What is a Browlift?
A Browlift, also called a forehead lift, surgically corrects drooping eyebrows and softens worried or angry expressions that result from frown lines. During the procedure, commonly performed on men and women between the ages of 40 and 60, the surgeon elevates the skin and underlying tissues of the upper face, and may remove part of the muscle that causes frown lines between the brows. The forehead is then pulled tight and secured in a new, elevated position. The result is a more youthful, relaxed, and refreshed appearance.

Am I a Browlift candidate?
If you have sagging eyebrows that create a tired or sad appearance, excess upper eyelid skin, deep horizontal creases across your forehead, or frown lines or furrows between your eyebrows, you may be a good brow lift candidate. To get a glimpse of the potential results, you can try a simple test on your own. Place your fingertips at the outer edges of your eyebrows and gently raise the skin upwards. This will give you a good indication of what the procedure might do for your appearance. Of course the best way to determine if an endoscopic Browlift is right for you is by a thorough consultation with your plastic or facial plastic surgeon.

How is an endoscopic browlift performed?
The endoscopic Browlift technique uses a small, pencil-like camera device (called an endoscope) connected to a television monitor. The endoscope is inserted into several small, 1 to 1.5 inch incisions placed just behind the hairline, providing the surgeon with a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. The surgeon then inserts another instrument through one of the small incisions to lift the skin and remove or alter muscle, if necessary. During an endoscopic procedure, the eyebrows can be lifted and secured into their desired height through the use of a new, sutureless mechanism called the ENDOTINE™ Forehead fixation device.

A Browlift procedure can also be performed using a traditional “open” method, where an incision is made slightly behind or at the natural hairline, beginning above the ears and continuing toward the top of the head. The surgeon works through the incision to secure tissue and modify or remove excess skin and parts of the muscle that cause wrinkling and frown lines. The incision is closed with stitches or staples.

How long is the procedure?
A Browlift procedure can take typically between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on a number of factors.

What side effects can I expect from surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you will experience some temporary swelling and bruising in your eyebrow and forehead areas, which may last for approximately 10 days. The first night, it’s important to rest with your head elevated. You can use a cold compress to help control swelling. You may also experience mild discomfort at the surgical site, which is typically controlled with doctor-prescribed oral medications. Head dressings and drain tubes (if used) are removed within a few days after surgery. You can usually take a shower and wash your hair a few days after that. When healing begins, you may experience numbness and itching at the incision sites. Most patients recover from traditional Browlift surgery in about 2 weeks. Recovery time can be even faster with endoscopic Browlift surgery. At this point, the ability to feel the ENDOTINE Forehead device under the skin and some increased sensitivity in the area may remain until the bioabsorbable material goes away.

How long will my Browlift last?
The length of time your Browlift lasts will vary. A number of factors, including heredity and lifestyle, all play a role in your long-term results. Although you will appear younger, remember that you are still continuing to age. In the future, you may also want to make additional surgical improvements.

What are the surgical risks?
Each year, thousands of men and women undergo endoscopic Browlift procedures and experience no complications. Although problems are rare and usually minor, it’s best to discuss possible complications with your surgeon. And, remember that you can help minimize risks by following the advice and instructions you receive from your health care professional, both before and after surgery.

What other fixation alternatives do I have?
All other fixation alternatives require the use of either a suture or a staple to grasp the forehead tissue. These are then anchored to the bone using either a screw or a tunnel which is drilled into the bone. Sutures and screws provide just a single point of contact which may tear through tissue and lead to relapse of the brow. Metal screws also protrude through the skin and require an office visit 7 to 10 days after surgery to have them removed. These can also cause hair loss around the site of implantation.

What is the advantage of the ENDOTINE over the others?
The ENDOTINE does not require sutures, screws or staples. It is designed to grasp the tissue at multiple points. This reduces concentrations of stress that can damage the tissue and cause re-descent of the brow. Also, since it does not protrude through the skin, there is a lower chance of experiencing hair loss. Finally, because it is made of an absorbable material, there is no need to have it removed.

Will I be able to see or feel the device? For how long?
The ENDOTINE is quite thin and is usually placed beneath the hair bearing scalp. As such, it is unlikely that it will be visible. It is probable that you will be able to feel the device under the skin if you press hard enough since scalp is relatively thin, but typically, this is not overly bothersome. Once the device absorbs, the ability to feel the device should cease. This should last several months to a year.

When the device goes away, will my brow start to sag?
By the time the device has gone away, the brow tissue will be fully healed and securely re-attached to the bone.

Is there a doctor in my area who uses this device?
Please feel free to contact your Coapt Customer Service Representative to ask about physicians in your area. Our toll free telephone number is 1.800.963.7670

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