Cicatrix Optima of Windsor ON | Brow Lift Complications

Cosmetic Surgery>>Face >> Brow Lift

CICATRIX * OPTIMA 1720 HOWARD AVE, SUITE 364 WINDSOR, ON N8X 5A6 TEL/FAX: 519.971 0971

Possible Complications

Haematoma - Abnormal collection of blood under the forehead skin: You should expect a small amount of bleeding from your incision line during the first 24 to 36 hours after your surgery. However, haematoma in brow lift procedures is an uncommon complication.

Any type of surgery may result in excessive bleeding in the operated area. This may be due to a temporary increase in blood pressure, for example due to coughing. It can also occur from the effects of medication like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. Bleeding is usually manifested by acute swelling of the area, discolouration of the skin, pain and a feeling of tension. External compression of the wound usually stops it. In rare cases, if it continues, we may have to stop it after reopening the incision. Massive bleeding may require hospitalization and transfusion.

If the accumulation of blood is small, it may be allowed to absorb by itself or aspiration may be indicated as with a seroma (see below). However, if it is large, formal drainage in an operating room may be necessary.

Post operative swelling: Some swelling after your operation is normal. Time and elevation of the head are the two most important factors in reducing swelling. Ice may also be carefully used to decrease swelling.

Bruising: If you bruise easily, discolouration may remain for several weeks after surgery. You should advise us of any past history of bleeding disorder. In rare cases, discolouration may be permanent.

Nerve injury: In general, nerve injuries following brow lifts are rare. With open brow lifts, numbness is not truly a complication but instead is an anticipated byproduct of the operation. It occurs in the area between the incisions and on the crown of the head. Sensation usually returns within 6 to 8 months but in rare instances can be permanent. In endoscopic brow lifts, numbness is a rare complication due to the decreased length of the incisions.

Injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve (that nerve which controls the main forehead muscle responsible for brow elevation) is rare, with permanent damage occurring in fewer than 1% of cases.

Baldness (Alopecia): This is an uncommon complication which can occur around the incision sites from injury to the hair follicles. When making the incision, we always try and follow the angle of the hair follicles so as to minimize the chance of follicular destruction.

Once the scar has matured, this area can be excised if necessary.

Unsightly scarring: This is a very rare complication in brow lift.

Skin slough - death (necrosis) of tissue resulting in delayed healing: When blood circulation is inadequate to bring sufficient oxygen to the tissues, some of the tissue furthest away from the blood supply may be lost. The skin will become discoloured and form a dark dry crust which will eventually separate off. The underlying normal tissues heal by themselves. This may leave a wide scar. Skin necrosis is not infrequent in patients who smoke but it is uncommon in non-smokers. Other causes of skin slough include infection and haematoma. Significant necrosis may necessitate further operative procedures to remove the unhealthy skin and revise the scar in the future. Occasionally if nature does not correct the problem a skin graft may be necessary.

Fluid collection (seroma): This is a collection of serum in small pockets beneath the skin, in most cases in the cheeks. Generally, the seroma will spontaneously resorb. Occasionally, needle aspiration is necessary.

Contour irregularities: If surgical correction of abnormal forehead muscles is uneven, this may become visible after the swelling subsides.

Infection: Infection following a brow lift is rare. The incidence is less than 1% and severe infections are extremely uncommon. However, any surgical wound can become infected. An infection usually will become apparent a few days after the surgery. The signs are: pain, redness, heat and swelling. Antibiotics and dressing changes will often control it. On rare occasions, hospitalization and formal drainage in the operating room may be needed to control more significant infections.

You will be given a prophylactic antibiotic when undergoing your brow lift. In addition you will be sent home with a prescription for antibiotics for 4-5 days.

Overcorrection: This can lead to a surprised or startled look. The ultimate purpose of a brow lift is to create a balance between the forehead and the rest of the face and we try to accurately determine the amount of brow elevation needed to obtain the desired aesthetic result. Even with an overcorrected position, there will be some relaxation over time with much of the surprised look disappearing.

Blood clots in the legs (venous thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism): These complications, though rare, are among the most serious from this type of surgery. Conditions predisposing a patient to these complications would include obesity, smoking, and a history of cardiac and pulmonary disease or blood clotting disorders, length of surgery and prolonged post operative immobility.