If you are wondering how a brow lift/forehead lift could improve your appearance, you need to know how these procedures are performed and what you can expect.
When a surgeon tightens loose skin and removes the excess, forehead wrinkling and drooping brows are modified. The procedure is called a forehead lift or brow lift. If necessary, the surgeon removes part of the muscle that causes vertical frown lines between the brows. The result can be a smoother brow and a more youthful expression. Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. This procedure is usually done between age forty and sixty-five, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.
The main difference among the various options for forehead lifting consists of the placement of the incision. Incisions can be placed at the hairline, behind the hairline or in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead. The mid-forehead incision is primarily used in men with deeper pre-existing forehead lines. Dr. Yco can help you select the best technique suited to your particular situation.
The newest approach is endoscopic surgery. Several small one-half-inch to one-inch incisions are placed just behind the hairline. Although his technique may require more surgery time, it is less invasive and results in smaller change of temporary scalp numbness.
Upon completion of the surgery, you will be monitored in the post anesthesia recovery area until you feel well enough for discharge home. The majority of patients do not experience any significant pain, however, analgesic medications can be given as needed for post operative discomfort. You will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the 10 day period following surgery. In some patients, this condition may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. For most patients, the recovery time will not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods.
Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Yco is double board certified in both otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat), and facial plastic surgery, which provides you with the benefits of both functional and aesthetic expertise.
Realistic expectations coupled with the proper analysis and surgical execution assures the greatest success in surgery.
