ptosis is a medical condition in which the brow falls from its normal, anatomical position.
This can be a cosmetic concern or it can be a medical concern. When the muscles in the forehead push down on the eyelid, it can affect a person’s vision. This then becomes a medical concern.
Brow Ptosis Causes
Eyebrow dropping can be caused from a variety of different reasons:
Aging
Aging is by far the most common cause of dropping eyebrows. It is a combination of thinning skin, weak muscles and gravity that causes the brows to sit lower. Usually, the outer edge of the eyebrow is the first to lower – followed by the medial brow.
Environmental Conditions
Excess skin is often a byproduct of sun damage, which weakens the skin and underlying muscles. If you spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate sun protection, you are more likely to develop excess skin and eyebrow ptosis.
Genetics
Brow ptosis can be genetic too. If members of your family have eyebrow ptosis, it may be hereditary, meaning you’re likely to get it too. Or you may have congenital brow ptosis, which means that your eyebrows sitting lower has been present from birth.
Trauma
An injury to your forehead can also cause lowered eyebrows. This could be from a car accident, a fall or any other type of trauma. If the muscles or nerves on your forehead are damaged, it can result in your brows sitting lower.
Muscle Overuse
If you often frown or raise your eyebrows, it can weaken the muscles in your forehead over time.
Paralytic Conditions
There are a number of conditions that can cause paralysis of the muscles in your forehead. If you have had a stroke, Bell’s palsy or another type of paralysis, it can result in eyebrow ptosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of brow ptosis may include:
- Low eyebrows that appear like they’ve “fallen” forward and down
- Deep set frown lines that don’t go away when resting
- Uneven eyebrows / asymmetrical eyebrows – One brow hangs lower than the other brow
- Excess eyelid skin as a result of the eyebrows pushing the eyelids down
Prevention
If you only have mild ptosis and want to take precautions, there are a few things you can do:
- Exercise your brow muscles – Try to raise your eyebrows as high as possible and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this 10 times, 3 times a day.
- Use sunscreen – This will help to prevent sun damage which can contribute to skin laxity.
- Avoid frowning too much – Overusing the muscles in your brow can lead to muscle laxity.
- Consider anti-aging treatments – These temporarily relax the muscles in your forehead, which can help to raise the brow.
- Supplement with collagen – This will help to keep your elastic.
The good news is that a heavy brow is treatable. A number of different eyebrow treatment options are available, from non-surgical remedies to plastic surgery.
Brow Ptosis Treatments
There are a few options to fix eyebrow ptosis on the Gold Coast. If it’s mild, lifestyle changes and preventative methods may help. For moderate ptosis, anti-aging treatments may be used to temporarily relax the forehead muscles and raise the brows. If the ptosis is severe, surgery may be necessary to lift the brow to its previous anatomical position.
What Is an Eyebrow Lift?
A surgical brow lift or eyebrow surgery is a procedure to raise eyebrows. It can be done by:
- Removing excess skin
- Repositioning the brow
- Lifting muscles in the forehead
The type of brow lift surgery you have will depend on your individual case, as well as your surgeon’s preference and expertise. The most common types of brow lifts in Australia are the endoscopic brow lift and the open brow lift.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
An endoscopic brow lift is a less invasive procedure when compared to the open brow lift, meaning that it involves smaller incisions and results in less scarring than other types of brow lifts. In this type of surgery, an endoscope (a small camera) is inserted through tiny incisions in the hairline. Dr Doyle uses the endoscope to guide him as he repositions the brow muscles and removes excess skin. Using this method, brow lift scars are generally well hidden.
Open Brow Lift
An open brow lift is a more traditional type of surgery, in which an incision is made along the hairline. Through this incision, the surgeon will be able to access the muscles and skin in the forehead, which they will then be able to reposition or remove, as required.
Either procedure may be more suitable for you, depending on your individual case. Dr Doyle will be able to advise you on which type of brow lift is best recommended for you.
Benefits of a Brow Lift
Brow lift surgery has a number of benefits, including:
- Repositioning the brow area
- Lifting eyelid skin
- Reduce a heavy brow ridge
- Reducing deep forehead lines
- Improving vision by opening up skin in the eye area
If you are considering brow lift surgery, it is important to consult with an experienced facial specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Doyle. He will be able to assess your individual case and recommend the best course of treatment.
