If You’re Considering a Forehead Lift…
A forehead lift, or browlift, is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.
In a forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. Your plastic surgeon may use the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline; or the procedure may be performed with the use of an endoscope, which is a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. Both techniques yield similar results — smoother forehead skin and a more animated appearance.
If you’re considering a forehead lift, this brochure will provide a basic understanding of the procedure — when it can help, how it’s performed and what results you can expect. It won’t answer all of your questions, since a lot of the answers will depend on your individual circumstances. That’s why it’s important to make sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure ahead of time.
The Best Candidates for a Forehead Lift
A forehead lift is most commonly performed on individuals who are in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose, can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
A forehead lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a smoother overall look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes, patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their surgical goals.
Patients who are bald, who have a receding hairline, or who have had previous upper-eyelid surgery may still be good candidates for forehead lift. The surgeon will simply alter the incision location or perform a more conservative operation to reduce any visible scarring.
Remember, a forehead lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have any cosmetic surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them in detail with your doctor.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Complications are rare and usually minor when a forehead lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Yet, the possibility of complications must be considered.
In rare cases, the nerves that control eyebrow movement may be injured on one or both sides, resulting in a loss of the ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead. Additional surgery may be required to correct the problem.
The formation of a broad scar is also a rare complication. This may be treated surgically by removing the wide scar tissue so a new, thinner scar may result. Also, in some patients, hair loss may occur along the scar edges.
A loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line is common, especially with the classic forehead lift procedure. It is usually temporary but may be permanent in some patients.
Infection and bleeding are very rare but are also possibilities.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.
Find out if brow lift surgery is right for you. Schedule your free cosmetic consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon today!