The search for a rejuvenated look and a smooth, wrinkle-free forehead is a common desire. In 2025, Browlift and Frontoplasty techniques have evolved significantly, offering more natural, long-lasting results with less recovery time. This complete guide explores the most modern approaches, including the innovative Direct Vision Frontoplasty, an integral part of Dr. Robério Brandão’s Modern Face philosophy.
Understand how these techniques can transform your appearance, restoring facial harmony and the youthfulness of your gaze. Discover the secrets behind a safe, effective procedure with results that respect your individuality.
What Are Browlift and Frontoplasty?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important nuances:
Browlift (Eyebrow Elevation): Focuses mainly on lifting the eyebrow to a more youthful and natural position. Corrects eyebrow ptosis (drooping), which can cause a tired and aged look.
Frontoplasty (Forehead Rejuvenation): Goes beyond the eyebrow, treating the forehead as a whole. Corrects hairline position, smooths wrinkles and expression lines on the forehead, and can involve bone reshaping in some cases.
Both procedures aim to harmonize the upper third of the face, creating a more youthful and rested appearance.
[Image: Visual comparison between browlift and frontoplasty, showing the areas each procedure addresses]
The Modern Face Philosophy
Modern Face, idealized by Dr. Robério Brandão, represents an innovative and safer approach in facial surgery. It is based on three fundamental pillars:
- Non-Negotiable Safety: Prioritizes techniques that minimize risks and complications.
- Elegance in Simplicity: Seeks natural and sophisticated results with minimally invasive procedures.
- Optimized Recovery: Aims for a faster and more comfortable post-operative period for the patient.
“Evolution does not ask for permission. It simply happens. And you choose: evolve with it or be left behind.” - Dr. Robério Brandão
Ideal Candidates for Browlift and Frontoplasty
Not all patients are ideal candidates for these procedures. Careful assessment is crucial to ensuring satisfactory results and minimizing risks.
Common Indications
- Eyebrow Ptosis: Drooping of the eyebrow below the upper bony rim of the orbit.
- Excess Skin on Upper Eyelid: Heaviness in eyelids due to excessive skin.
- Forehead Wrinkles: Horizontal and vertical expression lines on the forehead.
- Eyebrow Asymmetry: Difference in height or shape of eyebrows.
- Receding Hairline: Elongated forehead due to hair loss.
[Image: Examples of patients with eyebrow ptosis and forehead wrinkles]
Relative Contraindications
- Unrealistic Expectations: Patients expecting impossible-to-achieve results.
- Uncontrolled Health Problems: Medical conditions that increase surgical risk.
- Active Smoking: Increases risk of complications in healing.
- Advanced Baldness: Makes scar camouflage difficult.
Modern Browlift and Frontoplasty Techniques
Techniques have evolved to offer more natural results with less surgical impact.
Direct Vision Frontoplasty
Direct Vision Frontoplasty, one of the key techniques of Modern Face, stands out for:
- Minimally Invasive: Uses small incisions in the scalp.
- No Endoscope: Dispenses with the need for cameras and complex equipment.
- Direct Vision: The surgeon directly visualizes anatomical structures, ensuring precision and safety.
- Rapid Recovery: Allows faster return to normal activities.
“Mastering Direct Vision Endomidface is like crossing a minefield with a perfect map.” - Dr. Robério Brandão
Other Approaches
- Endoscopic Frontoplasty: Uses an endoscope to visualize internal structures, allowing smaller incisions.
- Temporal Browlift: Lifts only the tail of the eyebrow, ideal for milder cases.
- Coronal Browlift: Involves a larger incision at the hairline, allowing broader elevation of forehead and eyebrow.
Step-by-Step of Direct Vision Frontoplasty
Direct Vision Frontoplasty follows a precise protocol to ensure safe and effective results:
- Pre-Operative Marking: The surgeon marks the incision line on the scalp, taking into account eyebrow position, hairline, and the patient’s facial anatomy.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
- Incision: An incision is made in the scalp, following the marked line.
- Dissection: The surgeon dissects the skin and underlying tissues of the forehead, releasing structures supporting the eyebrow.
