Understanding forehead and brow lift surgery
A forehead lift, brow lift, or endoscopic forehead lift moves the eyebrows and adjacent structures back to where they belong - at or above the brow bone. These procedures may also smooth the furrows in the lower forehead as well as reduce the drooping skin above the eyes. As a result of the surgery, the eyes appear more open, rested and youthful.
Drooping eyebrows are often one of the first signs of aging. This condition is frequently overlooked because most people are unaware of the problem and the amount of improvement correction can provide. Drooping brows can cause the upper eyelids to sag. In extreme cases, the eyelid skin can touch or overlap the eyelashes. People often comment that their eyes appear to be getting smaller or more deeply set. A drooping brow contributes to the tired look observed at the end of the day. This condition frequently causes eye makeup to end up on the upper part of the eyelids soon after it is applied.
Forehead lift, brow lift, or endoscopic forehead lift surgery lessens hooding and the deeper "crow's feet" next to the outer corners of the eye. But it does not reduce lines around the eyes. Also, the lift does not correct excess skin or fat deposits in the lids. In order to achieve the best result, HYPERLINK "http://www.surgeoncosmetic.com/staff/index.htm" the surgeon may recommend combining forehead lift, brow lift, or endoscopic forehead lift with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, facelift, or Botulinum toxin injections.
Understanding the procedure
During consultation, the surgeon analyzes the eyes, brows, forehead and hairline to determine the placement of the incisions. In forehead lift surgery, incisions are usually placed behind the hairline of the scalp or at the hairline where the forehead and scalp meet. Placement depends upon the height of the patient's hairline. In order to achieve a natural result, it is critical to avoid appreciably altering the hair pattern. The incisions for a brow lift are placed on the forehead or above the brows only when especially indicated. Incisions for endoscopic forehead lift are made above or at the hairline. In any case, great care is taken to place incisions within the hair, hairline, or naturally occurring fold of skin to make the resulting scars as inconspicuous as possible.
Forehead lift, brow lift and endoscopic forehead lift surgeries are outpatient procedures performed under local anesthesia with I. V. sedation or general anesthesia. A turban-type head dressing may be placed following surgery and is removed in the office the following day. The discomfort following a forehead, brow lift, or endoscopic forehead lift is usually minimal. Oral medications help the patient rest comfortably after surgery. Removal of the stitches and/or staples occurs after five to six days and creates little discomfort.
Understanding the recovery
Swelling of the forehead peaks around 72 hours and, as a general rule, is not noticeable after one to two weeks. Resting and sleeping in an elevated position helps to reduce swelling and increase comfort. Bruising rarely occurs in the forehead but may appear under the eyes. If bruising develops, it is gone in three to six weeks. Most patients experience itching sensations during the healing process. Areas of numbness, firmness and tenderness around the incisions are common. Normal sensations gradually return within several weeks to months after the surgery. Although an uncommon effect, scalp sensation may never be quite the same.
Certain activities are restricted after a forehead or brow lift to protect healing tissues. Facial expressions should be limited for three to six weeks while the brow assumes a new position. Because areas around the incisions and/or scalp may remain numb for several months, caution must be used with curling irons and hair dryers. Ultra violet light may darken maturing scars, so care should be taken to protect them from the sun.
Since nothing heals symmetrically or suddenly, the best results can be expected from three to six months after surgery. As with all cosmetic surgeries, the best outcome is achieved by conscientiously following instructions.
