Brow Lift Scars - What to Expect
Facial plastic surgery can dramatically minimize the signs of aging, making these procedures more popular than ever among patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. However, one major concern that patients have is the appearance of scarring after plastic surgery.
Patients that undergo the brow lift procedure to smooth forehead creases and lift drooping brows are relieved to learn that any scarring is discreetly located within the hairline. That said, there are still other measures patients can take to reduce the appearance of post-surgical scarring.
At Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery in Buffalo, NY, Dr. David Sherris explains to patients where any scars may be located after surgery, as well as what they can do to prevent scars during their recovery period.
Endoscopic Brow Lift Scars
Dr. Sherris typically performs the endoscopic brow lift technique on forehead lift patients. This approach involves the use of a series of small incisions that are placed within the hairline. Because each incision is so small, it heals nicely and is barely noticeable. In addition, the hair hides any post-surgical scarring.
Traditional Brow Lift Scars
The traditional brow lift technique is less frequently performed. This approach involves the use of a single, long incision, which is also placed within the hairline. Because of the use of a larger incision, scarring may be more noticeable. However, since the incision is placed within the hairline, it also has the benefit of remaining obscured by the hair.
Tips to Reduce the Appearance of Scarring
Even though brow lift incisions are discreetly located within the hairline, there are factors that can cause poor wound healing or make scars more noticeable after surgery. We recommend that all of our facial plastic surgery patients follow our aftercare instructions to limit the risk of complications after surgery and minimize the appearance of post-surgical scarring.
- Do not smoke: If you smoke, you will be advised to quit smoking for several weeks before surgery, and continue to not smoke for several weeks after surgery. Smoking limits the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the healing wound. Smoking before or after surgery can delay healing of the incisions, causing any scarring to be more noticeable.
- Prevent infection: If the incision site becomes infected, it can cause slower wound healing and worsen the appearance of scars. To reduce the risk of infection, avoid touching the incision site and keep the incision site clean.
- Avoid sun exposure: Sun exposure after plastic surgery can increase swelling and cause any healing scars to darken in appearance. To allow the scars to heal and blend in with the surrounding skin as much as possible, avoid sun exposure for several weeks after surgery or wear a hat when you are outside during your healing period.
- Apply scar reduction cream: Once the incisions have closed and the risk of infection has passed, patients can use scar reduction cream on the treatment site. However, it may be more difficult to precisely apply the cream to brow lift scars since they are located within the hairline.
To find out if you are a good candidate for brow lift surgery, contact Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery today.
