The forehead lift, also known as a browlift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of drooping eyebrows, hooding over the eyes, forehead creases and frown lines. During the procedure, loose skin is tightened, excess skin is removed and muscles are altered, resulting in a smoother brow and more youthful expression and. The forehead lift may be performed as an endoscopic procedure.

Potential candidates for forehead lift surgery include men and women who are in good health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to improve the appearance of forehead wrinkling and drooping brows. Most patients tend to be between the ages of forty and sixty-five. 

The forehead lift usually requires one to two hours of surgical time and may be performed in a surgeon’s office facility, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. The type of anesthesia used will depend upon the particular case, though forehead lifts are most commonly performed with either IV sedation or twilight anesthesia.

There are several option for the placement of the incisions, including at the hairline, behind the hairline and, in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead. For the traditional technique, a coronal incision is made which is placed slightly behind the natural hairline. For the endoscopic technique, several small incisions are placed just behind the hairline. Once the incisions are made, excess tissue is removed, the muscles are altered and excess skin is trimmed. The eyebrows may be elevated and the incisions are then closed.

After surgery, swelling and bruising are common during the first ten days. Swelling can be minimized by keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses. Some numbness and itching can occur as the incisions heal. Bandages, if used, are typically removed within one to three days while stitches are usually removed within seven to ten days. Recovery tends to be shorter and easier for endoscopic patients.

Most patients find that they can return to work within about seven to ten days. However, some activities will need to be postponed for a period time, generally three weeks for strenuous activities and several months for sun exposure.

(301) 652-RENU (7368) • moreinfo@renudc.com