Browlift / Forehead Lift
A forehead lift or “browlift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows, improves hooding of the eyelids and minimises horizontal lines and furrows. This is part of upper face rejuvenation, particularly to those around 40-50 years old.
The browlift is carried out either in a conventional way or by using an endoscope.
Your consultation
If you are concerned about your upper face lines, furrows or droopiness, you need to see a facial surgeon. He will examine you and formulate a treatment plan. This procedure could be combined with other aesthetic procedures such as facelift or blepharoplasty.
Special consideration will be given to those who are bald or losing hair.
Preparation for surgery
It is advisable to take Arnica tablets at the recommended dosage for one week prior to the surgery. Medical advice will be provided according to any medication you are taking. If you hair is short, it is better to grow it so that the surgical scars are not easily visible during the healing period.
Where will your surgery be performed?
A forehead lift is usually done under a general anaesthetic at your preferred private hospital. However, a lateral browlift can be done under a local anaesthetic at The Wentworth Clinic. The latter is usually carried out in conjunction with an upper blepharoplasty.
Browlift Surgery & Procedure
Your surgeon, in conjunction with you preference, will advise you on the best approach to achieve your goals, with either the classic “open” method or the “endoscopic” lift.
The classic lift is made with a coronal incision, which starts at about the ear level and runs across the top of the forehead and down to the other side of the head. It is about 2cm behind the hair line. This incision will give access to the entire forehead, where muscle and attachments are released, which will allow lifting of the forehead and smoothening of the frown and glabellar lines. The excess scalp will be removed. After meticulous repair, a pressure dressing is applied for 24 hours.
In the endoscopic approach, the surgeon makes 3-5 vertical short incisions about 2cm from the hairline. Two transverse incisions will be made along the temporal area. The dissection is carried out using an endoscope. Muscles and other structures are released and tissues are pulled back and stabilised with sutures or biodegradable screws.
We have modified an approach combining some principles of the “classic” method and the benefits of the “endoscopic” approach. We make 4 short transverse incisions to carry out the entire dissection and diamond shaped scalp is excised. After repairing the scalp, a pressure dressing is applied for 24 hours.
Recovery
The pressure bandage is removed after 24 hours. A supervised shower or hair wash can be carried out. Topical antibiotic ointment is applied. Analgesics and antibiotics will be prescribed. Most patients are back to work in about 10 days.
Complications
Numbness of the scalp is a possibility and sensation usually returns in 6-9 months. In some patients this may be a permanent problem. Scars usually heal well. Hair loss along the surgical site is common, however, permanent alopecia is very rare. Infection and bleeding are very rare, but again are possibilities.
Adjuvant procedures
- Surgical - Facelift and blepharoplasty
- Non-Surgical - CO2 laser resurfacing, chemical peel and fillers
