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Forehead Lift – Brow Lift

This procedure is done to lift the eyebrows, as the skin around the eyes tends to lose elasticity, causing drooping eyebrows, wrinkles and frown lines. This simple surgery can correct these problems by altering the muscles and tissues around the brow and temples. A forehead lift is generally done with other cosmetic procedures to the face to achieve a harmonious effect. It can be done with an open incision or through an endoscopic process, the difference being the size and location of the incision.

Realistic expectations must first be established and discussed with your surgeon before the procedure. The day of the procedure make sure to wash your hair thoroughly, and avoid wearing make-up, false eyelashes, face creams or any other cosmetics. It can be done with local or general anesthesia. If your surgeon chooses an open procedure, he or she will generally make an incision behind your hair line and separate the skin from the facial structures underneath. The structures are then sewn into the desired place and the skin replaced over it, a few centimeters of excess skin will also be removed and then sewn back into place using stitches.

A less invasive technique is the endoscopic surgery. It involves several small incisions instead of one big one. A small camera or endoscope is placed under the skin and based on what it shows about the positioning of the muscles and facial structures underneath, the doctor will place the muscles in the new position using a small instrument inserted into one of the small incisions. The skin is then sewn in place, a bit higher to give it a stretched look.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Although this is a very straightforward procedure, there is an open wound and should be carefully dressed and cleaned per instructions of your doctor, to avoid infections, irregular scarring or long term bleeding and bruising.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST SURGERY

The recovery process for this procedure is very straightforward. The dressing will be removed and replaced with an elastic wrap meant to help keep the swelling down. The tenderness and swelling will go down after 10 days. Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to help with the swelling. Avoid heavy physical activity for at least three weeks.