A forehead lift or “browlift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes.
It can help you look less stressed and tired.
The procedure corrects brows that have drooped over time and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad, or tired.
A low brow position can also be hereditary, and most males naturally have a low brow position, which in youth is considered attractive, but becomes less so as we age.
In a brow lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.
The surgery used to involve a scar that ran the length of the brow in the hairline.
Dr. McGovern has never performed this type of browlift, instead, he prefers the less invasive endoscopic browlift, producing far less, and less obvious scarring.
An endoscopic browlift is performed with the use of an endoscope, a small fibre optic camera that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. This is commonly called “keyhole surgery”.
The soft tissues of the brow are lifted through these small incisions, to a more youthful position and held in place using tiny titanium screws that remain in for 10 days.
The result is smoother forehead skin and a more youthful appearance.
Browlift is one of the more common procedures requested by males.
Through the use of the endoscopic brow lift procedure, even males that are bald or with receding hairlines can enjoy the benefits of a browlift as it produces minimal scarring.
A forehead lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range, to minimize the visible effects of aging, and create a more pleasing and “open” look on the face.
However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or overactive muscles.
If you have inherited a low, heavy brow or have furrowed lines above the nose, you can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
A forehead lift can is often performed as a stand-alone procedure but can be performed in conjunction with a face lift to provide a smoother overall look to the face.
Yes, lots of males have facelifts!
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if you have significant excess skin in the upper eyelids.
Often males present dislike in their heavy upper eyelids. If however, it is their brow causing the problem, a browlift is what is required to alleviate the problem.
If you are bald or have a receding hairline, Dr. McGovern may simply alter the location of the incisions. In this way, your scars will not be obvious and will be hidden in the hairline, folds, or other inconspicuous places on the scalp.
For a better understanding of how a forehead lift might change your appearance, look into a mirror and place your fingers above each eyebrow. Lift the eyebrows upward to what appears the most attractive level. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.
For an indication of the types of results that can be achieved, take a look at Dr. McGovern’s before and after photos in the Gallery section of this website.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.
A forehead lift is usually performed at a hospital with an overnight stay. However, it is occasionally done on a day – patient basis. The procedure can be performed at Sunshine Coast Private Hospital or Sunshine Coast Day Surgery.
Your surgeon prefers to use general anaesthesia, in which case you’ll sleep through the entire operation. We will help you decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the classic or “open” method, or the endoscopic forehead lift. Nowadays, almost all problems except for bony recontouring of the forehead can be dealt with endoscopically. Make sure you understand the technique that is recommended and why it is best for you.
An endoscopic forehead lift does not require any shaving of your hair at all.
Rather than making one long coronal (headphone) incision, your surgeon will make three short scalp incisions, each approximately 2cm in length. These scars are small and easy to conceal, even in partially bald men. An endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. The endoscope is less than 5mm in width.
Using another instrument inserted through the same or a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and underlying tissues are removed or altered to produce a smoother appearance. The eyebrows will also be lifted and secured into their higher position by temporary fixation titanium screws placed behind the hairline. These are generally removed on about the tenth day after surgery.
When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with clips and the area will be washed. No dressings are required.
Endoscopic forehead lift patients may experience some temporary numbness, incision discomfort and mild swelling.
Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Endoscopic forehead lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation felt by patients who have had the classic forehead lift. The staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week or 10 days and the temporary fixation screws within two weeks. The brow is often numb for up to six months after surgery. Therefore removal of these staples and screws is painless.
Classic forehead lift patients may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with prescription medication.
You may be told to keep your head elevated for two to three days following surgery to keep the swelling down. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes.
As the nerves heal, numbness on the top of your scalp may be replaced by itching. These sensations may take as long as six months to fully disappear and some permanent numbness is usual. Most clips will be removed within two weeks, sometimes in two stages.
Some of your hair around the incision may fall out and may temporarily be a bit thinner. Normal growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent hair loss is rare.
Although you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days.
Most patients are back to work in a week to 10 days, once the bruising has subsided. Vigorous physical activity should limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. You will experience a throbbing sensation to your forehead and elevated blood pressure may interfere with the recovery process. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months, as this too will increase blood pressure.
Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. You may feel a bit tired at first, but your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better. Continued use of the recommended multi vitamin and mineral supplements will help you through the healing stage.
Most patients are thrilled with the results of a forehead lift, no matter which surgical method was used. Endoscopic forehead lift is a major advance in technique and these patients obtain vast improvement with minimal scars. Often, patients don’t realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.
Although a forehead lift does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for many years. As time passes, you may want to repeat the procedure.
If you have further questions, write them down and ask your surgeon and his helpful staff at your consultation.
Please call 18000 80001 to book your free consultation with our nurses and begin your process of education in the brow lifting procedure. We are happy to be helping you look your best!
