Our face is the most important cosmetic asset of our personality. As the age advances, changes start appearing on the face, mainly around the forehead, nose and corners of the lips. A forehead lift or an eyebrow lift is one such cosmetic procedure which is performed primarily to reduce the loose, sagging and wrinkled skin on the forehead, giving you a younger and firmer look.
Who is a candidate for a forehead lift procedure ?
Since wrinkles, frown lines, scowls are more evident in the older age group, the forehead lift procedure is primarily indicated in men and women between fourth and sixth decades. One can get a forehead lift procedure performed at an earlier age when genetically one has a more frown lines on forehead or eyebrows which droop. Ideally the eyebrows are a little more arched in women as compared to men, so individuals who want to improve the shape of their eyebrows can also get a forehead or an eyebrow lift procedure done. Sometimes a forehead lift might be indicated in individual who have had gross facial fractures and disfigurement of the face followed by an accident.
When is a forehead lift procedure not indicated ?
A forehead lift is a cosmetic procedure and is not indicated at a very early age, as with the advancing age the procedure’s effect won’t last and a re-procedure might have to be done. A forehead lift is also not indicated in individuals who have undergone a frontal craniotomy (surgery of the front part of the skull and the brain) to avoid any serious complications.
How do you prepare for a forehead lift procedure ?
Once you have considered a forehead lift procedure for yourself, you need to consult a plastic surgeon who specialises in maxillofacial surgeries involving the face, cheeks, around the eye and the forehead. The consultant surgeon will do a complete general examination along with history taking. The doctor might also ask you to make facial expressions to examine and evaluate your need for the surgery for the same. It is advised to inform you doctor about your past medical history and if you are on any medication such as aspirin or blood clotting medicines, as they have to be stopped before the procedure.
If you have a habit of smoking or consuming alcohol in any form, the consultant surgeon might ask you to stop the same to prevent any complications after the procedure.
Is the Forehead Lift performed under anesthesia ?
Yes, a forehead/eyebrow lift procedure is performed under the influence of either general anaesthesia/ local anaesthesia or sedation if required.
What happens during a forehead lift procedure ?
You will be admitted to the hospital or the outpatient clinic on the day of the procedure or a night before the procedure. Once the anaesthesia is administered the surgeon performs the forehead lift procedure. The procedure or the type of forehead lift depends on the technique which is used for the procedure, the types of forehead lifts are mention as under:
- Coronal/Hairline/Pretrichial forehead lift procedure : This is also known as the classic procedure for performing a forehead or an eyebrow lift where a very long is incision is given behind your hairline which extends from one ear to another. This procedure is a rather elaborate procedure which lifts the eyebrows and the forehead at the same time in one surgical procedure.
- The Gull wing/Direct forehead lift procedure : This procedure is indicated in individuals who don’t not want an incision that extends till the hairline. Primarily indicated in individuals who have a droopy eyebrow as it corrects the same without touching the hairline. The incision is given just above the eyebrow and along its length and the skin and tissue are gently pulled down. This procedure also helps in individuals who have a receding hairline.
- Hairline forehead lift procedure : This procedure is indicated in bald individuals where the incision placed helps in lifting the forehead skin and tissue by pulling it up and the scalp is repositioned on your skull.
- Endoscopic forehead lift procedure : This procedure is a rather new approach for performing a forehead lift. Endoscope is a special device with an attached camera, so instead of a long incision, several small (about five) incisions are given at the site of eyebrows and forehead. This is a minimally invasive procedure where the chances of scarring are minimal.
The type of technique which is suitable depends on the decision which would be made by your doctor after a complete evaluation of your face and you after understanding the risks, benefits and complications of each technique. For instance, a minimally invasive procedure is not indicated in all individuals, hence a thorough discussion about what you want from a forehead lift procedure and what is the long term possible outcome of a forehead lift procedure, is always essential and advised. Sutures might be placed if required at the end of a forehead lift procedure.
What happens after a forehead lift procedure ?
The forehead lift procedure is mostly performed as an outpatient procedure and you should be discharged on the same day or a day after the procedure is performed. The operating surgeon will apply some antibiotic bandages at the surgical site to prevent any infection. You might be asked to not remove the surgical dressing until advised. You will also be advised to keep ice packs at the surgical site to help in reduction of swelling and bruising at the site of surgery. You might need to visit your treating surgeon to get the sutures removed and for routine follows up for the monitoring of your recovery after the procedure.
What are the risks and complications associated with a forehead lift procedure ?
Forehead lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure, hence there are chances of very less complications unless the surgical site is infected or fluid is collected at the same. The complications of gastric upset, nausea and vomiting could be because of the anaesthesia administered. The complications related to the forehead lift per say can include scarring at the site of incision, bleeding and infection at the site of the surgery, in case when incisions are given near the hairline, could lead to receding hairline.
What is the outcome of a forehead lift procedure ?
A forehead lift procedure is a fairly new cosmetic procedure which has been performed for about two decades across the world. Since, it is a cosmetic procedure it is very important to have realistic expectations from the same. Usually forehead lifts are successful in the long run and will help you to look and feel younger if the surgery is well planned and performed.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for forehead lift procedure ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for forehead lift procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for forehead lift procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for forehead lift procedure.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for forehead lift procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.