Forehead Lift

What is a Forehead Lift?

A forehead lift, or browlift, is commonly performed to reduce frown lines and to raise the upper eyelids. This results in a smoother, more youthful and rested appearance.

Who is a good candidate for a Forehead Lift?

Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Forehead 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.

NOTE: You may not be a candidate for surgery if you smoke, have recently quit smoking, or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body's tissues. This can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications depending on the kind of procedure performed. Click here for more information related to smoking.

How is the procedure performed?

The technique chosen by your surgeon will vary, 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, an incision is made behind the hairline, from ear to ear. Alternatively, the incision may be placed at the hairline, in order to avoid adding more height to the forehead of men with receding hairlines, or women with thinning hair. The skin of the forehead is then lifted away from the underlying muscles, and excess skin is removed. The incision is then closed with sutures (stitches), clips or staples.

Endoscopic Surgery

First, an incision is made and an endoscope is placed under the skin in order to get a clear view of the muscles and tissues under the skin. The surgeon then inserts another instrument through a separate incision, and lifts the forehead skin, removing or altering the muscles and underlying tissues. Sutures or a temporary fixation device is used to tack up the forehead skin. The skin heals in the new position and will remain there after fixation is removed. This procedure is frequently used with younger patients who are just beginning to have brow problems.

Options to Enhance the Procedure

Forehead lifts are frequently done in combination with other procedures such as a facelift 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.

List of Physicians Who Perform the Forehead Lift

For details about education, experience, and specialty in this clinical area, please visit these physician profile pages:

• Amy K. Alderman, M.D.
• Paul Cederna, M.D.

Planning for Your Surgery

First, schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you'd like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During your initial consultation:

• 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.
• Expect your surgeon to examine your face, including the skin and underlying bone.
• Be prepared to discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

Preparing for Your Surgery

You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. A pre-operative information packet will be provided that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. You may also want to make arrangements for someone to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.

Where Your Surgery Will be Performed

Your procedure will take place in the University of Michigan Hospitals' state-of-the-art surgical suites and recovery areas. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.

Types of Anesthesia

You'll remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In most cases, general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the procedure; although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.

After Your Surgery

Click here for information about how to care for yourself after the surgery and what to expect during your recovery. It is 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 scheduled follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.