A forehead lift is usually done to correct the sagging of the skin of the forehead, eyebrows, and eyelids. It is also used to remove wrinkles that appear between the forehead and the eyes. A forehead lift involves the removal or alteration of muscles and skin in order to remove the signs of aging. Some of the signs of aging that are corrected with forehead lifts are drooping eyebrows, hooded eyelids, furrows on the forehead, and frown lines.
Forehead lifts are often conducted in combination with other cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, and eye lifts. The surgery is relatively simple. There is no overnight stay involved, so the surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The entire procedure only takes about one to two hours to perform. The patient is given local anesthesia at the start of the operation. The surgeon may also choose to give a mild sedative in order to help the patient relax during the surgery.
In certain cases where the removal or reconstruction of skin and muscle is significant, general anesthesia might be used by the surgeon. There is very little discomfort during the surgery, and the patient might feel a slight stretching of the skin around the forehead.
Sections of the hair will be held away from the surgical area, and some amount of hair might be trimmed in order to clear the way for incisions. There will not be any significant removal of hair during the surgery.
The surgeon makes a cut at the level of the ears, and the cut then passes along the hairline across the top of the forehead. In case of bald or balding patients, the surgeon might use an incision in the middle of the scalp in order to avoid the appearance of post-surgical marks at easily noticeable locations.
Once the skin is lifted, the surgeon then begins removing the excess muscle, fat, and skin in order to smooth out the area. The flap is then closed with stitches or surgical staples. The hair and face are washed before the application of the dressing in order to prevent irritating the scalp.
Your Forehead Lift Recovery
After your forehead lift has been performed, you will begin your recovery and healing process. Patients typically experience a degree of swelling and bruising around the surgical area. These are temporary issues and will resolve over time. To help control these issues, cold compresses are recommended.
You will need to stay home from work for a time and avoid physically taxing activities like heavy exercise. After the incisions have fully healed and the bruising and swelling are gone, you will be able to appreciate the new appearance of the forehead and brow.
Make an Appointment for a Consultation
Forehead lifts can improve the overall quality and appearance of the face and can result in better facial proportions and a more balanced look. If you want to find out more, the best way is by visiting a skilled medical professional.
Dr. Kurtis Martin is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of surgical experience. Contact our office to schedule a helpful consultation with Dr. Martin.
