Forehead Lift

The changes to the forehead that occur over time can make you look tired or angry, and not reflect how you truly feel. Repetitive muscle use and certain facial expressions often result in drooping of the eyebrows and deep lines in the forehead.

A forehead lift is often recommended for people whose eyebrows have fallen and whose forehead has developed deep furrows. It is a permanent way to improve the appearance of horizontal and vertical grooves on the forehead. While brow lifts are typically performed on patients ages 40-60, anyone with lined or inelastic skin on the forehead, whether it’s caused by muscle activity, inherited traits, or prolonged sun exposure, is a candidate for this procedure.

Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center Forehead Lift

Forehead Lift Consultations

During your forehead lift consultation with Dr. M. Zakir Sabry, he will answer questions you may have about the procedure and will discuss any safety concerns related to the surgery.

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Prepare

There are multiple methods for approaching this correction, from open to endoscopic techniques. Your procedure will be determined after a complete evaluation of your facial bone structure, skin laxity, muscle tone and position of your brow.

Your initial consultation with Dr. Sabry will take at least one hour.  During your consultation Dr. Sabry will discuss your goals and expectations. Then he will thoroughly examine you, explain which of your facial components are contributing to an aging appearance, and outline the best options for your unique facial structure. If you are a smoker you will be asked to quit smoking 6-8 weeks prior to your surgery. Once you decide to proceed you will meet with our Practice Manager to go over scheduling, payment options and insurance questions.

As you approach the date of your surgery you will have a comprehensive preoperative visit in our office approximately two weeks before your surgery. A complete list of “dos and don’ts” will be reviewed as well as the pre and postoperative instructions and any questions that remain will be answered. You will be directed to avoid anything that has a blood-thinning effect (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E etc.) for two weeks before surgery. You will be asked to minimize alcohol intake. Basic blood work for preoperative testing will be ordered.

Procedure

Traditional or minimally invasive (endoscopic) methods involve the removal or alteration of the muscles above the eyes to smooth lines. The forehead is lifted to optimally reposition the eyebrows for a more youthful, alert and refreshed appearance. Excess skin is trimmed and the incision is closed in layers with fine stitches.

Patients who present with a long forehead (large distance from eyebrow to hairline) may require a traditional brow lift with hairline incision.  In this procedure a coronal (headphone-shaped) incision is made along the hairline, stretching between the ears and across the top of the forehead. The incision is usually made well behind the hairline so the scar won’t be visible after healing. Dr. Sabry will review the most favorable options for patients with high foreheads, receding hair, hair loss and balding so that the best possible outcome is achieved.

A forehead lift is often combined with other operations such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), mid and lower facelifts to create a more youthful appearance. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. Complications are rare.

Dr. Sabry believes most people are candidates for a minimally invasive Endoscopic browlift. In either case, whether you have an open or endoscopic procedure, you will be on your feet and able to wash your hair in a day or two. Many patients return to work or school in 7-10 days or less. Swelling and bruising should fade by the third week.

Recovery

You will be seen on the day after surgery to remove bandages and drains. You may shower upon returning home. Stitches are removed within 4 to 7 days. Temporary bruising and numbness are normal, and will improve in a few weeks. Most patients return to work within two weeks and can resume physical activity in 4 weeks. During your recovery process Dr. Sabry will see you for post-operative visits. He and our staff will answer any questions you may have about your recovery. Our care and concern extends to your overall health and well-being.

Complications

Temporary bruising and numbness are expected and may improve in few weeks. Complications are rare but may include hematoma, temporary or permanent nerve injury, infection, and reactions to anesthesia.