Surgical Brow Lift vs. Non-Surgical Brow Lift
There are a number of different ways to lift brows, including surgery and non-surgical treatments. So, which option is the best for you?
A surgical brow lift offers a more permanent solution with results that can last for years. However, it is a more invasive procedure than non-surgical options. It also requires a period of recovery, during which you may experience some swelling and bruising.
A non-surgical brow lift, on the other hand, is a less invasive way to lift brows. The results from this treatment are not considered permanent, but can last for several months. There is also generally, no recovery period required after the treatment.
Cost and longevity are important considerations when comparing the two. Brow lifting muscle relaxant treatments are generally recommended every 3 months, which can become a costly treatment. If you’re after a more futuristic option to eyebrow lifting, an eyebrow lift may be a more suitable option.
Brow Lift Surgery: What To Expect
If you are after lifted brows and a forehead lift, a brow lift may be a suitable option.
Procedure
Brow lift surgery is always performed under general anaesthetic and generally takes 1 – 2 hours.
An endoscopic brow lift is Dr Doyle’s preferred treatment for eyebrow lift surgery techniques. It involves using an endoscope to lift the brow and underlying tissues and muscles in the forehead. This process is done from up to five different angles to return the brow to a higher position.
Recovery
Most patients can return home on the day of the procedure. You will need to take approximately one week off work to recover. Bruising and swelling are usually minimal with this type of brow lift.
Post-Operative Instructions
You should avoid hot showers, saunas or strenuous exercise for at least two weeks after your surgery. It is also important to sleep with your head elevated for the first week to reduce swelling.
Dr Doyle will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions. These will usually involve washing the incisions with soap and water and applying an antibiotic ointment.
You should see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your brows within a few weeks.
FAQ
What Is a Non Surgical Brow Lift?
A non-surgical brow lift is a less invasive procedure that can be used to lift brows. It involves muscle relaxant treatments to relax and raise the eyebrow muscles. Results are not permanent, but they can last for several months.
What Is Brow Lift Surgery?
Brow lift surgery is surgical procedure that can be used to lift the brows. It involves making incisions in the hairline and then lifting the brow position. Results from this type of surgery are considered permanent, but of course, the brows may continue to lower again over time.
How to Fix Uneven Eyebrows?
Uneven eyebrows can be due to a number of reasons including muscle imbalance, genetics or previous injury. If the problem is due to muscle imbalance, muscle relaxant treatments may help to correct the issue. If the problem is due to genetics or previous injury, brow lift surgery may be recommended.
How to Get Rid of Forehead Lines?
There are a number of different ways to reduce forehead lines, including anti-aging treatments, laser resurfacing and brow lift surgery. The best course of treatment will depend on the severity of the lines.
How to Get Rid of Frown Lines?
A frown line is a line that forms between the eyebrows. They can be treated with a number of different methods including muscle relaxant treatments, laser resurfacing and brow lift surgery.
Next Steps – Book a Consultation with Dr Doyle
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery for eyebrows, contact Dr Doyle’s Gold Coast Clinic for a consultation. He will assess your individual case and recommend the best treatment plan. To book an appointment, call 5598 0988 or submit a confidential enquiry form.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience. He specialises in face lift surgery in Gold Coast and Brisbane, and also offers a range of body and breast procedures.
Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Doctor and surgeon. He has completed all required training to be a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is driven by an committed to providing excellent standards of care.
NEXT STEPS
Do Your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn about the Risks and Complications of Surgery
- Download our Plastic Surgery Guides
- Browse Dr Doyle’s YouTube Channel
What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative for support and discussion regarding your choices
- Take notes and read all provided information thoroughly
- Read about what to expect in your Initial Surgery Consultation
Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
- Get a Referral from your GP or specialist – this is required to book a consultation with Dr. Doyle.
- Email us or call on 07 5598 0988 to arrange your consultation appointment.
- Pay your $300 Consultation Fee in advance to secure your consultation.
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 07 5598 0988 during Clinic Hours.
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*DISCLAIMER: All information on Dr Mark Doyle website is general and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are stock images used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Dr. Mark Doyle AHPRA Registration: Dr Mark Doyle MED0001375519 Specialist Plastic Surgery – MBBS FRACS FRCS
