Brow ptosis, also known as sagging eyebrows, can occur for a number of reasons. For patients dealing with facial paralysis and/or Bell’s palsy, brow ptosis can occur due to facial nerve damage. In these instances, plastic surgery can be used to treat brow ptosis.
A standard (or “open”) brow lift is an invasive surgical procedure. It requires stitches, bandaging, and a few days to recover. The surgery can also cause bruising and swelling.
For today’s facial paralysis and Bell’s palsy patients, a less invasive alternative to a standard brow lift is available: an endoscopic brow lift. The results of this type of brow lift for facial paralysis replicate those of an open brow lift. In addition, an endoscopic brow lift can cause less scarring than other brow ptosis procedures.
Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure: Here’s What You Need to Know
An endoscopic brow lift is most commonly known as a “less invasive.” But, this type of brow lift is also sometimes called a “keyhole surgery,” since it involves the use of an endoscope that has a small camera on the end of a wire-like tube and a magnifier.
Endoscopic brow lift surgery is performed under anesthesia by a qualified plastic surgeon who has been trained in using an endoscope. The image that the endoscope camera obtains is sent to a screen that the surgeon and their team can see. Then, the surgery can be carried out below the skin with small incisions needed.
What Happens During an Endoscopic Brow Lift for Facial Paralysis Surgery?
During an endoscopic brow lift procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions hidden beneath a patient’s hairline. After the surgeon makes an incision above the patient’s temple, he or she inserts an endoscope. From here, the surgeon gently elevates the patient’s brow tissue.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure?
Endoscopic brow lift surgery can typically be completed in about one hour. A portion of the procedure time will be used to examine the treatment area and plan exactly what is to be done. Once this assessment is complete, incisions are made below the eyebrows, muscles can be loosened or removed (to reduce further sagging), and tissue and skin are pulled upward and held tightly before being stitched up.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from an Endoscopic Brow Lift?
Following an endoscopic brow lift, patients can experience swelling and bruising. Unfortunately, these side effects may be unavoidable, but they only last three to seven days after surgery.
On the other hand, the results of an endoscopic brow lift procedure can last up to 10 years. For someone with facial paralysis, the procedure can make a huge difference to their quality of life.
Is an Endoscopic Bell’s Palsy Brow Lift Safe and Effective?
An endoscopic brow lift can improve the appearance of the brow in patients with Bell’s palsy.
In one study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of an endoscopic surgery to correct sagging eyebrows in patients dealing with full or partial facial paralysis. They found that endoscopic surgery helped patients improve their brow position. Also, researchers indicated that patients did not experience any major complications after surgery.
Comparatively, a study published in 2013 showed that there are many risks associated with both endoscopic and open brow lift procedures. However, study researchers noted that additional assessments are needed to determine if endoscopic brow lift procedure is safer than an open surgery, or vice versa.
When it comes to endoscopic brow lift procedures for Bell’s palsy conditions, it is beneficial to partner with a facial paralysis expert like Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles. Dr. Azizzadeh is globally recognized for his facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery knowledge and insights. He can conduct a patient evaluation to assess the severity of a patient’s facial paralysis symptoms. Next, Dr. Azizzadeh can determine if an endoscopic brow lift surgery or other treatment options can help his patient alleviate these symptoms.
Learn How a Brow Lift Helped Mary Jo Buttafuoco
Explore Endoscopic Bell’s Palsy Brow Lift Treatment Options
Dr. Azizzadeh is available to meet with patients who have been dealing with Bell’s palsy conditions for eight months or longer. He offers in-person and virtual consultations to help patients find the best ways to treat their facial paralysis symptoms. And, if Dr. Azizzadeh believes his patient can benefit from an endoscopic brow lift, he can educate this individual about all aspects of treatment.
To learn more about endoscopic Bell’s palsy brow lift surgery or request a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at (310) 657-2203.
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