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Frequent Questions About Connecticut Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

Frequent Questions

Below you will find a list of frequent questions about Brow Lift with answers provided by Connecticut Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Singer. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please write to info@implasticsurgery.com, be sure to include the procedure name and your question!

How is the procedure done?

Forehead lifts are done using one of two surgical approaches. One is called the classic lift and the other is called the endoscopic lift. Make sure your surgeon explains to you which approach he or she is taking and why they feel it is best for you.

The Classic Brow Lift: Prior to your procedure your surgeon will tie your hair back with rubber bands. Your head will not be shaved, but some hair along your incision line may need to be slightly trimmed. Your surgeon will use an incision that follows the shape of a headset. It will start about ear level and run across the tip of your forehead and down the other side of your head to your ear. In general, the incision will be made along or slightly above your hairline so its scar will not be visible. If your hair line is very low, your surgeon can raise it by placing your incision near the top of your head. Conversely, if your hair line is quite high, your surgeon can lower it an inch or so by making the incision in your hairline.

To work through the incision, your surgeon will carefully lift your forehead skin so that your underlying forehead tissue can be adjusted and/or removed to help create your new appearance. Your surgeon also may elevate your eyebrows and the skin near your incision may be trimmed to help create a more naturally upbeat expression. Your incision will be closed with stitches or clips and your hair and face will be washed to minimize any irritation. Your closed incision will then be covered with gauze padding and your head will be wrapped with an elastic bandage.

The Endoscopic Brow Lift: Surgical preparation with the endoscopic approach is similar to that of the classic lift. However, as opposed to making one long incision, your surgeon will make four or five short incisions in your scalp, each less than an inch in length. Your surgeon will then insert an endoscope (a small, pencil-like camera device) through one of the incisions. The endoscope is connected to a television monitor that enables your surgeon to clearly see the muscle and tissue under your skin. Using another small instrument that is simultaneously inserted through one of the other incisions, your surgeon will adjust, alter or remove underlying tissues to give your forehead a more smooth, youthful appearance. Your eyebrows also may be lifted into a slightly higher position in this manner. Your incisions will then be closed with stitches or clips and your face and forehead will be washed to reduce any skin irritation. Gauze and an elastic bandage will normally be wrapped around your head as well.

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How do I prepare for this procedure?

During your consultation with a surgeon, he or she will evaluate your face's skin and underlying bones. It is very important that you speak honestly to your surgeon about your goals and expectations. Your surgeon will want to know if you've had any previous facial surgeries. Your surgeon also will want to speak to you about your medical history. In particular he or she will ask you about any problems you've had with high blood pressure, blood clotting or a tendency to develop large scars. It will be important to tell your surgeon if you smoke or if you take any medications, because certain drugs can affect blood clotting. Depending on your individual medical history, your physician will provide you with specific instructions to follow prior to your procedure. These instructions will include guidelines about your diet, drinking, smoking and what vitamins and medications to either take or avoid. Following your surgeon's instructions will make your procedure and recovery a much smoother process.

If your bangs are short, you may choose to let them grow out before your surgery so they may cover your incision scars while they heal. You also should make arrangements ahead of time for someone to drive you to and from your procedure and to help you out around your home for a couple of days.

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How long does the procedure take?

Forehead lifts normally take one to two hours, depending on the complexity of your individual procedure.

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What form of anesthesia is used?

In most cases, forehead lifts are performed using local anesthesia along with a sedative to make you feel drowsy and relaxed. You'll be awake and you may feel slight tugging sensations and some mild discomfort, but your forehead will be insensitive to pain. There are some surgeons who prefer to use general anesthesia, which means you'll be asleep during the entire procedure.

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Can I return home the same day?

Forehead lifts are performed on an outpatient basis so you can return home the same day. Since a local anesthetic and sedative are typically used, you should arrange for someone to drive you home from the procedure. If you are combining your surgery with other cosmetic procedures, your surgeon may recommend an overnight hospital stay.

The Classic Brow Lift: Your surgeon may advise you to keep your head elevated for two or three days following your surgery to help keep swelling down. You also may experience some swelling around your eyes and cheeks; however, this should subside over a week or so. As your nerves begin to heal, you may begin to feel some itching on the top of your scalp. These sensations could take as long as six months to heal. Your doctor will remove your incision stitches or clips over the course of two weeks. They may all be removed at once or in stages. Your surgeon will make this determination based on your individual case.

The Endoscopic Brow Lift: The need to elevate your head for two days is usually not as necessary with the endoscopic approach because there is not as much swelling. You will still, however, experience mild swelling along with some incision discomfort and minor itching. All these symptoms should not be as pronounced as they are with the classic approach. Stitches or staples used to close the incisions are normally removed within a week.

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How long before I can return to normal activity?

Most women are ready to return to work after about 10 days. Patients whose procedure was performed using the endoscopic approach may feel ready to return even sooner. Slight residual bruising or swelling may last for up to two weeks, but it most cases you'll be able to cover it with makeup. You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. This would include jogging, heavy housework, sex and any other activity that increases your blood pressure. Extended exposure to the sun should be avoided for several months.

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