Subbrow Lift & Browplasty with Correction of Unwanted Eyebrow Tattoo is a surgical procedure designed to address upper eyelid sagging, excess skin beneath the eyebrows, and undesirable eyebrow shapes or tattoos. The procedure is planned along the lower eyebrow border to lift and tighten the surrounding tissues while refining eyebrow contours in relation to the eyes and facial proportions.
This technique differs from conventional double eyelid surgery because it may help correct upper eyelid skin laxity while preserving the existing eyelid crease. In selected cases, it may also allow partial removal of an unwanted eyebrow tattoo, depending on its location and the amount of skin that can safely be removed.
At Dr. Gorn Aesthetique, the surgeon evaluates eyebrow position, upper eyelid skin, eyelid creases, tattoo shape, and the relationship between the eyebrows and eyes to develop an individualized surgical plan.
What Is a Subbrow Lift?
A Subbrow Lift is a surgical procedure performed through an incision beneath the eyebrow. An appropriate amount of excess skin is removed to help reduce tissue sagging over the upper eyelid.
This approach may be suitable for individuals who wish to preserve their existing eyelid crease but have developed sagging skin around the upper eyelids or outer eye corners with age.
The location and amount of skin removal must be carefully planned to maintain an appropriate balance between the eyebrows, upper eyelids, and eyelid creases.
What Is Browplasty?
Browplasty refers to surgical reshaping of the eyebrows and surrounding tissues to adjust eyebrow shape, position, or symmetry according to individual concerns.
For individuals with upper eyelid sagging and uneven eyebrow contours, the surgeon may consider combining browplasty with a subbrow lift to improve the relationship between the eyebrow line and upper eyelids.
The goal is not to create the same eyebrow shape for everyone, but to design contours that complement the underlying bone structure, eye shape, eyelid crease, and facial proportions.
How Can Surgery Correct an Unwanted Eyebrow Tattoo?
Permanent or semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos may cause various aesthetic concerns, such as a shape that does not complement the face, an incorrectly positioned eyebrow tail, asymmetry between the eyebrows, or pigment extending beyond the desired eyebrow outline.
For patients with upper eyelid skin laxity and an unwanted eyebrow tattoo, the surgeon may plan the incision in relation to the tattooed area. In selected cases, a portion of tattooed skin may be removed during the subbrow lift.
However, surgery cannot remove the entire tattoo in every case. Feasibility depends on the tattoo's location, size, shape, and the amount of skin that can be safely removed.
What Concerns May Be Suitable for Assessment?
Individuals with the following concerns may consider a surgical assessment:
- Upper eyelid sagging or excess skin
- Drooping skin that obscures the eyelid crease
- Sagging skin around the outer eye corners
- A desire to preserve the existing eyelid crease
- Eyebrow contours that do not complement the eyes or face
- Asymmetry between the eyebrows
- Unwanted eyebrow tattoo shape or placement
- A tattooed eyebrow tail that is too low or incorrectly positioned
- Combined upper eyelid laxity and eyebrow tattoo concerns
How Is a Subbrow Lift Different from Upper Blepharoplasty?
Upper Blepharoplasty typically involves an incision along the upper eyelid crease and may address excess skin, fat, and the eyelid crease as appropriate.
A Subbrow Lift, on the other hand, uses an incision beneath the eyebrow and focuses on reducing upper eyelid skin laxity without necessarily altering the eyelid crease directly.
For individuals who are satisfied with their existing eyelid crease and wish to preserve it, a subbrow lift may be another option. However, eyebrow position and the degree of skin laxity must be assessed before selecting the procedure.
Can a Subbrow Lift Preserve the Natural Eyelid Crease?
One consideration of a subbrow lift is that the incision is not made directly along the eyelid crease. This allows the surgeon to plan excess skin removal while attempting to preserve the existing eyelid crease.
This technique may be suitable for individuals who are satisfied with their natural eyelid crease but have developed excess skin that covers it as they age.
However, if there are additional concerns involving the eyelid crease, weakness of the eyelid lifting muscle, or other structural abnormalities, further treatment may be necessary.
Why Is Eyebrow Shape Design Important?
Eyebrow position and shape are closely related to eye appearance and upper facial proportions. Surgical correction should therefore consider the overall anatomy rather than focusing only on the existing tattoo outline.
The surgeon evaluates factors such as:
- Position of the inner and outer eyebrows
- Eyebrow height on both sides
- Orbital bone structure
- Distance between the eyebrows and eyes
- Degree of upper eyelid skin laxity
- Shape and position of the existing eyebrow tattoo
- Facial symmetry
The objective is to establish an appropriate relationship between the eyebrows, eyelids, and eyes rather than relying solely on a standardized eyebrow shape.
Where Is the Subbrow Lift Incision Located?
The incision is placed close to the lower eyebrow border. The surgeon plans its position according to the direction of eyebrow hair growth and the skin requiring correction.
During the initial recovery period, redness or a visible incision line may be present. Its appearance gradually changes as the wound heals.
Because the procedure involves the eyebrow area, scarring, skin pigmentation, and eyebrow hair growth near the incision may vary between individuals. Patients should therefore be informed about the limitations and potential risks before surgery.
Can Surgery Completely Remove an Eyebrow Tattoo?
Complete tattoo removal cannot be guaranteed. Excision of tattooed skin is limited by the amount of skin that can be safely removed without creating excessive tension or significantly altering eyebrow position.
If the tattoo is large or extends beyond the area that can be surgically removed, some pigment may remain, and additional treatment methods may need to be considered later.
How Long Is Recovery After a Subbrow Lift?
Following surgery, temporary swelling, bruising, or tightness around the eyebrows and upper eyelids may occur. These symptoms generally decrease as healing progresses.
Patients should avoid pulling, scratching, or pressing on the incision area, as well as strenuous exercise during the period recommended by their surgeon. Scheduled follow-up appointments are important for assessing wound healing and eyebrow position.
