Procedure: Correction of sagging brow and minimizing forehead and upper nose wrinkles between the eyebrows. Performed by use of limited incisions along the frontal and temporal regions just behind the hairline. Allows for elevation and re-draping of sagging brows and smoothing underlying muscles of the forehead in order to create a firmer, younger and more rested appearance.

Length: About 1 to 2 hours, but may vary depending on the method used and extent of correction

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Place of Treatment: Outpatient surgical suite or hospital operating room.

Side Effects:

a) Numbness: Swelling after surgery usually results in loss of feeling in the forehead area during the first several weeks.  This impairment of sensation should be temporary and last no longer than a few months.  In some cases, the loss of feeling in the scalp region may be prolonged depending on the technique of brow lift utilized.

b) Scarring: Incisions may be lumpy and red for a few months, but they become less apparent over time and can even fade to thin white lines.  Healing scars are usually located behind the hairline and should not be visible.  Please note that smoking impedes the healing process and typically results in more prominent surgical scars. Hair follicles may be shocked resulting in temporary loss of scalp hair around the scar.

c) Brow/forehead asymmetry:  Brows and forehead may not be at the same height and may be positioned slightly uneven if there is significant preoperative asymmetry.

Risks:

a) Hematoma: Hematoma refers to the accumulation of blood in the early postoperative period which pools into a pocket. Hematomas provide a perfect medium for harboring growth of bacteria. So if you have an infection anywhere in your body, the bacteria will travel through the blood stream and grow in the hematoma; this can lead to an infection as well as an open wound. In order to avoid a hematoma, drains are placed in surgery so that any fluid accumulation can be drained. Drains are usually kept in place for only 24 to 48 hours. In addition, patients are checked preoperatively to make sure that they do not have a blood clotting deficiency in an attempt to avoid this complication.

b) Seroma: Seroma formation refers to the accumulation of plasma fluid in pockets created by surgical elevation of the soft tissue and disruption of lymphatic vessels. Patients with a low blood count and poor nutrition (protein deficiency) are prone to this complication. This fluid can be a nuisance to patients requiring several aspirations in the office prior to its resolution. Drains are placed routinely in surgery and are very effective in preventing seroma formation.

c) Infection: An infection can occur after brow/forehead lift surgery. The infection will disrupt the incision line and may leave the patient with localized hair loss. Prolonged antibiotics may be required to fight the infection and to prevent further extension of the infection. Infections are usually avoided by using sterile technique, using intra-operative antibiotics, and sealing all incisions sites so that bacteria can’t get in through external contact. In addition, infections are less likely in patients who don’t smoke cigarettes or in patients who quit smoking for at least 1 month prior to surgery.

d) Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots in large leg veins (deep vein thrombus) may travel up to the heart and lungs and cause pulmonary embolisms (a blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches).  Although pulmonary embolisms are the leading cause of death after surgery, they are a rare complication of surgery.

Recovery: Patients usually rest at home for several days and will have bandages and sutures removed at one week.  Most bruising and swelling is completely resolved by the second week following surgery.  Patients may return to work within 2 weeks and resume full physical activity within 4 weeks.

Duration of Results: You will enjoy many years of rejuvenated upper facial and forehead appearance as a result of brow/forehead lift surgery.  Your new rested and youthful appearance will last longer if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your skin well protected from the sun.

 

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