Forehead Lift

Introduction

Forehead lift, also known as a brow lift minimizes the creases that develop across the forehead, or those that occur high on the bridge of the nose. This procedure is done to improve frown lines, to reposition a low or sagging brow and also to treat conditions associated with aging. It is generally performed with other cosmetic procedures to achieve better outcomes. This surgery is also done to treat a few hereditary traits. Younger adults with a low brow or with deep frown lines formed due to stress or muscular over activity may benefit from this procedure.

Surgical Procedure

The face generally shows the first visible signs of aging. A change in eyebrow shape and position, and gravity makes the brow region look old. Multiple variations of the Forehead Lift procedure are available which can improve the shape and position of the eyebrow and forehead areas. Thus, it helps a patient bring back the time to better reflect youthful spirit.

Patients with one or combination of following states can opt for a forehead lift.

1. low positioned or sagged eyebrows, giving a sad or tired look

2. deep horizontal creases on the forehead

3. furrows or frown lines, between the eyebrows and sometimes across the top of the nose

Pre-operative consultation:

Cosmetic surgeon checks patient’s history and does physical examination during the pre-operative consultation. Facial bone structure, skin thickness, texture, and elasticity, brow position, eyelid and eye aesthetics are to be analysed during the physical examination. A surgical plan is devised using all this information and the objectives of the surgery are discussed. This procedure happens to be a versatile procedure, so cosmetic surgeons generally opt for a technique they are most comfortable with. This assures lowest risk for the patients with better outcomes.

Steps involved in a forehead lift:

The results of forehead lift surgery can be subtle or more obvious, depending on appearance prior to the surgery as well as the particular objectives decided during pre-operative consultation.

The procedure of Forehead Lift has been evolving progressively since its inception. It was introduced as open technique that has now advanced into more intricate minimally incisive and endoscopic techniques. In many instances, an incision is made across the top of the scalp, beginning above the ears and hidden within the hair. In some cases, the incision is given at the front of the hairline whereas in some other cases, toward the middle of the scalp. The incisions should be made very carefully so that they are inconspicuous post-healing. A cosmetic surgeon can successfully modify or remove parts of the muscles which cause wrinkles and frown lines, by using a forehead lift surgery. Excess skin can also be removed and eyebrows can be lifted to a more eye pleasing level. If frown lines present between the eyebrows or across the top of the nose is the main concern, a corrective short endoscopic procedure can rectify the imperfections.

1. Hair-bearing scalps are the areas that are incised most commonly in this procedure. Forehead or the upper eyelids are seldom incised.

2. Various degrees of undermining of the skin are performed after making the necessary incisions, and the deeper layers of the forehead are lifted.

3. Muscles depressing the eyebrows may be disrupted in this step.

4. The skin and deeper layers are fixed or surgically attached to the bone.

5. These steps result in a reversal of the effects of gravity, thus causing tightening of soft tissues of the forehead to restore a more youthful shape to the upper part of the face.

Recovery:

Time taken for recovery differs from patient to patient in case of face lift surgery. Elevation of the head certainly helps to reduce the initial post-operative inflammation. Intermittent use of ice packs is commonly advised by the surgeons to their patient after this procedure to avoid swelling. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin are better to be avoided for initial few days post-surgery. Smoking and second hand smoke too can cause delay in the healing process.

Results of the Forehead Lift:

The results of forehead lift surgery can be subtle or more obvious, depending on appearance prior to the surgery as well as the particular objectives decided during pre-operative consultation. It might take several weeks for the accurate change to appear in the facial characteristics as the healing process is gradual.