Eyebrow ptosis is the sagging of one or both eyebrows, which is a natural consequence of aging. Surgery is the treatment of choice for age-related cases, while additional treatment may be needed for underlying disorders. As the eyebrows continue to sag, the upper lids may droop and disturb vision. Correcting brow ptosis related to a medical condition can be more detailed than a simple brow lift surgery.
Eyebrow ptosis refers to sagging of one or both eyebrows. The condition is a natural consequence of aging and most people over the age of 65 develop some degree of eyebrow ptosis as the facial skin and muscles lose elasticity. A younger person may also experience a form of eyebrow ptosis as a complication of Bell’s palsy, muscular dystrophy, or another disorder affecting the nerves and muscles of the face. Simple elective surgery is the treatment of choice in most age-related cases, while additional surgical or medical treatment may be needed if drooping eyebrows are the result of an underlying disorder.
Most cases of age-related ptosis are bilateral, meaning that the fall affects both eyebrows. However, one brow may arch in slightly more than the other, resulting in an asymmetrical look. There are usually no issues associated with mild brow droop other than aesthetics. As the eyebrows continue to sag, the upper lids may begin to droop and disturb the vision. Many people complain of difficulty reading, driving, and making constant eye contact during conversation.
Facial nerve palsies typically affect only one side of the face and can cause eyebrow ptosis to occur on only one side or more on one side than the other. The upper and lower eyelid, cheek and corner of the mouth may also be lower on one side than the other. When the muscles underneath the eyebrow aren’t stimulated properly by the facial nerve, they lose their ability to tighten and hold the skin in place. Patients suffering from paralysis often have numbness, headaches and vision difficulties in addition to eyebrow ptosis.
An older individual who is concerned about the appearance of his brows can schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. Your doctor may examine your eyebrows and ask if there are any vision problems. A thorough personal and family history is needed to ensure that the sagging is related to aging and not a more significant condition.
There are several approaches to eyebrow lift surgery, but most involve making an incision above the eyebrow, removing excess fat and skin tissue, and suturing the muscle fibers higher up the forehead. Most surgeries can be done as an outpatient procedure, and patients are given topical antibiotics to use at home on surgical scars for about two weeks. Results are typically noticeable within a few days of swelling subsiding.
Correcting brow ptosis related to a medical condition can be more detailed than a simple brow lift surgery. In addition to lifting and tightening the eyebrow, a surgeon may also need to lift the eyelids and cheek. Physical therapy and medications to treat other symptoms of paralysis or muscular dystrophy may also be needed.
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