- Repositioning: The eyebrow and forehead are repositioned in a higher and more youthful position.
- Fixation: Tissues are fixed in the new position with internal sutures.
- Removal of Excess Skin: Excess skin is removed to ensure a smooth and natural contour.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures.
[Video: Demonstration of Direct Vision Frontoplasty technique]
Essential Anatomy
Success of Direct Vision Frontoplasty depends on deep knowledge of facial anatomy:
- Supraorbital Nerve: Responsible for forehead sensitivity. Must be preserved during procedure.
- Forehead Muscles: Frontalis, corrugator supercilii, and procerus. Manipulation of these muscles can smooth wrinkles and expression lines.
- Galea Aponeurotica: Fibrous layer connecting forehead muscles.
[Infographic: Illustration of facial anatomy relevant to Frontoplasty]
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Recovery after Direct Vision Frontoplasty is generally faster and more comfortable than with more invasive techniques.
- Dressing: A compressive dressing is applied to minimize swelling and bruising.
- Rest: Relative rest is recommended for a few days after surgery.
- Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to control pain and swelling.
- Scar Care: It is important to protect the scar from the sun and follow the surgeon’s instructions to optimize healing.
- Return to Activities: Most patients can return to normal activities in 7 to 10 days.
[Image: Patient in different stages of recovery after Frontoplasty]
Risks and Complications
Although Direct Vision Frontoplasty is considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications:
- Hemorrhage and Hematoma: Accumulation of blood under the skin.
- Infection: Rare, but possible.
- Nerve Injury: Can cause numbness or muscle weakness in the forehead.
- Hypertrophic Scar: Raised and reddish scar.
- Alopecia: Hair loss around incision.
- Asymmetry: Difference in height or shape of eyebrows.
Choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon is fundamental to minimizing these risks.
“Neural injury is not a ‘random’ accident. It is lack of a map. With the right map, the risk drops drastically.” - Dr. Robério Brandão
Results and Expectations
Direct Vision Frontoplasty can provide significant improvement in forehead and eyebrow appearance, resulting in a younger, rested, and expressive look.
What to Expect
- Eyebrow Elevation: Restores natural eyebrow position, opening the gaze.
- Smoothing Forehead Wrinkles: Reduces or eliminates horizontal and vertical expression lines.
- Improved Facial Harmony: Balances facial proportions, creating a more pleasing appearance.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Improves self-esteem and satisfaction with own image.
[Image: Before and after comparison of a patient undergoing Direct Vision Frontoplasty]
Maintaining Results
To prolong Frontoplasty results, it is important to:
- Protect Skin from Sun: Use sunscreen daily.
- Avoid Smoking: Cigarettes impair blood circulation and healing.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet and physical exercise contribute to skin health.
- Perform Complementary Treatments: Botulinum toxin and fillers can help prolong results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between browlift and frontoplasty?
Browlift focuses on lifting the eyebrow. Frontoplasty treats the forehead as a whole, repositioning the hairline and smoothing wrinkles.
What is the Direct Vision Frontoplasty technique?
It is a minimally invasive approach that allows frontoplasty to be performed without an endoscope, with direct vision and greater precision.
What are the benefits of combining browlift with Endomidface?
The combination provides complete rejuvenation of the upper and middle thirds of the face, with natural and long-lasting results.
Does browlift surgery leave visible scars?
With modern techniques, such as Direct Vision Frontoplasty, the incision is made in the scalp, making the scar practically invisible.
What is the recovery time after browlift surgery?
Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to normal activities in about 7 to 10 days.
Is anesthesia for browlift always general?
No. In the Modern Face philosophy, we seek to perform most procedures with local anesthesia and sedation, aiming for greater patient safety and comfort.
Relevant Anatomy for This Procedure
Anatomical knowledge is fundamental to understand how results are achieved safely and effectively.
