Forehead Lift

The effects of aging and genetics are inevitable, and, often, the brow and forehead area show the earliest changes. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. Sun damage and repeated squinting can result in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead, and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrows. Your tired, angry, or sad expression often does not reflect how you actually feel. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as the forehead lift or brow lift.

IS A FOREHEAD LIFT FOR YOU?

When a surgeon tightens loose skin and removes the excess, forehead wrinkling and drooping brows are modified. Sometimes, the surgeon removes part of the muscle that causes vertical frown lines between the brows. The result can be a smoother brow and a more youthful and rested appearance. To see what a forehead lift can do for your appearance, place your fingers above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards..

Incisions can be placed at the hairline, behind the hairline, or in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead. Endoscopic techniques that are available allow the procedure to be performed, thereby minimizing incisions and reducing visibility of scars. Your surgeon can help you select the best technique suited to your particular situation.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

The surgery begins with the placement of the incision. In many cases, the incision is made slightly behind the natural hairline, running from ear to ear across the top of the head. However, if the patient is balding or has a receding hairline, the incision will be made in the mid-forehead area or at the hairline, along a natural line to minimize scar visibility. Excess skin and tissue will also be removed before fine sutures or staples are applied.

In endoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a series of small incisions just behind the hairline and, using the endoscope as a guide, proceeds to remove those muscles that are the source of frown lines. The eyebrows are then lifted to reduce the sagging of skin at eyelid level. Depending on the nature of the incisions and the surgeon's preference, bandages may be applied along the incisions. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY

You will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the 10-day period following surgery. In some patients, this bruising may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. You will be advised to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. The sutures or staples are usually removed within seven to 10 days following surgery. If bandages have been used, they are removed in one to three days. It is important to follow the advice of your surgeon on resuming normal activities. For most patients, the recovery time will not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods.