I remember when the only way to reduce the appearance of a wrinkled brow was by wearing heavy-handed layers of pressed powder and a haircut of heavy bangs. Now there are myriad topical creams, lotions, and tinctures comprised of so many varying types of acids and complex compounds that reading a single label of ingredients makes me wish I paid more attention in high school chemistry, and I oft find myself standing in beauty aisles furrowing my brow (oops!) over which formula will best prevent further wrinkles from appearing.

When microdermabrasion and chemical peels first became popular in the early 90's, many shelved the Oil of Olay in an attempt to attack surface lines head-on, and when Allergan earned FDA approval of BOTOX Cosmetic for under-the-surface treatment of those pesky creases between the brows (the glabellar lines), people practically lined up for the injection that promised to decrease the crease. But for those who fretted over a sagging brow but didn't want to face the face lift, there was little one could do, save for wearing Frownies (adhesive pads worn on the forehead typically at night that aim to 'tape' up a falling forehead).

Called the "Brow Suspension" or "Feather Lift" treatment," the "scarless" lift is achieved by inserting lengths of suture material under the skin, looping them around sagging brow muscles, then literally lifting the muscles up and securing the hidden suture ties along the hairline. Created by Russian plastic surgeon Marlen A. Salamanidze, M.D., brow suspension achieves that same youthful look people have when lying down because the pull of gravity is eliminated. It causes minimal bruising or swelling and patients immediately return to work or home. Better yet, the procedure done under local anesthesia takes only 15 minutes to perform.

The cost of the gravity-eliminating procedure ranges from $900 to $2000, depending on number of sutures used (or muscles raised), and the pre and post-treatment rules are the similar to those followed by Botox users: Avoid alcohol and aspirin (you don't want to thin the blood) for at least 24 hours beforehand, and avoid massaging the treated area for 48 hours afterwards. If you are prone to bruising, Ourian suggests taking Arnica tablets and recommends simply icing the injection sites. And, like Botox, you'll notice results and the full effect of the procedure in 5 to 10 days.

While alternatives to Brow Suspension such as the endoscopic brow lift or Botox exist, it's really in a class all its own. Botox targets and disables the lines between the brows, and doesn't work on the full forehead or the collapsing horizontal muscles. While the endoscopic lift does, it also entails a full surgical procedure (bruising, a week to 10 days off of work), necessitates limiting exposure to sun for several months, and comes with a $3000 - $12000 price tag.

Personally, I still go for the mini procedure, using my DermaNew on the little lines at night and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum by day, and use Dermadoctor's own DERMAdoctor Picture Porefect Pore Minimizing Solution under my makeup to create a flawless (ageless!) visage. And while I may choose to cut that heavy-banged haircut over my forehead before I feel bold enough to try the Feather Lift, I confess I've checked out the before and afters, have done my homework, and have my plastic surgeon's address already programmed into my Palm Pilot. If you, too, are curious about the new, comparatively less-invasive procedure, check with your dermatologist for a recommended local doc who can perform the lift, and give it some thought. And if you go for it, the fabulous results are sure to raise a few brows and not just your own!

Katie Wright
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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