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A forehead lift, also called a brow lift,
corrects the sagging or low position of the eyebrows that can cause a perpetually
tired or sad look. The procedure softens horizontal creases across the forehead
and erases the worried or angry expression that can result from frown lines.
The outcome is a more relaxed and refreshed appearance.
Am I a good candidate for a forehead lift?
Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you
are a good candidate for a forehead lift:
• sagging or low position of the eyebrows, creating
a tired or sad appearance.
• deep horizontal creases across the forehead.
• frown lines, or furrows, between the eyebrows and
sometimes across the top of the nose.
A forehead lift can improve all of these problems. It may
often be performed at the same time as facelift which removes excess skin
and tightens muscles in the mid and lower face. If there is significant skin
overhang in the upper eyelids, or puffy bags beneath your eyes, eyelid surgery
may be recommended in addition to a forehead lift. Your plastic surgeon will
provide further information if you have interest in these procedures.
How is my plastic surgeon able to improve my frown lines
and the position of my eyebrows?
In many instances, an incision is made across the top of the scalp, beginning
above the ears and hidden within the hair. Sometimes, the incision may be
placed at the front of the hairline or, in some cases, toward the middle of
the scalp. The incision is designed to be inconspicuous when healed. Through
the forehead lift incision, your plastic surgeon can modify or remove parts
of the muscles that cause wrinkling and frown lines, remove excess skin, and
lift your eyebrows to a move pleasing level.
Another forehead lift technique uses an endoscope, a long,
thin tube with a light on the end, attached to a video camera. The endoscope
is inserted through several tiny incisions in the scalp and allows the plastic
surgeon to see and work on the various internal structures of the forehead.
The endoscopic technique has the advantage of requiring very minimal incisions,
but it may not be equally beneficial for all patients.
In some instances, alternate methods may be preferable, or a combination
of endoscopic and other techniques may be used.
Sometimes, if your main concern is frown lines between your
eyebrows or across the top of your nose, a limited endoscopic procedure to
correct these problems can be done. Alternatively, if you are having upper
eyelid surgery performed to remove excess skin, it may be possible to treat
your frown lines by way of the same upper eyelid incisions.
I understand that every surgical procedure has risks,
but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed
on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff
member in your surgeon's office.
You can help to minimize certain risks by following
the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after
your surgery.
Whats will the day of surgery be like?
Your forehead lift may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory
facility or office-based surgical suite. Medications are administered for
your comfort during the surgical procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and
intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing forehead lift surgery,
although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety
during the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood
pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood. You probably
will be permitted to go home after a few hours, although some patients may
stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility.
How will I look and feel initially?
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery
varies greatly. The first evening after surgery, you should rest quietly with
your head elevated. Initially, you may experience some mild discomfort that
can be controlled with oral medication. You will notice some temporary puffiness
and discoloration that may involve the eyelid and cheek areas as well. Typically,
swelling and bruising will be almost totally resolved within a couple of weeks.
When can I resume my normal activities?
You should avoid straining, bending and lifting during the early postoperative
period. In many instances, however, you will be able to resume most of your
normal activities in ten days or less. You will be advised to wait several
weeks before resuming strenuous activity and exercise. You should temporarily
avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long-term, be conscientious
about the use of a sunblock to protect your skin.
How long will the results last?
How long the results of your forehead lift will last depends on many variables
including your heredity and lifestyle factors. Even though the aging process
continues, patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years
following a forehead lift. Some patients find that they want to make additional
improvements at a later time.
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