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While no one is immune to
the effects of aging, a forehead lift, also
known as a brow lift, can minimize some of
the most visible signs-drooping eyebrows,
"hooding" over the eyes, forehead furrows
and frown lines that come with age. In a
forehead lift, the muscles and skin that
cause the problems are removed or altered to
smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids
and minimize frown lines. The result can be
a more alert, more animated, more youthful
appearance. Recent advances in plastic
surgery have made the forehead lift a
relatively simple procedure with results
that last from five to 10 years or longer.
It can be done alone, or in conjunction with
other procedures, such as facelift, eyelid
surgery, or nose reshaping. If you're
considering a forehead lift, this will give
you a basic understanding of the procedure
-when it can help, how it's performed, and
what results you can expect. It can't answer
all of your questions, since a lot depends
on the individual patient and the surgeon.
Please ask your surgeon about anything you
don't understand.
The best candidates for a forehead lift
Men and women of any age may be good
candidates for a forehead lift. While the
procedure is most commonly done on people in
their forties to sixties to slow the visible
effects of aging, it can also help people
with inherited conditions, such as a droopy
brow or furrowed lines above the nose. If
you are bald or have a receding hairline,
you may still be a good candidate for a
forehead lift. Your surgeon will simply
alter the location of the incision to
camouflage it as much as possible. If you
have already had plastic surgery on your
upper eyelids, a more conservative forehead
lift may be in order, to assure that enough
skin remains to allow you to close your eyes
comfortably after surgery. 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 with your surgeon.
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A forehead lift can smooth the
forehead, raise the upper
eyelids, and minimize the frown
lines that come with aging |
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 must be considered. Your ability
to raise your eyebrows or wrinkle your
forehead may be altered on one or both
sides. This may require additional surgery
to minimize the difference between the two
sides. A broad scar may form if there is
excessive swelling. Hair loss may occur
along the scar edges in some cases. This can
be treated by surgically removing the scar
tissue or areas of hair loss so a new scar
can form. You can reduce your risk of
complications by closely following your
surgeon's instructions both before and after
surgery.
Planning your surgery
To see how a forehead lift might change your
appearance, stand in front of a mirror and
place the palms of your hands at the outer
edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows.
Then gently draw the skin upward to raise
the brow and forehead area. That is
approximately what a forehead lift would do
for you. If you decide to see a surgeon, he
or she will first evaluate your face,
including the skin and underlying bone, and
discuss your goals for the surgery. The
surgeon will ask you about certain medical
conditions that could cause problems during
or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high
blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or
the tendency to form excessive scars. Be
sure to tell your surgeon if you have had
previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if
you take any drugs or medications,
especially aspirin or other drugs that
affect clotting.
If you decide to proceed with a forehead
lift, your surgeon will explain the
techniques and anesthesia he or she will
use, the type of facility where the surgery
will be performed, and the risks and costs
involved. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor
any questions you may have, especially those
regarding your expectations and concerns
about the results of surgery.
Preparing for your surgery
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In preparation for a forehead
lift, the hair is tied back with
rubber bands in front of and
behind the incision area. An
incision is usually made across
the top of the head, just behind
the hairline. |
Your surgeon will give you
specific instructions on how to prepare for
surgery, including guidelines on eating and
drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
certain vitamins and medications. Carefully
following these instructions will help your
surgery go more smoothly. If your hair is
short, you may want to let it grow out
before surgery, so that it's long enough to
hide the scars while they heal. Whether your
forehead lift is done on an outpatient or an
inpatient basis, you should arrange for
someone to drive you home after your
surgery, and to help you out for a day or
two if needed.
Where your surgery will be performed
A forehead lift may be performed in a
surgeon's office based facility, an
outpatient surgery center, or a hospital.
It's usually done on an outpatient basis,
without an overnight stay.
Types of anesthesia
Most forehead lifts are done under local
anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make
you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and
your face will be insensitive to pain.
(However, you may feel some tugging or
occasional discomfort.) Some surgeons prefer
general anesthesia, in which case you'll
sleep through the operation.
The surgery
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Forehead skin is gently lifted
and portions of facial muscle
and excess skin are removed. The
incision is then closed with
stitches or clips. |
The surgical team begins
by tying your hair with rubber bands in
front of and behind the incision area. Your
head will not be shaved, although hair
immediately in front of the incision line
may need to be trimmed. For most patients,
the incision will start at about the level
of your ears and run across the top of your
fore head. If you have a high or receding
hairline, your surgeon may make the incision
just at your hairline to avoid making your
forehead appear even higher. By wearing your
hair down on your forehead, most such scars
be come relatively inconspicuous. If you are
bald or balding, your surgeon may recommend
a mid-scalp incision so the resulting scar
follows the natural junction of two bones in
your skull.
Forehead skin is then carefully lifted so
portions of muscle and excess tissue can be
removed. Any excess skin at the point of
incision will also be removed. The surgeon
will close the incision with stitches or
clips. Your face and hair will be washed to
prevent irritation and the rubber bands will
be removed from your hair. The incision may
be covered with a gauze padding and your
head may be wrapped with an elastic bandage.
Some surgeons do not use any dressings.
After your surgery
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The result of a forehead lift is
a younger, more rested look. |
A forehead lift is
possible in men, but may require special
planning to hide the scars. This involves an
individual discussion between the physician
and the patient. You may experience some
numbness and temporary discomfort around the
incision, which can be controlled with
medication prescribed by your surgeon. If
you have a tendency toward headaches, your
doctor may prescribe an additional
longer-acting local anesthetic during
surgery as a preventive measure. Your doctor
may tell you to keep your head elevated for
two to three days following surgery to keep
the swelling down. Some swelling is
inevitable, even around your eyes or cheeks.
Bruising and swelling should begin to
disappear in a week or so. Numbness on the
top of your scalp may be replaced by itching
as nerves heal. These sensations may take up
to six months to fully disappear. Bandages,
if used, will be removed a day or two after
surgery. Most stitches or clips will be
removed in 10 to 14 days, or perhaps 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.
Getting back to normal
While 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 one or two
days after surgery or as soon as the
bandages are 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 house work, sexual relations,
or any activity that increases your blood
pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun
should be limited for several months. You
can face the world again as soon as you're
comfortable going out. Most visible signs of
surgery should fade completely within two to
three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can
be covered almost immediately by special
camouflage makeup. It's not unusual to feel
tired and let down at first, but that will
pass as you begin to look and feel better.
Your new look
Most patients are pleased with the results
of a forehead lift. 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. While a forehead
lift, like a facelift or any other surgery
to minimize the effects of aging, does not
stop the clock, it can minimize the
appearance of aging for years. As time
passes, you may want to repeat the
procedure. But even if you don't, you'll
always look better than if you never had a
forehead lift at all.
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