Brow & Forehead Lift

This procedure is designed to reverse the effects of gravity that result in a lowering of the brow over time. This can result in a tired, angry appearance and can also make "hooding" or excess upper lid skin more problematic. Some techniques can also minimize "frown lines".

Procedure

Patients are sedated (see Anesthesia for more details) and the forehead area anesthetized with local anesthetic. Surgery takes one to two hours during which time "frown" muscles are removed, deep wrinkling "plumped up" with grafts of the patient's own connective tissue. Deep suspension sutures are placed to elevate the brow and excess skin is removed. A pressure dressing is wrapped around the forehead.

Recovery

Patients rest at home with the head slightly elevated and ice packs are used if the eyes swell or bruise. The dressing is removed the next day and the hair washed, conditioned, combed out and blown dry at the office. Instructions are given to wash the hair every day as usual for seven to ten days whereupon the sutures are removed. There is headache pain for one to two days that is treated with prescribed pain medications.

Swelling and bruising lasts one to two weeks and the patient can return to moderate activity in ten days. Numbness of the top of the scalp can last several months. Photos are usually taken two to three months after surgery.