The forehead lift procedure, also known as the brow lift, helps tighten and lift sagging eyebrows and reduce the wrinkles in the forehead. The resulting effect of this procedure is a youthful-looking forehead and more natural and relaxed eyebrows.
Many patients are also interested in combining this procedure with others for more comprehensive rejuvenation. A forehead lift can be done along with other cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts and eyelid lifts.
Your Consultation
Your plastic surgeon will ask you to get a medical evaluation done. You may be advised to take certain medicines to help you prepare for the surgery. You may also be told to stop taking certain medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs, since these drugs can increase the chances of bleeding.
The Traditional Forehead Lift Technique
To make you comfortable during the surgery, you will get local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. In a traditional forehead lift, coronal incisions are first made across the top of the head, behind the hairline. These incisions stretch from one ear to the other. Sometimes, in order to avoid a change in the height of the hairline, incisions are made directly at the hairline.
The skin of the forehead is then lifted. Excess skin is removed, and if any adjustments to the underlying muscles of the area are required, these are performed. A thin tube may be used to drain out any excess blood or fluid collected under the skin.
To complete the surgery, the incisions are stitched up using removable or dissolvable sutures. At times, special clips, surgical tape, or skin adhesives are used.
Your Results
You will notice the results of your traditional forehead lift almost immediately. Smoother and more youthful-looking forehead skin will be fully evident after the temporary post-operative swelling and bruising goes away. It can take a couple of months to see the final full results of the procedure.
Recovery
During the period of recovery, your head will be loosely wrapped; this will help to reduce the swelling and bruising experienced after the surgery. Complete healing takes place over the course of a couple weeks.
Patients will typically be able to go back to their jobs after a period of two weeks. Until then, it will be best to rest and relax so that your tissues will heal without any complications.
During your healing process, you will not be allowed to do any vigorous or physically taxing activities. Make sure to keep your head in an elevated position at all times. Also, do not use any ice or heat in the surgical area.
You will have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun to prevent any damage to your skin during the healing process.
Scheduling an Appointment
If you would like to learn more about either the traditional brow lift or another technique option, the endoscopic brow lift, contact the office of Dr. Lawrence Glassman, a highly knowledgeable board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Glassman will be happy to help you reach your aesthetic goals.