What is a forehead lift?
The forehead lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that also is known as a brow lift or temporal lift. The procedure cosmetically corrects sagging in the forehead skin, upper eyelids and eyebrows. During a forehead lift, the surgeon maneuvers tissues and removes segments of muscles and skin that are responsible for wrinkles or deep frown lines. This procedure sometimes is performed in conjunction with other forms of cosmetic surgery. There are two methods to lift the forehead and eyebrow areas: the classic lift and endoscopic lift.
The classic lift involves one continuous incision, beginning at the level of the ears and going up around the hairline. Depending on where the hairline is, the surgeon will move the incision line.
In the endoscopic lift, the surgeon makes a few shorter incisions in the scalp. He or she inserts a scope (a small camera on the end of a thin tube) into one of the incisions in order to view the tissues and muscles from a screen while using another device inserted in another incision to make the necessary alterations. In this procedure, the tissue will be anchored either with a temporary or permanent stitch or anchor below the scalp. These anchors will keep the tissue under control for years. Because the incisions are smaller, this procedure is less invasive. You will experience minimal scarring and shortened recovery time.
Before surgery
You should know exactly what you want to correct about the current appearance of your forehead. Your surgeon will evaluate your entire forehead region, including your upper eyelids. The surgeon may have you make a variety of facial expressions so he or she can evaluate exactly how to help you.
If your hair is longer and will get in the way of the procedure, you may have to trim it. If your hair is shorter, you may seek to grow it out to cover any scars. You will be able to discuss all this with your surgeon.
The day of surgery
A forehead lift can be performed at a surgeon’s office, in a hospital or in an outpatient surgery facility. Your surgery will take approximately two hours. Usually you will not need to stay overnight. You will need to bring someone along who can drive you home and stay with you the first night or two.
Most people have general anesthesia for this procedure. After surgery, the surgeon will cover the wound area with a soft, sterilized bandage. It’s very important to follow the instructions on how to care for the bandage and how frequently you should change it.
What should I expect after forehead lift surgery?
Your recovery is going to vary depending upon whether you had a classic or endoscopic procedure. In either case, your incisions will have stitches or staples that need to be removed in about a week. If you have temporary fixation screws (installed beneath the hairline to hold the elevated brow in place), these will be removed in about two weeks. You will probably experience swelling and bruising, which can also affect other parts of your face, including your cheeks and eyes. For at least two days following surgery, you should keep your head elevated to alleviate the swelling. The swelling will go down enough within the first two weeks for you to feel comfortable in public. It may take several weeks for all of the swelling to subside. You may also experience numbness or tingling, but this symptom will subside over time.
Most patients can return to work or school within 10 days, some sooner, depending on which procedure is used. You should be sure to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise or other activity for the first few weeks after surgery. Though the side effects are minimal, possible complications can include infection, scars, complications with eyebrow movement or the loss of sensation around the incision site.
When should I call a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience if you have a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, excessive swelling or bleeding.
Will my insurance cover a brow lift?
Under most circumstances, a forehead lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered under insurance plans.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/24/2007…#10784
