Brow Lift

A forehead lift or “brow lift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad, or tired.

In a forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows, and minimize frown lines. The use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument, allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. The endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin.

A forehead lift is most commonly performed in the 40 – 60 year age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed droopy brows and furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose, can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

Forehead lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a smoother overall look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their cosmetic goals.

For a better understanding of how a forehead lift might change your appearance, look into a mirror and place the palms of your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently draw the skin up to raise the brow and the forehead area. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.

If you decide to proceed with a forehead lift, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique and the recommended type of anesthesia. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results of surgery. General anesthesia may be administered and you will sleep through the entire operation. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two. Although you should be up and about in a couple of days, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days. Most patients are back to work or school in a week. Some patients may feel ready to return even sooner. Vigorous physical activity should limited for 4 weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, or any activity that increases your blood pressure.

Patients are very pleased with the results of a forehead lift. Often, patients don’t realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift. Although a forehead lift does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for years. As time passes, you may want to repeat the procedure.