What to Expect During Your Brow Lift Consultation

Many individuals who want to turn back the clock opt for a brow lift to achieve a much more youthful appearance.

If you’re one of them, a thorough brow lift consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial to determine if you are a great candidate for the surgery. Brow lift consultations also ensure you have a personalised plan to achieve your desired results. 

Here’s a quick look into what you can expect during a brow lift consultation.

Share Your Goals and Expectations

A brow lift consultation is the most suitable time to discuss your reasons for getting one. What specific changes or looks are you going for? Are droopy eyebrows your main concern? Is it deep forehead wrinkles?

Don’t hesitate to share reference photos of your desired look. Your surgeon will assess your goals and explain what realistic results you can achieve from a brow lift surgery. This will ensure you’ve a clear understanding of the potential outcomes.

Review Your Medical History and Lifestyle

Be prepared to discuss your medical history and lifestyle during the brow lift consultation. 

You must disclose current health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid issues). The reason is that these conditions may affect your suitability for surgery or require specific precautions. 

Inform your surgeon of any medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medication can increase the risk of bleeding, so it’s best you disclose this information with your surgeon.

It’s also a good time to mention any prior cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgeries you’ve undergone, as these details will inform your surgeon’s planning process.

Lifestyle habits also affect the healing process, apart from your medical history. If you’re a smoker and consume alcohol regularly, be upfront. 

Smoking hinders wound healing and can increase the risk of complications, so your surgeon may advise you to quit several weeks before and after your brow lift. While moderate alcohol intake should be all right, it’s best to discuss it openly with your surgeon.

Undergo a Physical Examination

During the consultation, your surgeon will also thoroughly examine and measure your face and brow area. 

They’ll carefully assess the following:

• Skin tone and elasticity
• Depth and location of wrinkles
• Brow position
• Muscle function

These factors inform your surgeon of the specific brow lift technique and the best plan to meet your desired goals.

Expect the surgeon to also take “before” photographs, as these will be a reference for both you and them to track progress and appreciate the final results. 

If you have any concerns about privacy, don’t hesitate to speak up—you may be able to request that your identity be obscured in the photos.

Explore Brow Lift Options and Techniques

Your surgeon will also cover the various available brow lift procedures. They will explain the key differences between the techniques:

• Endoscopic brow lift: Utilises smaller incisions hidden within the hairline and relies on specialised instruments and cameras.

• Traditional (coronal) brow lift: This procedure may leave a longer scar (typically concealed in the hair) but is sometimes necessary for more dramatic results.

Your surgeon will outline the pros and cons and where they will make the incisions. They will also recommend the technique they believe will deliver the best outcome based on your specific goals, anatomy, and overall health.

Expect the surgeon also to prime you on the anaesthesia, which will be used for long-term pain relief during the operation. Depending on the procedure’s complexity, options include local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. 

Understand Recovery and Potential Complications

Understanding the recovery process after a brow lift surgery is also crucial during the consultation. Your surgeon will explain the typical healing timeline, including what to expect regarding swelling and bruising and when you can return to normal activities. 

They will detail instructions on caring for incisions, managing discomfort, and minimising the risk of complications.

While brow lifts are generally safe procedures, being aware of potential risks (rare as they are) is essential. Your surgeon will openly discuss potential complications such as scarring, infection, numbness, and asymmetry.  

This transparency allows you to make an informed decision about whether the potential benefits of a brow lift align with the risks involved and if the procedure is right for you.

Evaluate Surgeon Qualifications and Experience

Choosing the right brow lift surgeon is key to getting the beautiful results you expect from a brow lift and ensuring you’re safe throughout the process. 

Do not hesitate to ask questions about your surgeon’s expertise and background. Here are some aspects to focus on:

• Board Certification: Ask if they’re a board-certified plastic surgeon. This is a sign they’ve had in-depth training and are experts in their field.

• Brow Lift Experience: Find out how many brow lift procedures they’ve done – ideally, you want someone who does them regularly. 

• Before & After Photos: Ask to see before and after photos of previous brow lift surgeries they’ve done. This informs the surgeon’s style and if their results match what you’re hoping for.

Remember, qualifications are only part of the outcome. You also want to feel confident in your decision to go with the surgeon. Choose someone who isn’t afraid of being honest about expectations. They should be able to provide you peace of mind with their expertise and abilities.

A comprehensive brow lift consultation helps you understand exactly what’s involved in the procedure, manage expectations, and achieve the desired results. 

Choose an experienced surgeon who knows your goals and is willing to clarify anything and everything about the procedure with you.

If you’re considering a brow lift in Sydney, book your consultation with Dr Jack Zoumaras today. His expertise and understanding of facial rejuvenation can help you explore if a brow lift is the right solution.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.