The effects of aging are inevitable, and, often, the brow and forehead are one of the areas that show the first signs. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. The pull of gravity and strong muscles around the eye also affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead, and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrow region. Even people in their thirties may have faces that look older than their years.

Your tired, angry, or sad expression may not reflect how you actually feel. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as the forehead or brow lift. Based on variations in how men and women age and on new advances in medical technology, different methods are used to perform this procedure. If you are wondering how a forehead lift could improve your appearance, you need to know how these procedures are performed and what you can expect. This pamphlet can address many of your concerns and provide you the information you need to begin considering forehead surgery.

Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs.

Is A Forehead Lift For You?
The forehead lift or brow lift procedure elevates the position of the forehead and brows to reveal a youthful and elegant appearance. It smoothes the forehead, opens the eyes and helps decrease brow heaviness and can result in a more youthful expression. To see what a forehead lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards. Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. Dr. Honrado can help you select the best technique suited to your particular situation.

Not infrequently, a brow lift is combined with Blepharoplasty or face lift to provide a harmonious rejuvenation.

Understanding The Surgery
The main difference among the various options for forehead lifting consists of the placement of the incision.

At the present time, the majority of forehead lifts are performed via a minimally invasive surgical technique known as the endoscopic forehead lift. The procedure involves making several small and extremely well concealed incisions behind the hairline. A special, lighted scope is placed through the incisions and the forehead is gently elevated by releasing deep attachments at the brow.

In a few cases, incisions can be placed at the hairline or behind the hairline. This incision generally heals favorably and has the advantage of lowering the hairline. For men, one option is to place the incision within the midforehead creases. This is primarily used in individuals with deep pre-existing, horizontal forehead lines.

What To Expect After The Surgery
The amount of bruising and swelling can vary. However, it is normal that you will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the 10-day period following surgery. In some patients, this condition may include the cheek and eye area in addition to the forehead. Head elevation is advisable in order to reduce swelling. The use of cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. A wrap dressing that is placed immediately after surgery to help reduce the swelling is removed the following day. The sutures are usually removed within seven to 10 days following surgery. Dr. Honrado will inform you when it is safe to resume activities which is usually in two weeks (although it may be longer in some cases). Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with standard make-up techniques.

Ancillary Procedures to Browlift