Forehead Lift
A forehead lift is often performed to treat conditions associated with aging. It may be done in conjunction with other rejuvenative surgery to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance. A forehead lift is also appropriate for treatment of certain inherited traits. Younger adults who have a low brow or who already have deep frown lines due to stress or over activity of muscles may benefit from the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The information presented below is only for informational purposes. Your surgeon will talk to you about details regarding your specific procedure.
Who is an ideal 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 a 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.
How is the procedure performed?
In many cases, an incision is made across the top of the scalp, starting 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 more 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.
What should I expect post-operatively?
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly. After surgery, you should rest with your head elevated. Initially, you may experience some mild discomfort that can be controlled with medication. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications, and you should not smoke or be exposed to heavy secondary smoke for a while following surgery.
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. If incisions were placed in front of the hairline, you should be careful not to apply makeup directly on any stitches. Expect temporary numbness and possibly some itching of the scalp as the nerves heal.
Any head dressings and drain tubes that have been inserted are usually removed one or two days after surgery. Showering and washing your hair should be done only a 3-4 days after surgery. Stitches or clips, if used, will be removed 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.