Can An Endoscopic Browlift Be Partially Or Completely Reversed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had an endoscopic brow lift seven months ago and my eyebrows are too high and my forehead is now too big is it possible to reverse it without a scar on my hair line as my hair is very fine. Thank you.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. Although I don’t know exactly what you looked like before or after your brow lift surgery, the conceptual basis of your question can be addressed. An endoscopic browlift works by the principle of an epicranial shift….unlike all other forms of browlifting. While the entry incisions are small what is done underneath the entire forehead, brows and the scalp behind it is to release all the tissue attachments from the bone. The forehead and scalp is then shifted backward and secured where it heals back down to the bone in the new elevated eyebrow position. With that becomes an expected, although often not appreciated, elevation of the hairline and forehead lengthening. (which is minor in some patients and more significant in others) The key concept here is that the browlift works, not by removing tissues, but by changing their position on the skull. Thus there is no tissue loss which is really important when thinking about how to reverse it.

As a result of no tissue loss, in theory, an endoscopic browlift is reversible. If the epicramial shift process is reversed (full forehead and scalp mobilization) and fixation done in the opposite direction through the same incisions it should at least be partially reversed. (which I imagine is the goal rather than full reversal since there is a reason you had the procedure done initially)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana