The effects of aging are inevitable, and, often, the brow and forehead area show the first signs. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. Sun, wind, and the pull of gravity all affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead, and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrows. Even people in their thirties may have faces that look older than their years. Your tired, angry, or sad expression may not reflect how you actually feel. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as the forehead lift. Based on variations in how men and women age and on new advances in medical technology, different methods are used to perform this procedure.

This procedure has become very popular since it is now usually performed with endoscopes and with tiny incisions in the hair as an outpatient. Many people who elect to have this procedure are younger than the typical face/lift patient. 

Is A Forehead Lift For You?

As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. When Dr. Maack tightens loose skin and removes the excess, forehead wrinkling and drooping brows are improved. The procedure is called a forehead lift or brow lift. Dr. Maack will typically remove part of the muscle that causes vertical frown lines between the brows. The result can be a smoother brow and a more youthful expression. To see what a forehead lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes, and gently raise the skin upwards. Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. This procedure is usually done from age forty and above, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.

Incisions can be placed at the hairline, behind the hairline, or in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead. Dr. Maack will almost always use tiny incisions hidden in your hair but will go over all of your best options.

Making The Decision For A Forehead Lift

Whether you are having surgery for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. During the consultation, Dr. Maack will examine your facial structure, the condition of your skin, and your hairline in order to decide where incisions should be made. A thorough medical history will be obtained so that he can consider any medical conditions that may heighten surgical risks. A detailed description of the procedure will also include a discussion of the type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, costs, and risk involved.

After the decision to proceed with the surgery is made, the surgeon will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, any additional surgery, and the risks and costs.

Understanding The Surgery

The main difference among the various options for forehead lifting consists of the placement of the incision.

The original technique is the coronal incision, which is made slightly behind the natural hairline. An alternative is the pre-trichial incision. This is similar to the coronal incision except that the mid-portion of the incision is made directly at the hairline. This incision generally heals favorably and has the advantage of lowering the hairline. The disadvantage could be noticeable scarring. An option is to place the incision within the midforehead creases. This is primarily used in men with deep pre-existing forehead lines.

The newest approach, which is Dr. Maack's preferred method, is endoscopic surgery. Several small one-half-inch to one-inch incisions are placed just behind the hairline. This technique is quicker, less invasive, greatly decreases the incisions and scars, and results in a smaller chance of temporary scalp numbness. This procedure takes Dr. Maack about 1 hour to perform as an outpatient at the surgery center under anesthesia.

What To Expect After The Surgery

You will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the 5-10 day period following surgery. In some patients, this condition may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. You will be advised to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. The staples or sutures are usually removed within seven to 10 days following surgery. One can usually get hair wet in a few days and resume exercise in about 2 weeks. Many people are back in public in about one week but sometimes the bruising may last longer. Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with standard make-up techniques.

Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve sagging foreheads and brows due to paralysis or trauma may be reimbursable in whole or in part.

The brow lift can be combined with lower eyelid surgery or lasers, the face/neck lift or other procedures to rejuvenate your face.

Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.