Eyebrow Lift Gone Awry: Two Women Suffer From Infections After Undergoing Unqualified Brow Lifts

A woman named Minh, 51 years old, visited a facial spa and met with a consultant who recommended that she “lift her eyebrows” to enhance her fortune and change her luck. The consultant explained that drooping eyelids were making her face look heavy and aged, and lifting her eyebrows would not only attract fortune and prosperity but also make her look years younger and gain respect from others. Convinced by the promise of these benefits, Minh agreed to undergo the procedure.

However, after the procedure, Minh experienced redness and swelling in the eyebrow area. Despite receiving antibiotics as prescribed, her wound worsened with deep pustules. Additionally, her upper eyelids remained sagging as they were before the procedure. In mid-April, she sought help from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital where doctors noted severe infection and pustules along her eyebrows with potential for lasting scars even after treatment.

Similarly, another woman over 40 years old received necrotic infection following a brow lift procedure at an unlicensed facility near Lunar New Year 2024. The doctor noted significant infection spreading across her forehead, eyes, temples, and base of the nose resulting in severe complications and aesthetic impacts.

The brow lift procedure or an eyebrow lift is a surgical intervention performed to address sagging eyebrows due to aging. It involves removing excess skin or fat, tightening sagging skin, and suturing the area for a lifted appearance. However, when performed incorrectly or by unqualified professionals it can lead to severe complications such as those seen in the cases of Minh and other women.

Doctor Nguyen Phuong Thao from the Department of Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics emphasized the importance of choosing reputable and licensed facilities with certified doctors when considering a brow lift procedure. Patients should also research non-surgical methods for eyebrow lifting to avoid risks associated with invasive surgeries. By opting for safe practices individuals can protect themselves from detrimental effects of unlicensed procedures while achieving desired results without compromising their health.