One of the earliest signs of aging are the stress lines that form in the upper face. Time, gravity, and stress leave their marks on our foreheads around the eyes. These result in a tired, distressed, or even angry look. A brow lift (or “forehead lift”) raises frowning eyebrows and removes unsightly wrinkles from between the eyebrow and forehead resulting in a more youthful look. The tired, sad, or angry look is transformed into a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance.

Two techniques exist for this procedure: the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline, and the endoscopic method whereby the procedure is performed with minimal incisions.

The surgeons at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa commonly use the endoscopic procedure. The incisions are minimal, leaving scars that are virtually unnoticeable. There is a less fluid loss, less discomfort, and the recovery time is shorter.

A forehead lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a smoother overall appearance to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their surgical goals.

Your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Lee will help make the best determination regarding the procedure(s) best suited for your desired look. He will help you to decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the classic “open” method, or the endoscopic forehead lift. A brow lift is generally done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center. The procedure usually takes one to one and a half hours.

The Classic Forehead Lift

A coronal incision is used which follows a headphone-like pattern, starting at about ear level and running across the top of the forehead and down the other side of the head. The incision is usually made well behind the hairline so that the scar won’t be visible. If your hairline is high or receding, the incision may be placed just at the hairline, to avoid adding even more height to the forehead. In patients who are bald or losing hair, a mid-scalp incision that follows the natural pattern of the skull bones is sometimes recommended. By wearing your hair down on your forehead, most scars become inconspicuous.

Working through the incision, the skin of the forehead is carefully lifted so that the underlying tissue can be removed and the muscles of the forehead can be altered or released. The eyebrows may also be elevated and excess skin at the incision point will be trimmed away to help create a smoother, more youthful appearance. The incision is then closed with stitches or clips. Although some plastic surgeons do not use any dressings, your Changes surgeon may choose to cover the incision with gauze padding and wrap your head in an elastic bandage.

The Endoscopic Forehead Lift

Rather than making a long coronal incision used in the open brow lift, an endoscopic forehead lift involves four or five short scalp incisions, each less than a half inch in length. The endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing your surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and underlying tissues are removed or altered to produce a smoother appearance. The eyebrows may also be lifted and secured into their higher position by sutures beneath the skin’s surface. When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with stitches or clips and the area will be washed.