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| Forehead Lift: About the Procedure |
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In most cases, the surgeon makes a coronal (crown) incision well behind the hairline so that the scar won't be visible. This incision begins at ear level and runs across the top of the forehead and down the other side of your head, similar to a headphone. If the patient's hairline is high or receding, the incision may be placed at the hairline to avoid adding more height to the forehead. If the patient is bald or has thinning hair, a mid-scalp incision that follows the natural pattern of the skull may be used.
Working through the incision, the skin of the forehead is lifted carefully so that the underlying tissue can be removed and the muscles of the forehead can be altered or released. The eyebrows may also be elevated and excess skin at the incision will be trimmed away to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. The incision is then closed with clips or stitches. The surgeon may cover the incision with gauze padding and wrap the head in an elastic bandage. If bandages are used, they can usually be removed a day or two after surgery.
The Endoscopic Method
Instead of making one long coronal incision, the surgeon makes 3 - 5 short scalp incisions, each less than an inch long. The surgeon then inserts an endoscope (a thin, pencil-like camera device connected to a TV monitor) to get a clear view of the muscles and tissue beneath the skin. From there, the surgeon inserts another instrument through a separate incision to lift the forehead skin and remove or alter the muscles and underlying tissues. The eyebrows may also be lifted and secured into their higher position by sutures underneath the skin's surface or by temporary screws* behind the hairline.
Sidebar—What would I look like with a forehead lift?
To get an idea of how a forehead lift might change your appearance, look in a mirror and place your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently draw the skin up to raise your brow and your forehead. Now smile! |
Where will I have my surgery?
Forehead lifts may be performed in a surgeon's office, a surgery center or in a hospital. If performed as an isolated procedure the surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, but some surgeons may hospitalize patients for a day when using general anesthesia.
How long does a forehead lift last?
The results of a forehead lift are different for every individual. Many people only have one lift in a lifetime, while others have a second surgery 7 - 15 years later. Remember that a forehead lift cannot stop the aging process, you will continue to age.
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