Forehead Lift

What is a Forehead Lift?

A forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to smooth out wrinkles that develop above the eyes. It also helps to correct for sagging, uneven brow lines and to eliminate so-called "frown lines" below the hairline. This procedure is entirely cosmetic and generally is not used to for the purposes of correcting other types of medical problems.

How does a Forehead Lift work?

Although there are several different instruments and specific techniques that are commonly used to accomplish a forehead lift, the general procedure for each remains the same. The cosmetic surgeon begins by making a series of tiny incisions in the forehead and below the hair. One or more precision instruments will then be used to adjust the muscles and other tissues below the surface of the skin in order to smooth out wrinkles and furrows in the forehead.

What is a Forehead Lift used for?

A forehead lift is a purely cosmetic procedure, used to enhance the physical appearance of the face. It is primarily performed on older patients.

What are the advantages of a Forehead Lift over similar treatments?

The primary benefit of a forehead lift over chemical treatments is that it generally does not result in paralysis of the forehead muscles or other nerve damage. Recovery time is generally minimal and the procedure is only mildly invasive.

Who is a candidate for a Forehead Lift?

The successful candidate for a forehead lift will be a healthy adult who is not continuing to grow and develop. In most cases, patients are elderly or experiencing additional skin wrinkling due to age. In order to successfully be accepted for a forehead lift procedure, the patient must also be free of secondary infections and other preconditions which may negatively impact the forehead lift or put that patient at heightened risk of negative effects.

What is the recovery like?

The recovery process for a forehead lift generally takes several weeks, although most people can return to work and other daily activities within a few days of the procedure. Typically, the patient will be required to regularly clean and dress the incisions to ensure proper regeneration of tissue. A series of pain medications and antibiotics are often administered to prevent discomfort and infection. The patient is usually required to visit the surgeon for a series of followup consultations.

What are the risks?

While scarring is rare, this is a long term risk associated with forehead lift surgery. Other changes to the appearance of the face may include an altered hairline or eye shape changes. There may be some changes to skin sensation. There is a risk of a negative reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding and infection. When performed accurately and by an experienced professional, the overall risk of side effects as a result of this procedure are minimized.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.