A forehead lift or "brow
lift" 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. Dr. Vincent
may use the
conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just
behind the hairline; or it may be performed with the use of an endoscope,
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.
A forehead lift is most commonly performed 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
a forehead lift. The surgeon will simply alter the incision location
or perform a more conservative operation. 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 surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss
them in detail with Dr. Vincent.
For a better understanding of how a forehead lift might change
your appearance, look into a mirror and place the palms of your
hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently
draw the skin up to raise the brow and the forehead area. That is
approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.
During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss your goals for
the surgery and ask you about certain medical conditions that could
cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled
high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to
develop large scars. Be sure to tell the surgeon if you have had
previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs
or medications -- including aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.
If you decide to proceed with a forehead lift,
Dr. Vincent will
explain the surgical technique, the recommended type of anesthesia,
the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks
and the costs involved. Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Vincent any questions
you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns
about the results of surgery.
Before the operation
begins, your hair will be tied with rubber bands on
either side of the incision line. Your head will not
be shaved, but hair that is growing directly in
front of the incision line may need to be trimmed.
For most patients, a coronal
incision will be used. It follows a headphone-like pattern, starting
at about ear level and running across the top of the forehead and
down the other side of the head. The incision is usually made well
behind the hairline so that the scar won't be visible.
If your hairline is high or
receding, the incision may be placed just at the hairline to avoid
adding even more height to the forehead. In patients who are bald or
losing hair, a mid-scalp incision that follows the natural pattern
of the skull bones is sometimes recommended. By wearing your hair
down on your forehead, most such scars become relatively
inconspicuous. Special planning is sometimes necessary for
concealing the scar in male patients, whose hairstyles often don't
lend themselves as well to incision coverage.
If you are bald or have thinning
hair, Dr. Vincent may recommend a mid-scalp incision so the
resulting scar follows the natural junction of two bones in your
skull and is less conspicuous.
Working through the incision, the
skin of the forehead is carefully lifted so that the underlying
tissue can be removed and the muscles of the forehead can be altered
or released. The eyebrows may also be elevated and excess skin at
the incision point will be trimmed away to help create a smoother,
more youthful appearance.
The incision is then closed with
stitches or clips. Your face and hair will be washed to prevent
irritation and the rubber bands will be removed from your hair.
Although some plastic surgeons do not use any dressings, Dr. Vincent
may choose to cover the incision with gauze padding and wrap the
head in an elastic bandage.
When the lift is complete, the
scalp incisions will be closed with stitches or clips and the area
will be washed. Gauze and an elastic bandage may also be used,
depending on Dr. Vincent's preference.
Patients may
experience some numbness and temporary discomfort
around the incision, which can be controlled with
prescription medication. Patients who are prone to
headaches may be treated with an additional
longer-acting local anesthesia during surgery as a
preventive measure. You may be told to keep your head elevated for two
to three days following surgery to keep the swelling
down. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes; however, this should begin to disappear in a week or
so.
As the nerves heal, numbness on the
top of your scalp may be replaced by itching. These sensations may
take as long as six months to fully disappear. If bandages were
used, they will be removed a day or two after surgery. Most stitches
or clips will be removed within two weeks, sometimes in two stages.
Some of your hair around the
incision may fall out and may temporarily be a bit thinner. Normal
growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent
hair loss is rare.
Although you should be up and about
in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week
after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair
within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed.
Most patients are back to work or
school in a week to ten days. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy
housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure.
Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several
months.
Most of the visible signs of
surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. Minor
swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage
makeup. You may feel a bit tired and let down at first, but your
energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better.
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 contributed to the signs of aging until
they see how much younger and more rested they
appear after the lift.
Although a forehead lift does not
stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for years.
As time passes, you may want to repeat the procedure.
Complications are rare
and usually minor. 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 ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the
forehead. Additional surgery may be required to correct the problem.
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.
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 possibilities. You
can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your
instructions both before and after surgery.
Click here for more information on Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Vincent
specializes in plastic and cosmetic surgery and his practice is located in
Ogden, Utah. Patients from the following cities and areas of Salt Lake City, West
Valley City, Provo, Sandy, Park City, Orem, Layton, Taylorsville, St. George,
Utah (UT) and Twin Falls, Idaho (ID) can conveniently schedule an appointment
with our Ogden, Utah office.
