Nationally renowned board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz serves local and international clients at his boutique aesthetic practice in Miami, FL. Dr. Rodríguez-Feliz is one of few surgeons in the United States that after completing his Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, pursued further training in Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Surgery under world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Codner. This gave him the opportunity of nurturing his passion for form and beauty as well as to earn a specialization in aesthetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), complex/revision eyelid surgery, correction of droopy eyelids (ptosis surgery), facial plastic surgery (e.g. face/neck lifts, nose surgery, ear surgery), non-surgical facial rejuvenation (e.g. Botox/Dysport, dermal fillers), and aesthetic breast surgery (e.g. endoscopic breast augmentation).
Photo Credit: ShutterstockNow that masks have become the norm, all eyes are on the upper part of the face when we’re out and about. Despite the need to wear face coverings, we all want to look and feel our best, and Miami, Florida plastic surgeon, and Haute Beauty expert Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz explains why he is getting more requests for endoscopic browlifts than ever.
The upper portion of the face is prone to many age-related changes such as drooping eyebrows and upper eyelids as well as deep forehead furrows and an overall tired, sad, or displeased appearance. Muscle-relaxing injectables such as Botox and Dysport can help improve mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles for the short-term, however, patients looking for more significant, long-lasting rejuvenation may benefit from an endoscopic brow lift.
This targeted surgical procedure uses small incisions within the hairline at the top of the scalp and possibly along with the temples (which are undetectable once healed) to elevate the brows and restore them to a more youthful position. An endoscopic brow lift can also help smooth horizontal forehead creases as well as vertical lines between the brows (also known as “the 11s”) and make it easier to apply eye makeup.
An endoscopic brow lift involves the use of an endoscope (a long, thin tube with a light and video camera at the end) that allows the surgeon to visualize and reposition the underlying tissues of the forehead through minimal incisions within the hairline. Usually most appropriate for patients with mild to moderate forehead issues, this procedure yields natural-looking results without the need for general anesthesia. In most cases, local anesthesia with sedation is enough to keep the patient comfortable and side-step the risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockRecovery-wise, I often recommend that patients use ice or cold packs for up to 72 hours after surgery. (Bags of frozen peas are wonderful because they mold to the facial contours.) Although some patients report a sensation of tightness and discomfort from ear to ear across the top of the head and brow for the first few days after surgery, severe pain is not a common complaint. Temporary bruising, swelling, and numbness are completely normal, but these symptoms generally subside after four to five days.
For the first week after surgery, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity (although short walks are recommended), and any sutures are usually removed within the first week after the procedure. Most patients return to work or their usual daily activities within two weeks, but it’s imperative to avoid heavy lifting or any sort of straining during this time.
It’s important that potential patients understand that in some cases, an upper eyelid lift (or blepharoplasty) may be suggested to achieve more comprehensive upper-face rejuvenation—such as eliminating excess eyelid skin and smoothing of the crow’s feet. The goal of any facial plastic surgery procedure is to optimize harmony between all areas of the face, yet an endoscopic browlift is a location-specific procedure that has limitations in terms of the extent of the eyelid and eye-area improvement that can be achieved.
Based on patient interest in just the past month alone, I believe endoscopic facelifts are poised to be one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures of 2021—and for good reason. Everyone wants to look their best from the mask up!
For more information, visit Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz's social media:
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