Brow Lift Sydney

Cosmetic Concerns Procedure Information Risks & Complications Procedure FAQs Procedure Pricing

A brow lift procedure corrects the shape and position of droopy eyebrows which can create an aged look, and contribute to excess skin in the upper eyelid.

A brow lift can:

Correct the shape and drooping of the brow – in men the brow runs along the bony ridge above the eye, while in women it peaks approximately 1cm above this bony rim.
Improve forehead wrinkles
Improve dropping of skin over the upper eyelid (contributed by the dropped brow)
Produce a refreshed, youthful appearance

Women and men seek brow lift surgery to:

Feel more refreshed and look more youthful
Feel confident
Correct drooping of skin in the upper eyelid that makes them look older
Improve forehead lines and wrinkles

The best candidates for brow lift surgery are men and women who:

Are physically and mentally healthy
Have realistic expectations

Brow lift surgery may not be suitable for men and women who:

Have multiple medical problems
Are on blood thinning medication
Have unrealistic expectations
Have multiple eye problems such as dry eyes, changing visual acuity.
Have already had upper blepharoplasty surgery removing significant amounts of skin

A browlift aims to produce a natural, elegant appearance to the brows.

Some patients chose to combine brow lift surgery with:

Upper and/or Lower Blepharoplasty
Face and Neck Lift
Facial fat grafting
Non-surgical treatments such as fillers whilst under anaesthetic.

For more information on other procedures please read the other sections of this website.

Dr Aggarwal

Dr Aggarwal is a well regarded, respected, highly skilled and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Graduating at the top of his class throughout his training, Dr Aggarwal has completed fellowship training at some of the world’s most prestigious reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery institutions in Canada and the USA. He continues to publish research is prestigious plastic surgery journals, and is actively involved in the training of future plastic surgeons.

What sets Dr Aggarwal apart from others is his personal, affable and warm nature. Not only does he pay attention to detail, to producing natural, beautiful results but he ensures that the patient’s journey is just as special as their outcome. Dr Aggarwal looks after patients at one of Sydney’s most prestigious public hospital campuses (POWH/SCH/RHW), and operates privately on Sydney’s North Shore. Dr Aggarwal has treated thousands of patients throughout Sydney and beyond who have achieved outstanding results under his care.

Procedure Snapshot

Anaesthetic: GA by accredited anaesthetist
Time: 2-3 hours
Duration of stay: Overnight stay
Hospital: Any of the hospitals where Dr Aggarwal works.

Medicare/Health fund rebate: There is no rebate for brow lift surgery which is considered to be a cosmetic procedure.
Recovery: You go home the day following surgery. You are required to use ice packs to minimise bruising and swelling. Most people can resume work within 2 weeks.
Results: A browlift can create swelling which goes away slowly which means the final result will not be noticeable for 3-6 months. It is important to remember that results can vary from person to person largely depending on their skin, tissue quality and age.

Cosmetic Concerns

I am concerned regarding the scars of a brow lift – will people know?

The art of a beautiful brow lift surgery is inconspicuous scars combined with a result that looks natural and beautiful without looking like you have had an operation.
The scar of a brow lift is generally placed in the hair line in the temporal area on the side of the head.
In some people, such as some males, it is possible to hide the scars in the wrinkles of the forehead. In these cases, while in the short term the external scar may be visible, long term the scar heals very well. This is particularly good for a male who may be bald where a scar in the temporal area may be very visible due to lack of hair.

I have heard about endoscopic browlift – does Dr Aggarwal offer this?

In general brow lift can be performed as an open or endoscopic (key hole) procedure.
While endoscopic surgery is generally preferred for most things, endoscopic brow lift do not have great longevity of results meaning that the drooping of the brow that it was designed to correct, often recurs. The expensive equipment also limits the hospitals where it can be offered and the length of surgery often makes this procedure also much more expensive.
Dr Aggarwal for these reasons offers a limited open brow lift. This still aims to reduce the external scars, but offers a more robust long term solution.

I am worried a brow lift will give me a surprised look

The aim of brow lift, and any facial surgery, is to produce a natural appearance.
A surprised look can occur in a poorly planned brow lift where the entire brow is lifted higher, producing a very artificial appearance.
At Mode, Dr Aggarwal is careful to elevate only the outer (or lateral) part of the brow, leaving the inner brow closer to the centre of the forehead (the medial brow) untouched. Furthermore Dr Aggarwal pays close attention to the gender specificity of the brow – in males an over elevated brow can be feminising and they often have much lower brows than females. In females Dr Aggarwal will lift the lateral brow higher to achieve a natural peak in the brow which is aesthetically pleasing.

Procedure Information

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia given by an accredited anaesthetist in a fully accredited and licensed facility. The procedure takes two to three hours and patients often stay overnight.

Incisions

Dr Aggarwal will mark you before your procedure – usually an incision in the temporal area will be marked as well as the location of nerves in this area that supply sensation to the scalp, which will be protected.
A small amount of skin will be excised in the temporal scalp area which will also be marked
In some people an incision is made in the creases of the forehead (usually males)

The Procedure

Local anaesthetic is carefully injected just under the skin.
The skin is incised, the area of sensory nerves to the scalp is protected, and tunnels created to the outer aspect of the brow.
Deeper connections of the skin and soft tissue to the underlying bone and temporal muscle are released
The shape of the eyebrow is confirmed before tunnels are created in the forehead bone to help support the elevated tissues and shape required of the brow.
The skin is then closed
You may be wrapped up for the first night after surgery, to help control the swelling and bruising.

