Forehead Surgery (Brow Lift)

As we age, the effect of time takes its toll on our body. This is usually marked by deep creases on the forehead, frown lines and droopy eyelids. There’s no reason to project an impression of being sad and angry or tired when the matter can be addressed medically through a time-tested cosmetic surgery procedure known as the forehead lift. It’s hard to think of any facial expression that doesn’t involve the forehead. Whether you’re laughing, or crying, your forehead is constantly stretching, expanding and contracting. In order to lessen what might be termed as premature aging signs, a number of people choose to undertake the forehead lift to allow them to look as young as they feel.

The result? When the brow is elevated, the tired, sad look may disappear completely, and often the entire face brightens up. After tightening the underlying tissue and altering any muscles that are causing problems, the incisions are then carefully closed. The forehead becomes smooth again, the eyebrows are raised and creases on face have been diminished.

Good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites for all elective surgery. To know how a forehead lift can improve your face, place your hands above your brows and on the outside edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards. Forehead lifts are an excellent option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. The surgery is generally performed on patients who are between the ages of forty and sixty-five. However, some people may have inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose and can achieve a more refreshed look with this procedure at a younger age.

Although traditionally the forehead lift has been performed by placing the incision in the hairline, newer techniques such as endoscopic forehead surgery, now allow us to make smaller incisions in the scalp and hair bearing areas and elevate the muscle and tissue using an endoscope. Incisions can be placed in several different areas and your surgeon is more than happy to help you determine the best technique suited to your particular needs.

Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of extreme importance no matter if you are having surgery for functional reasons or cosmetic ones. At the time of your consultation, the surgeon will analyze your facial structure, the condition of your skin, and your hairline in order to decide the best place for the incisions to be made. Please have your thorough medical history available so your surgeon can consider any medical conditions that may increase surgical risks. A discussion and description of your procedure will be detailed and will include information on the risks involved. After the final decision to proceed is made, the surgeon will then discuss the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, any additional surgery, and the costs.

Recovery

It’s common to experience some swelling and bruising in the ten-day period following surgery.  This condition can include the cheek and eye area as well as forehead.  You will be instructed to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling.  Cold compresses may further reduce swelling.  It’s important to note that as the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will gradually disappear with time.  The sutures are usually removed within seven to ten days following surgery.  If bandages have been used, they are removed in one to three days.  It is strongly advised to follow the instructions of your surgeon on resuming normal activities.  For many patients, the recovery time does not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be urged to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods.  Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged by wearing make-up.

Not infrequently, a brow lift is performed in conjunction with Blepharoplasty (an eyelid tuck) or facelift to gain the maximum result.

In general facial plastic surgery allows patients to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence.  By undergoing a forehead lift procedure, you can enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem.