The forehead lift is a popular procedure for baby boomers because it helps eliminate many of the telltale signs of aging. The forehead lift is also known as the brow lift, and involves repositioning the tissues above and around the eyebrows to tighten up the skin and create a more youthful look. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles on the forehead or freshen up your look, here’s what to expect with this procedure:
How the Forehead Lift is Performed
The procedure is typically performed using the ‘classic lift’ or ‘
endoscopic lift’ technique depending on the amount of skin tissue that needs repositioning, and the age of the patient. When the surgeon is using the classic lift technique, they will need to make a long incision near the top of the ear, across the forehead and then down the other side to finish at the top of the other ear. Most surgeons create an incision as close to the hairline as possible so that the scars are less visible after healing is complete. The surgeon will then slowly lift the skin and reposition all necessary tissues around the forehead, and then suture everything in place. The head is then wrapped tightly in a bandage so that healing can begin.
When the surgeon uses the endoscopic technique, they will make a series of three to five small incisions in the scalp and insert an endoscope through one of the incisions to pull up the tissues and reposition the skin. For a well-trained surgeon, the endoscopic technique provides more precision and control and can help them achieve more natural-looking results. The incisions made with this technique are also closed using stitches and then wrapped in a bandage so that healing can begin.
Results and Effects of the Forehead Lift
The forehead lift typically takes between two to three hours to complete, and is performed under local or general anesthesia. Patients recovering from the surgery will need to elevate their head for two to three days after the procedure to minimize swelling and reduce the risk of injury. The nerves and tissues can take several months to recover, and most patients experience tingling or numbness around the incisions for up to a year after the procedure.
The majority of patients experience tenderness and discomfort for up to six months after the procedure, and may need to wear extra makeup such as concealer and foundation to cover up bruises and incisions near the hairline.
The most significant results achieved with a forehead lift include: tightening of loose skin; removal of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyebrows; elimination or improvement of horizontal lines on the forehead; a more sculpted and youthful-looking upper facial area.
Other Information About the Forehead Lift
The forehead lift may be combined with other procedures such as the facelift, upper eyelid blepharoplasty or skin tightening treatments that help get rid of wrinkles around the eyes. In some cases, the surgeon may use a combination of dermal fillers to plump up the skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles so that frown lines disappear completely.
Finding the right surgeon to perform the forehead lift and considering a combination of treatments may help you achieve lasting, natural-looking results.
Published: 12/05/2008, Last Updated: 12/05/2008
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.