Have you noticed more people telling you that you look tired lately? Or maybe they’ve been asking you if you’re upset—either sad, angry, or worried—when you feel fine? These comments may not have anything to do with your emotions, so you might be confused as to why others are reading your facial cues incorrectly.
Unfortunately, while you might feel totally normal, your face may be telling a different story. All those questions about your mood could actually be a sign that you’re starting to look older. Aging causes our facial structures to sag and weaken, wrinkle and furrow. The aging process can cause changes in a person’s resting facial expression, in addition to creating all the other signs of aging we see in the mirror.
The normal aging process often creates wrinkles and sagging in active areas of the face where we normally express our emotions. Those “frown lines” got their name for a reason! A drooping forehead can create hooding over the eyes and make a person look sleepy or disinterested.
So what can you do to stop all the questions about how you’re sleeping at night or what’s bugging you? An endoscopic brow lift might be just what you need.
What is an Endoscopic Brow Lift?
A brow lift is just what it sounds like—it’s a plastic surgery that lifts the brows into a more youthful position. Gravity, collagen loss, and other normal aging processes make the tissues in the forehead and brow weaken, droop, and sag over time. By lifting the brows, a surgeon can open up the eyes and create a more vibrant, young look.
While brow lifts (also known as forehead lifts) have been around for a long time, the endoscopic brow lift is a modern technique that minimizes risks and complications while still providing great results. Older brow lift techniques involve large incisions extending across the forehead, sometimes leading to infection, scarring, and long-term numbness.
An endoscopic approach uses a tiny camera attached to a flexible tube to allow the surgeon visibility during the procedure. This means that smaller incisions can be made, reducing risks and recovery time. The results look very natural and most patients are extremely pleased with the changes in their appearance and expression. They look and feel younger and more energetic, giving them enhanced confidence in all social situations.
Good Candidates for Minimally-Invasive Plastic Surgery
Endoscopic forehead lifts are best for patients who have just begun to notice signs of aging or those who have experienced changes in their expression related to forehead aging. The results from minimally-invasive plastic surgery are subtle but noticeable, meaning that people with more advanced aging may not see optimal results and may want to consider another procedure for satisfactory results.
As with all elective procedures, patients should be in good health and must have realistic expectations. Both men and women can benefit from an endoscopic brow lift. Some patients may be better served by an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) , rather than a forehead lift, which will be determined during the initial consultation.
Getting Back to Normal After an Endoscopic Forehead Lift
One of the benefits of an endoscopic forehead lift is the shorter recovery time it offers as compared with traditional brow lift techniques. Patients can be back to their busy schedules quickly, with minimal downtime.
Most patients should plan to take a week or two off from work and other activities to rest and recover. Vigorous exercise and other strenuous activities will need to be postponed for several more weeks.
Look Refreshed and Make a Great Impression
You only get one chance to make a great first impression and if people around you are misreading your emotions due to changes in your resting facial expressions, you may be missing out on some great opportunities and friendships.
By choosing an endoscopic forehead lift to create a more youthful and vibrant expression, you won’t have to worry about looking differently on the outside than you feel on the inside. You’ll look refreshed and rested, and unless you decide to frown on purpose, no one will think that you’re angry with them.
Keep in mind that you may want to consider pairing other treatments with an endoscopic brow lift for optimal results. If you want to minimize those frown line or horizontal forehead wrinkles, you may need to combine a brow lift with regular Botox treatments. Or, if you have large under-eye bags, a lower blepharoplasty combined with a forehead lift might be necessary to brighten your expression and turn back time.
Talk to your plastic surgeon about all your goals. They’ll help you decide on the best treatment plan for your aesthetic preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
Find a Brow Lift Expert
If you think an endoscopic forehead lift might be a good option for you, then you’ll want to find a plastic surgeon you can trust and schedule a consultation. For facial procedures, it is always best to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who exclusively performs procedures involving the head and neck.
Dr. Edward Buckingham is an endoscopic forehead lift expert who is known for his experience and skill in performing minimally-invasive surgery. He is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Buckingham Center in Austin, TX. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Buckingham, call 512.401.2500 today!