A forehead lift, also referred to as a brow lift, corrects the effects of aging skin on the upper portion of the face. A brow lift smooths or softens forehead wrinkles and frown lines between the eyebrows, while raising sagging eyebrows to create a younger, fresher-looking face.
A forehead lift can be performed alone or at the same time as a facelift, eyelid surgery or nose surgery.
A forehead lift or brow lift repositions the soft tissue of the forehead and raises the brow line to a more youthful position. The natural arch of the eyebrows can also be restored by lifting the forehead skin and lax muscles, creating a more refreshed expression. Frown lines and creases along the forehead may also become smoother and less visible.
Forehead Lift FAQs
These procedures can:
- Fight the signs of aging:The eye area is one of the first to show your age. Correcting drooping lids and descending brows immediately restores a more youthful look.
- Change your expression:Sagging and drooping brows can make you appear tired, stressed, angry, or sad. Some patients feel they look overly serious. Lifting the brow line will help soften your features and reveal your true expressions.
- Minimize wrinkles:Forehead lines and wrinkles continue to become more prominent as we age. A brow-forehead lift will help tighten and smooth the skin’s appearance.
- Improve confidence:There is no substitute for confidence. A brow-forehead lift will deliver a subtle yet powerful change that will influence how you feel about yourself.
Both genetics and aging can play a role in the condition and position of your forehead, brow line, and eyelids. Brows that have descended can make you look worried, tired, or sad.
The upper eyelid and eyebrow are intimately intertwined. Some patients who seek a consultation for eyelid surgery learn that the improvement in appearance they desire may include a brow-forehead lift in place of, or in addition to, eyelid surgery.
Patients typically consider the removal of excess skin and fat excess as the primary procedure. However the lid and the brow are not mutually exclusive, and successful rejuvenation of them must be addressed together. Surgery on one directly affects the shape, contour and function of the other. A low position of the eyebrow can contribute to, or worsen the appearance of heavy upper lids. Both must be addressed to achieve the best result.
Your Water’s Edge plastic surgeon will use the initial consultation to learn about your goals and discuss which procedures may offer the best opportunity to achieve the desired outcome. There will also be an examination of the brow-forehead, and the doctor will ask several questions related to patient medical history.
Additionally, prior to surgery you will be urged to:
- Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen for at least two weeks
- Stop drinking alcohol for at least two weeks
- Stop smoking for at least six weeks
- Stop taking herbal supplements and vitamins for two weeks
- Reduce salt intake
- Stay well-hydrated
The office will provide medication and complete instructions for follow-up care the day of surgery.
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What To Expect During Forehead or Brow Lift Surgery
Each of the three types of brow lift is designed to correct a different area of concern. Depending on individual patient goals and physical needs, the specific technique used will vary.
Coronal Brow Lift
Using a horizontal incision along the hairline — depending on the height of the forehead and hair pattern — your surgeon trims and redraped excess skin. Underlying muscles are tightened and the scar is typically hidden in the hairline.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
In an approach similar to arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a series of small incisions and uses a scopeto guide specialized instruments to the appropriate treatment area. This procedure is utilized where there is little excess skin. Many patients prefer the smaller scalp incisions.
Temporal Brow Lift
In the case of sagging along the lateral eyebrow, a temporal approach involves an incision made along or within the hairline at the temple, just above the ear. The muscles along the brows are repositioned and secured with specialized sutures or dissolvable anchoring devices.
Brow lift surgery is performed at an accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. The treatment requires general anesthesia, and usually takes about one hour to complete unless it is combined with other cosmetic enhancement procedures.
Recovery after Forehead Lift or Brow Lift Surgery
Following your surgery, your head will be carefully wrapped, and you may be instructed to wear a compression garment. After one or two days, the bandaging may be removed. It is important to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses as directed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Mild pain and discomfort are common post-surgery, but they can be managed with medication. If you experience a sharp pain that is not alleviated by medication, you should contact your Water’s Edge Dermatology immediately. A drain may be placed, and is typically removed in the first few days.
You will need to avoid all strenuous activities for two weeks. If there are no complications, most patients return to normal activities and office work after one week. Risks include bleeding, infection, poor healing, and widened scars, most of which are avoided by paying careful attention to pre- and post-surgery instructions.
It is possible to experience some temporary hair irregularities at the incision sites.
Improvement is typically seen after a few weeks.