Forehead Lift
Understanding Forehead and Brow Lift
The effects of aging are inevitable, and, often, the brow and forehead area show the first signs. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. Sun, wind, and the pull of gravity all affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead, and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrows. Even people in their thirties may have faces that look older than their years. Others may mistake your appearance as tired, angry, or sad when this is not how you actually feel. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as the forehead lift. Based on variations in how men and women age and on new advances in medical technology, different methods are used to perform this procedure.
Understanding the Surgery
The main difference among the various options for forehead lifting consists of the placement of the incision.
The newest approach is endoscopic surgery. Several small incisions are placed just behind the hairline and a scope is used to assist in the surgery. In the right patient this procedure results in less risk of numbness and scarring while having a faster recovery.
Other techniques use longer incisions to lift the brow and the location is determined by your surgeon after examining you and discussing with you the various options. While all the various procedures will raise the brow and smooth the forehead, some can even lower a high hairline and improve facial balance and harmony.
A forehead lift typically takes between one to two hours to perform. It is most commonly performed under IV sedation or twilight anesthesia.
Forehead lifting is commonly done along with upper eyelid surgery for an optimal result. Consultation with a facial plastic surgeon will help you best determine which type of procedure is best for you.
What to Expect After the Surgery
You will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the 10-day period following surgery. In some patients, this condition may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. You will be advised to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. The sutures are usually removed within seven to 10 days following surgery. If bandages have been used, they are removed in one to three days. It is important to follow the advice of your surgeon on resuming normal activities. For most patients, the recovery time will not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods. Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with standard make-up techniques.
Not infrequently, a brow lift is combined with Blepharoplasty (an eyelid tuck) or face lift to provide a harmonious rejuvenation.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve sagging foreheads and brows which interfere with vision may be covered in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.
Endoscopic surgery of the forehead includes a wide range of options, from a relatively simple technique for fixing sagging eyebrows to more complex procedures for lifting and smoothing the entire forehead area.*
*Information from the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery website.
Post-operative advice and restrictions for patients who have received general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
To be read carefully by patient, parent, and/or guardian.
Following general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, 24 to 36 hours are required for the full effects of the drugs to wear off. During this period, it is essential that you follow these instructions:
- On leaving the office, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who may either drive you home or accompany you home in a taxi. They must stay with you overnight.
- On arrival home, it is common to feel sleepy. You are advised to rest quietly at home for the balance of the day. Sleep in a semi upright position.
- You are advised to lie flat if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- You are encouraged to drink lots of non-citric juice or non–diet soft drinks for the first 4-6 hours. Light meals are recommended following your operation (i.e. soup, jellos, and ice cream). Milk is to be avoided for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol in any form for 48 hours.
- Avoid any drugs, which may affect the nervous system for 24 hours.(verify with doctor)
- You MUST NOT operate motor vehicles, boats, power tools or machinery for 24 hours.
- You must not operate an aircraft for a least four days following general anesthesia.
- You must not sign or enter into a legal contract for 24 hours.
- You may experience some muscular aches in your back or neck area. As well, you may develop a sore throat or stuffy nose following a general anesthetic. These symptoms are not serious and will disappear in a short time.
- You must have a responsible adult with the patient for the rest of the day and night. If you have any questions or problems regarding post-operative signs or symptoms, or any associated concerns please call our office, 250-868-8056 or alternate provided. If this was surgery performed at KGH please call the ENT surgeon on call.
- If unable to reach the surgeon and it is an emergency please go to the emergency department at KGH.
This information is intended for surgical Patients of Dr. C. Bakala.