INTRODUCTION

Facelift surgery improves the wrinkles and sagging skin of the middle and lower face, jowels, and neck. Forehead/Brow Lift surgery, on the other hand, corrects problem of the upper face: (1) sagging skin of the forehead and drooping of the brows, (2) deep vertical lines and wrinkles inbetween the eyebrows, and (3) promiment horizontal lines of the middle forehead. These problems result in an “old,” “tired,” or “sad” look. A Forehead/Brow Lift can either be performed alone or in conjunction with Facelift surgery.

Forehead/Brow Lift surgery is closely related to upper eyelid [Blepharoplasty] surgery. Commonly the apparent “loose” skin of the upper eyelids is actually the result of sagging forehead skin that weighs down on the upper eyelids.  Forehead/Brow Lift surgery always rejuvinates the appearance of the upper eyelids as well.

ANALYSIS

The goal of surgery is to make you happy. At your consultation we will obtain a very thorough medical history. We will want to know if you have had any previous facial cosmetic surgery. We will want to know your goals of treatment, both in terms of the kind of look you would like to achieve as well as the kind of look you would like to avoid. We will carefully examine you and make measurements as indicated.  Photographs are an essential aspect of the analysis, and we request that you bring previous photographs of yourself for review.

The objective of surgery is a very natural result. Patients often fear a “startled,” or “surprised” look, and this is almost always the result of over-aggressive treatment by the surgeon. We specifically avoid any form of overcorrection. That kind of “overdone” look is totally contrary to our artistic goals and treatment objectives.

Following the analysis we will present to you a comprehensive treatment strategy. We will discuss the procedure(s) recommended in detail. We will also advise you of the potential risks and complications of surgery. We will outline your recovery period and make focused suggestions to make your surgery experience safe, easy, and as pleasant as possible.

PROCEDURE

The surgery takes between 1 to 1½ hours to perform, depending on the needs of the patient and the desired surgical goals. You will be totally asleep for the surgery to minimize anxiety and to maximize comfort. There are several different ways to perform Forehead/Brow Lift surgery depending on the nature of the incisions used: (1) Open methods, (2) Closed methods, and (3) Combination methods.

The “open” methods involve an incision across the head. The incision can either be just in front of the hairline or farther back within the scalp.

The “closed” methods involve several very small incisions just behind the hairline and the use of a small telescope-like device [“endoscope”]. This form of Forehead/Brow Lift surgery is also called “endoscopic browlift.”

The “combination” methods involve incisions in the scalp in the temple areas only and correction of the middle of the forehead and brow utilizing the endoscope device.

There are advantages and disadvantages of all of these methods. If a Forehead/Brow Lift procedure is recommended to you, the specific method that will offer you’re the greatest advantages over the other methods will be advised.

A small drain device is placed on each side to evacuate swelling and bruising fluid in the first few days after surgery. Your head will be wrapped in gauze for the first 24 hours after surgery for to discourage swelling.

AFTERCARE

Recovery from Forehead/Brow Lift surgery is a “process” and will depend largely on the particular method of surgery that was selected for you, your motivation for success, and your dedication in precisely following our written after-surgery instructions. In most cases you will look “OK” at one week, “good” at two weeks, “very good” at four weeks, and “great” at six weeks. Following surgery will recommend a customized program for
maintaining your results. We recommend follow-up visits every two years to keep you looking your very best.