Key Structures
The face is composed of layers that must be understood together:
- Skin: the most superficial layer, reflecting aging through wrinkles and sagging
- Subcutaneous tissue: contains fat that redistributes with age
- SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System): fundamental layer connecting muscles to skin
- Facial muscles: responsible for expression and dynamic support
- Retaining ligaments: anchor skin to the facial skeleton
- Facial nerves: control movement and sensation
Surgical Planes
In the Modern Face philosophy, we work in specific planes:
- Superficial plane: above the SMAS, used in less invasive procedures
- Deep plane (sub-SMAS): below the SMAS, allows for longer-lasting results
- Subcutaneous plane: used for fat grafting and fat treatment
Why This Matters
Understanding anatomy explains:
- Why certain procedures last longer than others
- How natural results are achieved
- Why the surgeon’s experience is crucial
- How complications can be avoided
“Respect for anatomy is what separates a natural result from an artificial one. In Modern Face, every structure has its role and must be preserved or repositioned with precision.” — Dr. Robério Brandão
Comparison: Techniques and Approaches
Understanding differences between available techniques helps in informed decision-making.
Overview of Approaches
| Aspect | Traditional Techniques | Modern Face |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical plane | Generally superficial | Deep (sub-SMAS) |
| Traction vector | Predominantly lateral | Vertically anatomically correct |
| Incisions | Extensive, multiple areas | Minimal, strategically positioned |
| Recovery | 2-4 weeks | 7-14 days on average |
| Durability | 5-7 years | 10-15 years |
| Naturalness | Risk of “stretched” look | Preserves natural expression |
Advantages of the Modern Approach
The Modern Face technique offers specific benefits:
- More natural results: vertical vector respects facial anatomy
- Shorter recovery time: minimally invasive techniques speed healing
- Superior durability: work in the deep plane offers longer-lasting support
- Less visible scars: strategic and smaller incisions
- Preservation of expressiveness: face remains natural and mobile
When Each Technique is Indicated
Technique choice depends on individual factors:
- Degree of aging: more advanced cases may require more comprehensive approaches
- Areas of concern: midface, lower face, or neck have specific techniques
- Patient expectations: balance between desired result and acceptable recovery
- History of previous procedures: revisions require special planning
Detailed Post-Operative Care
The procedure’s success depends on both the surgical technique and post-operative care.
First Days: Critical Phase
In this phase, small precautions make a big difference:
- Elevated rest: keep head elevated at 30-45° even when sleeping
- Cold compresses: apply in the first 48h to reduce edema
- Strict medication: follow exactly the prescribed schedules
- Light diet: prefer soft foods and avoid excessive chewing
- Abundant hydration: water helps with tissue recovery
First Week: Intermediate Care
As healing advances:
- Careful hygiene: clean the area as directed, without rubbing
- Avoid sun exposure: use a hat and sunscreen when going out is necessary
- Gentle facial movements: avoid exaggerated expressions
- Adequate sleep: the body recovers mainly during sleep
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco: both impair healing
Weeks 2-4: Gradual Return
Return to activities should be progressive:
- Light activities: short walks are allowed
- Remote work: can be resumed as comfortable
- Light makeup: generally allowed after 2 weeks
- Moderate exercise: only with medical clearance
- Lymphatic drainage: indicated to accelerate recovery
What to Avoid
Throughout the recovery period:
- Direct sun exposure on operated areas
- Intense physical activities before clearance
- Alcohol consumption in the first 2 weeks
- Smoking (ideally stop 4 weeks before and after)
- Non-prescribed anti-inflammatories
- Sudden movements with the face
Conclusion
Evolutionary Frontoplasty represents a significant advance in facial rejuvenation, offering natural, long-lasting results with less surgical impact. By choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, you can transform your appearance and restore the youthfulness of your gaze.
If you are looking for complete facial rejuvenation, consider combining Frontoplasty with other Modern Face techniques, such as Endomidface and Deep Neck.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robério Brandão to find out which is the best option for you!
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Related Content
- Endomidface: What It Is, Who It Is For, How It Works
- Deep Neck: Surgery for a Defined and Youthful Neck
- Modern Face: Facial Rejuvenation with Natural Results
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is educational and represents the author’s technical opinion based on documented clinical experience. Surgical decisions should be individualized.
Author: Dr. Robério Brandão, CRM-CE 8596 Last update: January 2026