A forehead or brow lift is usually performed to reduce frown lines and to raise the upper eyelids.
The University of Michigan is a nationally recognized leader in reconstructive surgery. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and medical specialists guides our patients through every step of the forehead lift process to ensure the best results possible.
Is a Forehead (Brow) Lift Right for You?
A forehead or brow lift could be a good option for you if you would like to have a smoother, more youthful and rested appearance.
Best Candidates
Forehead and brow lifts are best for patients who are otherwise in good health, without active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions.
Forehead and brow lifts are most commonly used to reduce the appearance of aging in people 40-60 years old, but they can help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines from stress or muscle activity. The procedure can also give a more alert and refreshed look to people with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose.
About the Procedure
Your surgeon will choose a technique depending on your facial features and your surgeon's assessment of what will provide the best outcome for you. Coronal incision and endoscopic surgery are the two most common methods of forehead lift.
Coronal Incision
First, the surgeon will make an incision behind the hairline, from ear to ear. Alternatively, the surgeon may place the incision at the hairline in order to avoid adding more height to the forehead of men with receding hairlines or women with thinning hair. The surgeon then lifts away the skin of the forehead from the underlying muscles and removes excess skin. The surgeon then closes the incision with sutures (stitches), clips or staples.
Endoscopic Surgery
First, your surgeon makes an incision and places an endoscope under the skin in order to get a clear view of the muscles and tissues. The surgeon then inserts another instrument through a separate incision and lifts the forehead skin, removing or altering the muscles and underlying tissues. He uses sutures or a temporary fixation device to tack up the forehead skin. The skin heals in the new position and will remain there after fixation is removed. We frequently use this procedure with younger patients who are just beginning to have brow problems.
Options to Enhance the Procedure
We frequently do forehead lifts in combination with other procedures such as a face lift or an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). Your surgeon may also recommend injections of collagen or Botox™ to alleviate deep creases in your forehead or frown lines between your eyebrows. View all of our plastic surgery procedures.
Your Consultation
If you’re interested in a forehead/brow lift, we’ll first have you come for a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and the long-term benefits. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During your initial consultation, you should expect to:
- Provide a complete medical history. Include information about: any previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and all medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
- Have your surgeon to examine your face, including the skin and underlying bone.
- Discuss possible risks and complications.
Surgery
Preparing for Your Surgery
After your consultation and decisions about surgery, we will give you pre-operative information that explains everything you should do and know before your procedure. Your surgical team will instruct you on how to prepare. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You also may want to make arrangements for someone to help you for a day or two while you heal.
Anesthesia
We use general anesthetic so that you will sleep and remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.
Recovery
It’s very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions. This will promote healing and improve progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns.
Location
Your procedure will take place in the University of Michigan Hospitals state-of-the-art surgical suites and recovery areas. Most forehead/brow lifts are outpatient procedures.
We conduct all pre-operative and post-operative visits at Domino’s Farms where our patients enjoy personalized care in a private office atmosphere.