After your brow lift surgery

Dr Aggarwal will place ointment over the incisions and wrap you up for the first night
The next morning the dressings will be taken down to inspect the incisions
You must keep the incisions dry for 48 hours after which you can shower and gently pat the wounds dry.
You will be instructed to apply an antibiotic ointment over the incisions three times a day.
You will be also be instructed to use frequent ice packs over the forehead and eyes as this significantly reduces bleeding and bruising post-surgery.
It is also a good idea to keep your head elevated when you sleep at least for the first 2-4 nights.
You will be given a script for antibiotics by Dr Aggarwal which you must continue for 1 week. You will also be given appropriate pain relief medications.
While most sedentary activities can be resumed when you go home, you must lay low and not exert yourself. You should refrain from any activity that raises your blood pressure for the first 72 hours. Most people are able to return to normal work at 1-2 weeks.
Dr Aggarwal will see regularly after your discharge from hospital.

Risks & Complications

Every surgery carries risks, and therefore one must consider if risks outweigh the benefits for your own personal situation. If they do then the surgery may be well worth it. Dr Aggarwal will discuss the pros and cons of surgery with you during your consultation.

General Complications

Risks of anaesthetic – there are general risks of going under an anaesthetic such as a mild stress on the heart and lungs, risk of reaction to anaesthetic drugs and risk of blotting in the legs. These risks are generally low in patients who are otherwise fit and healthy.
Bleeding (1-2%) – any bleeding is controlled during surgery however unexpected bleeding can occur in the immediate postoperative period. If this occurs it will necessitate a return to theatre to control the bleeding. It is more common to get bruising in the area of surgery which can manifest as a black eye as the bruising tracks with gravity from the scalp and forehead to around the eye.
Infection (<1%) – this is very rare. However you are given antibiotics during induction (when you are going to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics after your surgery to keep this risk to a minimum.

Specific Complications

Asymmetrical scars – There can be a difference in how each eyebrow behaves to surgery and skin tension, and can produce an asymmetry to the scars. However in brow lift surgery the aim is to get scars and eyebrow shape and position as symmetric as possible.
Hypertrophic or poor scars – How one’s body behaves to scarring is individual and largely genetic. Some types of skin are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring, and some individuals and families are more prone to this. We will routinely advise you on how to improve the quality of scars over time. You should also discuss any history of abnormal scarring with Dr Aggarwal preoperatively. Sometimes some hair loss can occur around the scar in the temporal area.
Recurrence of brow ptosis – some degree of relaxation of tension occurs in the first few weeks. However due to gravity brow ptosis can recur, although this is more common in endoscopic brow lifts.

Procedure FAQs

Do I need a referral for a brow lift?

It is not necessary to obtain a referral for a brow lift.
If you do obtain a referral it is possible to claim a Medicare rebate of approximately $73 for the initial consultation
There are no Medicare or health fund rebates for a brow lift procedure, however, as it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure.
If you are combining this surgery with other procedures that may carry an item number you are best to obtain a referral. This is needed to claim rebates for the procedures that are covered by Medicare and health funds.

Where can I see Dr Aggarwal?

You can see us at our main practice at Gordon, or at our other locations at Hornsby, Hunters Hill or Camperdown.
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to find out more information about these locations.

Where will I have my operation?

Any of the hospitals where Dr Aggarwal works – generally the SAN Day Surgery Hornsby, or Hunters Hill Private hospitals.

What can I do to prepare for surgery?

Cease fish oil, and other supplements such as Ginkgo, Ginseng.
Please discuss with Dr Aggarwal if you are on blood thinning medications as to when you should stop and recommence those.
Stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

Will I be able to exercise after surgery?

You must not do any activity that raises your blood pressure for 72 hours
Most people are able to resume most activities at 1-2 weeks.

Will I need special medications after surgery?

Dr Aggarwal will provide you with the necessary scripts for antibiotics and pain relief.

Do I need to wear any special garments?

No
However you will be required to use regular ice packs over the forehead and eyes for the first 48 hours.

Will I need further surgery?

Can I travel in an airplane after surgery?

Yes
However we always encourage patients not to be away overseas shortly after having a procedure, so that we can closely follow your recovery and address any concerns that may arise.

When will I be able to swim after a brow lift?

You can swim in a pool or beach after 2 weeks once all wounds have healed.

When will I be able to drive after a brow lift?

It is best to not drive for at least 48 hours after brow lift surgery as the swelling initially may interfere with your vision.

Do you offer local anaesthetic or sedation for brow lift?

Brow lift is performed under General Anaesthetic.

Are there any alternatives to brow lift?

Unless brow position is very low (or droopy – called brow ptosis), a brow lift can be avoided
Brow ptosis results in extra skin of the upper eyelids
An upper blepharoplasty alone can sometimes be sufficient
- However if there is significant brow ptosis and you are using your forehead muscles to compensate, those muscles can relax after upper blepharoplasty surgery and drop the brow even more, resulting in an odd appearance
- Dr Aggarwal will guide you as to whether a brow lift is needed or not.

Procedure Pricing

A quote for this procedure will be provided to you after a consultation with Dr. Aggarwal. You can also call or email our office for our current indicative pricing.
This fee is all inclusive, which includes
- Surgical fees
- Hospital theatre fees
- Anaesthetist fees
- Follow up
Please note that the above prices do not include
- Preoperative consultation fees
- Other procedures such as upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or other facial cosmetic procedures.

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