Forehead Lift
Aging of the forehead and brow is inevitable as the
years go by. The skin begins to lose its elasticity,
resulting in drooping eyebrows and upper eyelid tissue.
In addition, horizontal lines occur across the forehead,
and frown lines appear between the eyebrows. Even people
in their thirties may have faces that look older than
their years. Your tired, angry, or sad expression may
not reflect how you actually feel. The forehead lift
is a surgical procedure designed to correct these problems.
The muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or
drooping are altered and elevated to smooth the forehead,
raise the eyebrows, and minimize frown lines.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A forehead lift is most commonly performed in persons
aged thirty-five through seventy to minimize the effects
of aging. As in any surgery, a patient should be in
good general health and have realistic expectations
about surgery. Your age, skin type, ethnicity, degree
of skin elasticity, individual healing, and bone structure
are important factors. This procedure can be performed
in conjunction with other surgeries such as facelift
and eyelid surgery.
Before Surgery
During your initial consultation, the doctor will cover
all areas of concern including the procedure, incisions,
anesthesia, pre/post operative care, risks, and results.
Any other treatment options and relevant questions you
may have will be addressed. After your initial consultation,
a second visit will be arranged, in which a complete
physical exam and bloodwork will be done. Photographs
will be taken, and fees will be discussed.
The risks associated with this procedure are rare and
uncommon, but include anesthesia reactions, infection,
bleeding, wound scar, asymmetry, hair loss, numbness,
and nerve injury. All other risks will be discussed
in detail at your consultation.
The Surgery
The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery
center under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure,
and wakes up in the recovery room without the ill affects
of a general anesthetic. Usually, the surgery lasts
up to three hours.
Incisions are placed behind the hairline (in some cases,
incisions can be placed at the hairline), running ear
to ear across the top of the head. However, if the patient
is balding or has a receding hairline, the incision
can be made in the mid forehead area or at the hairline,
along a natural crease to minimize scar visibility.
The muscles of the forehead are then altered or released,
and the skin of the forehead is lifted and trimmed.
The wound is closed with fine stitches or clips. Endoscopic
techniques are available that allow the procedure to
be performed using several small incisions. By wearing
your hair down on your forehead, most scars become inconspicuous.
A drain may be placed in the wound for the first day,
and a head bandage will be applied for the first few
days.
After Surgery
Following surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery
room for up to two hours. You will experience swelling,
bruising, numbness, and temporary discomfort around
the incision in the first few days. The swelling may
also involve the cheek and eye areas. You will be advised
to apply cold compresses and keep your head elevated
in order to reduce swelling. You will continue to use
your antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed.
The sutures and clips will be removed at ten to fourteen
days after surgery, and the head dressing after two
days. Patients are advised to follow up at 14 days,
6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Although you
will be up and mobile the day following surgery, you
are advised to take 7 to 10 days off work. Vigorous
physical activity may be restarted after four weeks.
Prolonged exposure to sun should be avoided for the
first 4 to 6 months.
Results
Forehead surgery makes it possible to correct the many
signs of premature upper face aging that can undermine
self-confidence. Most patients are pleased with the
results of a forehead lift no matter which surgical
method was used. Often, patients don’t realize
how much their sagging forehead contributes to their
facial aging, until they see how much younger and more
rested they appear after surgery. Although a forehead
lift does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance
of aging for many years. As time passes, a repeat procedure
may be required.
If you would like to learn more about forehead lift
surgery, please contact our office for a complimentary
private physician consultation.
Click
here for a forhead lift diagram
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