Forehead lift/Endoscopic & Forehead/Coronal Lifts

Before and After

The Browlift, or Forehead Lift, is a surgical procedure designed to elevate the brows and reduce the creases that develop in some individuals in the forehead furrows that occur above the bridge of the nose between the eyes.

Endoscopic Browlift

A browlift may sometimes be performed using an endoscope; the forehead and brows are elevated using a special instrument placed through small incisions made within the hair. This gives the surgeon the ability to visualize and perform the lifting dissection. Advantages: a) no hair is removed and b) incisions are smaller. Disadvantages: a) if the forehead is high, it will make the hairline higher, and b) it doesn't hold up as long as the other procedures and c) anchoring to the cranium may be necessary.

Coronal Browlift

This technique involves an incision from ear to ear in the scalp hair, lifting the forehead and removing excess skin from the scalp. Recovery time may be a bit longer than the endoscopic browlift. Advantage: a) lift usually lasts longer. Disadvantages: a) like the endoscopic technique the hairline will be moved back, and b) hair is removed.

Frontal Incision Forehead Lift

In many people, the hairline recedes with age and either of the aforementioned procedures will exaggerate this feature. By doing the incision at the hairline only, the none hair bearing skin of the forehead is removed and the hairline is actually brought forward thereby reducing the high forehead look. Advantages: a) reduces high forehead, and b) like coronal, lasts longer than endoscopic lift. Disadvantage: a) scar at hairline may be slightly visible if hair is pulled back.

These procedures are often done in conjunction with upper and/or lower blepharoplasties (eyelid lifts) and chemical peels/laser around the eyes for addressing fine lines. It is also commonly done in conjunction with facelifts.

Complications are very rare, but bleeding and infection are always of concern with any surgery. Swelling may persist for a two weeks to six weeks. There will be some bruising around the eyes and this can be covered with makeup. The scars are either at the hairline or in the hair and aren't a problem covering up. Numbness of the forehead and scalp is usual for two - four months. Postoperatively you will notice the inability to scowl (furrow your brow above the nose) which is a desired result. Likewise your brows will be elevated and your eyes will look more alive and bright. Many patients are concerned about looking like "a deer in headlights." Rest assured that this "startled" look will not persist as the swelling goes down and the skin relaxes. Like all surgeries you need to give this procedure time to heal. Usually return to work is about one week if this is not done in conjunction with face and eyelid lifts. Pain lasts a day or two, and there is more of a persistent tightness for a few weeks.

Most patients find this a very rejuvenating procedure that removes the tired, mean expression they experienced before, and it leaves them with an alive, restful and youthful appearance. The convalescent period may vary slightly depending on the procedure selected. When your procedure is completed, your head will be loosely wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising. Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures or staples will be removed. Healing will continue for several weeks as the swelling dissipates and incision lines refine and fade.

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