Cosmetic Surgery Forehead Lift
What is a cosmetic Forehead Lift?
A cosmetic forehead lift, or "brow lift" is a procedure that restores a more youthful look to the forehead. As you age there is a tendency for the eyebrows to droop and wrinkles to appear on the forehead. Often the drooping eyebrows make upper eyelid bags worse and, in severe cases, they can obscure vision: this is prevented by elevating the eyebrows and forehead to their natural position.
Traditionally this operation was done using a large incision along the hairline. However, we use an endoscope (special magnifying telescope) to allow the forehead to be elevated using just a few small incisions in the hair of your scalp. This makes the scars very difficult to see, as well as leading to a quicker recovery with less pain.
Would I benefit from a Forehead lift?
Any patient with deep wrinkles on the forehead and droopy eyebrows can benefit from a forehead lift. In some cases upper eyelid bags are actually being caused by droopy eyebrows, and a forehead lift may be required along with an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).
What can I expect?
In most cases your forehead lift will be carried out at the same time as other plastic surgery, such as a facelift or eyelid lift. Recovery from a browlift tends to be quick with some mild discomfort, swelling and occasional bruising. In a small group of patients black-eyes can occur but these tend to settle over a week or so.
How safe is a forehead lift?
A forehead lift tends to be a very safe operation, although occasionally complications can occur. As with any operation there is a chance of bleeding, and we will keep you in hospital overnight to watch for this. Infections are very rare in face operations.
One complication that can occur after a facelift is damage to the nerves in your forehead, which can lead to areas of numbness on the scalp. A small amount of numbness is common and gradually improves after the procedure, during which you may feel some itching, however occasionally larger areas can be affected. In most cases this improves but in a minority it can be permanent, which is why when choosing a Surgeon it is always important to pick someone with experience and a lengthy training: our lead surgeon Vivek has 9 years of experience in Plastic Surgery.
How long will the improvement last?
The forehead lift will set back the clock and give you a more youthful appearance. Although, you will continue to age following the procedure, you will still see the benefits of your operation in years to come. However, in 10 years or so you may elect to have the procedure repeated.
What can I do to improve my results after surgery?
The most important factor in avoiding complications is not to smoke for 6 weeks before or after your operation as smoking increases complications in all cosmetic operations. However, if you continue to smoke we will still carry out your operation, as long as you understand the risks that are involved. But remember, smoking will counter the benefit you received from your procedure and makes you age faster!
How long will it take me to get back to normal?
In most cases you will feel under the weather for a few days and a bit swollen, although this tends to settle over the first week. Your hairline incisions will be closed with metal clips which can be removed after 2 weeks. After this most patients are ready to go back to office-type work, although physical activity and exercise are not recommended for the first 6 weeks after your operation.
Your new look
The results after a forehead lift can dramatically improve the way you look, especially when combined with other procedures. You should remember that avoiding excessive sun exposure, wearing a daily SPF, not smoking and drinking plenty of water will help you keep you new look for longer.