Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)
Description
The Surgical Procedure
What to Expect After Surgery
Resuming Physical Activities
Before/After Brow Lift Photos
What is a Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)?
No one is immune to the effects of aging. But a forehead lift, also known as a browlift, can minimize some of the most visible signs: drooping eyebrows, "hooding" over the eyes, forehead furrows and frown lines that come with age and make a person appear angry, sad or tired
In a forehead lift, the muscles and skin causing the problems are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids and minimize frown lines. The result can be a more alert, more animated, more youthful appearance. Browlift is often done in conjunction with other rejuvenating procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping.
The Surgical Procedure
Your surgeon will help you decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the classic or "open" method, or the endoscopic forehead lift. Make sure you understand the technique that your surgeon recommends and why he or she feels it is best for you.
If your hair is very short, you may wish to let it grow out before surgery, so that it's long enough to hide the scars while they heal.
Whether your forehead lift is done in an outpatient facility or in the hospital, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you for a day or two.
The surgery package price includes the surgeon's fee, the outpatient hospital and operating room expenses and the anesthesiologist’s fees. This can range from $2,500 for a brow lift done at the same time as other procedures under local anesthesia to $5,000 for isolated brow lift under general anesthesia.
What to Expect After Surgery
Patients may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with prescription medication. Patients who are prone to headaches may be treated with an additional longer-acting local anesthesia during surgery as a preventive measure.
Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup.
Resuming Physical Activities
Although you should be up and about in a day or two, 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, or as soon as the bandage is removed. Coloring your hair should be delayed at least six weeks following the procedure.
Most patients are back to work or school in a week to 10 days. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.
