Are you considering a brow lift but concerned about going under general anesthesia? The thought of being completely unconscious during surgery can be daunting for many patients.
If you’re wondering whether you can achieve a rejuvenated, youthful brow without the risks and recovery time associated with general anesthesia, you’re not alone.
The good news is that modern surgical techniques have made brow lift surgery under local anesthesia a viable option.
Understanding Brow Lift Under Local Anesthesia
Depending on the type of brow lift procedure, you could receive either local anesthesia to numb the area of your forehead where your provider will perform the procedure or general anesthesia that puts you to sleep. When performed under local anesthesia, the surgical area is numbed while you remain conscious or lightly sedated. This approach has gained popularity among patients seeking facial rejuvenation with reduced risks and faster recovery times.
Patients remain perfectly comfortable and take an oral sedative to stay comfortable during the procedure. While most patients are only partially awake during a local anesthesia brow lift, some may feel some moderate pressure, but not pain.
Benefits of Local Anesthesia for Brow Lift
Faster Recovery Time
Local anesthesia can shorten recovery time, may contribute to less severe side effects, reduces or eliminates risks of anesthesia, and is often preferred for higher risk patients. With an awake operation, patients can anticipate a substantially faster recovery time from the procedure because one of the more exacerbating factors for recovery time is the recovery from the anesthetic experience. General anesthesia can be very taxing and stressful on the system.
Reduced Complications
Using local anesthetic during surgery rather than general anesthesia can result in less scarring after the procedure, in addition to reduced bruising and swelling because applying local anesthetic results in reduced bleeding. Due to the fact that local anesthetic puts less strain on the body, it also leads to a less painful recovery time.
Cost-Effective Option
Unlike the endoscopic browlift or the coronal lift, the subcutaneous temporal browlift procedure can be more feasibly performed as an outpatient office-based procedure without the need for expensive equipment or intravenous anesthesia. Reducing such costs is advantageous for many patients.
What to expect during a brow lift procedure?
During a brow lift under local anesthesia, Our Doctors will first administer local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. Brow lift surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. Patients often receive oral sedation to help them relax during the procedure.
The surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously. Throughout the procedure, you’ll be monitored closely to ensure your comfort and safety.
What will be the Recovery and Results
Patients typically experience very little pain after a brow lift, but it is common to feel slight discomfort as well as a sensation of tightness throughout the forehead. Swelling and bruising are most common during the first 10 days or so after surgery, and are mostly resolved after about 2 weeks.
The typical patient who undergoes endoscopic browlift has bruising and swelling forehead/eyes that peaks around day 3 after surgery. This is usually resolved by 2 weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, with full recovery achieved within a month.
What are the Safety Considerations?
While brow lifts under local anesthesia are generally safe, it’s crucial to choose experienced surgeons who specialize in this technique. Smoking did not present a risk in this series, but we would caution against wide undermining and excessive tension in these patients. It is important to recognize the limitations of this technique; as with all aesthetic procedures, appropriate patient selection will lead to the best outcome. More aggressive techniques, such as coronal or endoscopic lifts, should be utilized when indicated.
Is Local Anesthesia Right for You?
Not every patient or every type of brow lift is suitable for local anesthesia. The decision depends on several factors including the extent of correction needed, your medical history, and personal preferences. During your consultation, Our Doctors will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate approach for achieving your aesthetic goals.
Take the Next Step
Ready to explore your brow lift options? Don’t let concerns about general anesthesia hold you back from achieving the refreshed, youthful appearance you desire. At NWFace, Our Doctors specialize in performing brow lifts under local anesthesia, offering you a safer, more comfortable surgical experience with faster recovery times.
Schedule your consultation today at to discover how a brow lift under local anesthesia can help you achieve natural-looking results without the risks associated with general anesthesia. Contact NWFace now at (425) 386-3846 to learn more about this innovative approach to facial rejuvenation and take the first step toward a more confident, refreshed you.
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