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A forehead lift is often performed to treat conditions associated
with aging. It may be done in conjunction with other rejuvenative
surgery to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance. A forehead
lift is also appropriate for treatment of certain inherited
traits. Younger adults who have a low brow or who already have
deep frown lines due to stress or overactivity of muscles may
benefit from the procedure.
Am
I a good candidate for a forehead lift?
| Any one or combination of the following
conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate
for a forehead lift: |
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sagging or low position of the eyebrows, creating a
tired or sad appearance |
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deep horizontal creases across the forehead |
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frown lines, or furrows, between the eyebrows and sometimes
across the top of the nose |
A forehead lift can improve all of these problems. It may often
be performed at the same time as a facelift which removes excess
skin and tightens muscles in the mid and lower face. if there
is significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids, or puffy
bags beneath your eyes, eyelid surgery may be recommended in
addition to a forehead lift. Your plastic surgeon will provide
further information if you have an interest in these procedures.
How
will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for my forehead lift surgery?
During the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon may ask
you to look in a mirror and point out exactly what you would
like to see improved. Sometimes, patients may focus their attention
on excess skin in the upper eyelids and not realize that sagging
of their eyebrows contributes to this skin redundancy. You
should be very frank in discussing anything about your appearance
that bothers you, as well as what you hope to achieve with
surgery. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations
and determine whether they can realistically be achieved.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your
medical history. This will include information about any medical
conditions you may have, medical treatments you have received,
previous surgeries including aesthetic eyelid or facial surgery,
and medications that you currently take. It is important for
you to provide complete information.
There are a variety of ways to elevate the brows and correct
aging changes in the forehead area. Your plastic surgeon will
closely examine your entire forehead and upper eyelid region,
noting the muscle activity when you assume various facial expressions.
The particular surgical technique that your surgeon recommends
will depend on many factors such as the position of your eyebrows,
the amount of excess upper eyelid skin and the height of your
hairline.
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| In many instances, an incision is made
across the top of the scalp, beginning above the ears
and hidden within the hair. |
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How
is my plastic surgeon able to improve my frown lines and the
position of my eyebrows?
In many instances, an incision is made across the top of the
scalp, beginning above the ears and hidden within the hair.
Sometimes, the incision may be placed at the front of the hairline
or, in some cases, toward the middle of the scalp. The incision
is designed to be inconspicuous when healed. Through the forehead
lift incision, your plastic surgeon can modify or remove parts
of the muscles that cause wrinkling and frown lines, remove
excess skin, and lift your eyebrows to a more pleasing level.
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| Another forehead lift technique uses
an endoscope which is inserted through several tiny incisions
in the scalp. The placement of incisions may vary. |
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Another forehead lift technique uses an endoscope, a long,
thin tube with a light on the end, attached to a video camera.
The endoscope is inserted through several tiny incisions in
the scalp and allows the plastic surgeon to see and work on
the various internal structures of the forehead. The endoscopic
technique has the advantage of requiring very minimal incisions,
but it may not be equally beneficial for all patients. In some
instances, alternate methods may be preferable, or a combination
of endoscopic and other techniques may be used.
Sometimes, if your main concern is frown lines between your
eyebrows or across the top of your nose, a limited endoscopic
procedure to correct these problems can be done. Alternatively,
if you are having upper eyelid surgery performed to remove excess
skin, it may be possible to treat your frown lines by the same
upper eyelid incisions.
I
understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how
will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?
Fortunately, significant complications from aesthetic eyelid
surgery are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people
undergo successful eyelid surgery, experience no major problems
and are pleased with the results.
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery
is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your
surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with
you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin
that may require removal), infection and reactions to anesthesia.
Following the surgery, there can be a feeling of dryness or
irritation in the eye that requires treatment. There is a possibility
of a temporary decrease in sensation of the eyelid skin or
impaired eyelid function that sometimes may need to be corrected
by additional surgery.
You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice
and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after
your eyelid surgery
How
should I prepare for surgery?
The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to
make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you
as possible.
f you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well
in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory
drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking
these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your
surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Forehead lift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient
basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone
to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least
the first night following surgery.
How
should I prepare for surgery?
Your eyelid surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing
ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical
procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation
are used for patients undergoing eyelid surgery, although general
anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety
during the operation, various monitors are used to check your
heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating
in your blood.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery
area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Your
vision will be blurry as a result of ointment used to soothe
and protect the eye during surgery as well as from the swelling
that is a normal aftermath of eyelid procedures. There is surprisingly
little discomfort, however, from the surgery.
You probably will be permitted to go home after a few hours,
although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or
surgical facility.
What will the day
of surgery be like?
Your eyelid surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing
ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical
procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation
are used for patients undergoing eyelid surgery, although general
anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety
during the operation, various monitors are used to check your
heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating
in your blood.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery
area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Your
vision will be blurry as a result of ointment used to soothe
and protect the eye during surgery as well as from the swelling
that is a normal aftermath of eyelid procedures. There is surprisingly
little discomfort, however, from the surgery.
You probably will be permitted to go home after a few hours,
although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or
surgical facility.
How
will I look and feel initially?
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes
for recovery varies greatly.
The first evening after surgery, you should rest quietly with
your head elevated. Initially, you may experience some mild
discomfort that can be controlled with oral medication. Remember,
you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications,
and you should not smoke or be exposed to heavy secondary smoke
for a while following surgery.
You will notice some temporary puffiness and discoloration
that may involve the eyelid and cheek areas as well. Typically,
swelling and bruising will be almost totally resolved within
a couple of weeks. You may use camouflage makeup almost immediately.
If incisions were placed in front of the hairline, you should
be careful not to apply makeup directly on any stitches. Expect
temporary numbness and possibly some itching of the scalp as
the nerves heal.
Any head dressings and drain tubes that have been inserted are
usually removed one or two days after surgery. Showering and
washing your hair will be delayed a day or two later. Stitches
or clips, if used, will be removed within a couple of weeks.
When
can I resume my normal activities?
You should avoid straining, bending and lifting during the early
postoperative period. In many instances, however, you will be
able to resume most of your normal activities in ten days or
less. You will be advised to wait several weeks before resuming
strenuous activity and exercise. You should temporarily avoid
exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long-term, be conscientious
about the use of a sunblock to protect your skin.
How long will the
results last?
A forehead lift eliminates the tired, worried or angry expression
often caused by low eyebrow position and deep forehead furrows.
Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to
wait at least several weeks to get an accurate picture of how
you look.
How long will the
results last?
A forehead lift eliminates the tired, worried or angry expression
often caused by low eyebrow position and deep forehead furrows.
Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to
wait at least several weeks to get an accurate picture of how
you look.
How long the results of your forehead lift will last depends
on many variables including your heredity and lifestyle factors.
Even though the aging process continues, patients are usualy
happy with their apperance for many years following a forehead
lift. Some patients find that they want to make additional
improvements at a later time.
Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
You will return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up
care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will
be evaluated. Your surgeon will encourage you to schedule routine
mammographic evaluations at the frequency recommended for your
age group.
Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon
does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have
questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional
information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon. |
Content provided by The
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
For advertising info, please contact Terry McGovern terry.mcgovern@latimes.com at (213) 473-2599
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