FOREHEAD LIFT PROCEDURE

Eyes and eyebrows are the focal points of facial expression. The first area to consider for surgical intervention in an attempt to rejuvenate and beautify the upper face is the eyelids. In the event the eyebrows and the forehead are problematic from an aesthetic point of view, eyelid surgery can, contrary to expectations, give the patient a tired expression. To correct a sagging forehead and drooping brows, forehead skin can be stretched, brows lifted; thus substantially eliminating the excess skin of the eyelids. Most of the time, upper eyelid surgery will not be needed.
Signs of aging show on the forehead as they do on facial skin; loss of elasticity, sagging, deepening of existing lines. The eyebrows drop with time, resulting in a tired, sad expression in the eyes. Bad eating habits, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, stress, pollution, gravity effect and facial expressive movements facilitate this aesthetically disturbing result. Although deep forehead wrinkles are nearly inexistent in some younger patients, structural sagging of forehead skin and drooping of eyebrows can occur.
This procedure, generally performed on male and female patients over the age of 40 with no other health complications, can be suggested on younger patients to correct structural deformities. The forehead lift operation minimizes the lines on the forehead, eyebrows drooping towards the eyes are lifted back where they are supposed to be, giving the patient a youthful expression, while noticeably reducing the wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet). In cases of severe sagging requiring extraction of skin, a classic open brow lift surgery will be preferred. In the classical method, a crown shaped scar will remain 4 to 5 cm behind the hairline. But this scar will be concealed under the scalp. However, a temporary loss of sensation in the scalp may occur during the first 3 to 4 months following this procedure. The brow lift operation aiming to reposition the eyebrows is a part of the forehead lift surgery. A separate brow lift operation is not necessary.
I perform a forehead lift technique of my invention documented in international medical literature. This technique can be translated as “biphasic forehead lift” and is suggested to obtain long lasting results.
Lifting of the brows alone by entering from temporal legion and partial forehead lift is not a preferable method. As simple as this technique may seem, it is not very effective and may result in recurrence.
Endoscopic forehead lift method can be suggested for younger patients. This method reduces the scars on the scalp, however its effectiveness and durability are debatable; it cannot be effective enough to eliminate excess skin. Today, more than half of plastic surgeons in America went back to the conventional, open forehead lift method. Expert surgeons provide effective and long lasting results.

OPERATION

The operation is done in hospital environment under the supervision of anesthesiologist, in an operating room. General anesthesia is recommended. It takes approximately 1.5 hours. As the incision is located on the scalp, scars can easily be concealed immediately. Often done simultaneously with facelift operations, it can be performed with other procedures when necessary.

POST OPERATIVE PERIOD

Early post-op period is usually comfortable. General edema and contusion (bruises) may occur around the eyes and on the forehead. Numbness and pulling sensation may be experienced, however these symptoms will disappear within 2 weeks. A facial compression garment exposing the eyes, nose and mouth can be applied. The dressing will be taken out at day 3 or 4 and the patient can wash their hair. Extensive effort and hairdryer heat are unadvised during the first 3 weeks, as they may increase the edema. The sutures will be removed 7 – 8 days later.
The operation provides good results. Touch-ups may rarely be required. The patient can apply make-up from the first days and return to work 10 days later, however heavy exercise and sunlight should be avoided. The new appearance of brows and forehead is affected by gravity, thus lasting 8 to 10 years or for life, depending on the patient’s body structure.