What is Brow or Forehead Lift Surgery?
A forehead or brow lift moves the eyebrows back to where they should be, at or above the bony orbit. The lift may also smooth the wrinkles in the forehead as well as reduce drooping skin above the eyes. As a result of the surgery, the eyes appear more open, more rested and youthful.
Can I see before and after pictures of people in the Cape Girardeau area who had a brow lift?
During your brow lift consultation visit at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO, your surgeon will show you before and after pictures of patients who underwent a brow lift procedure. You will be able to see firsthand the difference the procedure made for these people.
What is the average cost of brow lift surgery? Is there a charge for the consultation?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, the average cost of a brow lift is $4000 to $4200 (effective June 1, 2009). This includes operating room cost and anesthesia services. There is an $85 charge for the initial consultation. The cosmetic consultation charge is deducted from the price of the procedure if you decide to schedule your surgery within six months. After six months, a new consultation may be scheduled to review any changes in your medical history.
Will insurance cover any of my fees? If not do you have financing available?
There is a small possibility commercial insurance would cover your brow lift if your vision is impaired by the overhang of skin caused by brow ptosis. A visual field study test will need to be performed by your eye doctor and brought to your consultation. This test will measure the degree of vision loss. A predetermination letter, visual field study and photos will then be sent to your insurance so coverage can be determined.
If your surgeon considers the procedure cosmetic, Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO accepts several types of payment options. They are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express), money order, cashier checks and financing with an agency of your choice. A cosmetic brow lift is not covered by commercial insurance and must be paid in full before surgery. Make sure financing arrangements are made prior to surgery.
Do I have to stop smoking for before having a Brow Lift?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO, we urge our brow lift patients to stop smoking 1 month before surgery and 1 month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the blood supply to the skin and blood supply is a very important factor to the healing process. We hope our patients can decrease their exposure to not only first hand but also to second hand smoke.
On average, how many brow lift surgeries does Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery perform in a year?
Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery averages 10 to 15 brow lifts a year.
Is it possible to go blind?
There are risks associated with brow lift surgery and one of them is blindness. Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau has never had a patient with this complication and is not personally aware of anyone who had this side effect. Although this complication is extremely rare, your brow lift surgeon will address the issue at the time of your consultation.
Is there a better time of year to have the surgery performed?
You should make sure you schedule your surgery at a time that will allow you to heal. After brow lift surgery, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for at least 2 weeks following surgery. (That will include lifting children.) You also have to make adjustments at work due to pain, swelling, bruising and being on pain medication. On average, patients take a week to 10 days off work. Patients with physically demanding jobs, or are in the public eye because of their job requirements, may need to take more time off to heal. Brow Lift Patients at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO, on average had bruising for 1-2 weeks.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking blood thinners and vitamin E at least one week before and after surgery. If you are taking prescription blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your family physician as well as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before surgery and one week following.
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO, cosmetic surgeries are elective procedures. Therefore, the patient must be in overall good health before the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical clearance from your family doctor may be required.
I would like to consider a brow lift. What should I do next?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, David Deisher, MD and J. Stewart Humphrey, MD are board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. They offer plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston. Your next step is to contact our office in Cape Girardeau today to schedule your initial brow lift consultation! Before your visit, write down all your questions and concerns and bring them with you so your surgeon can address them. Call us now. Do not put this off any longer!
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