Recent advances in plastic surgery have made the forehead lift a relatively simple procedure with results that last from 5 to 10 years or longer. During an endoscopic forehead lift procedure, the muscles and skin that cause the problems are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids and minimize frown lines. It can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as facelift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

Men and women of any age may be good candidates for a forehead lift. While the operation is most commonly performed on people in their forties to sixties to slow the visible effects of aging, it can also help people with inherited conditions, such as a droopy brow or furrowed lines above the nose. If you are bald or have a receding hairline, you may still be a good candidate for a forehead lift. Your surgeon will simply alter the location of the incision to camouflage it as much as possible.

A forehead lift can enhance your appearance and your self-image, but it won't necessarily cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Are you a good candidate?

• If you have a sagging forehead or brows that hang too low and too close to the eyes.
   
• If you have deep vertical furrows between the eyebrows (frown lines).

Intended Results

• A more youthful and rested appearance to the forehead and upper eyelids.

• The operation is done under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
   
• The operation can be done using an endoscope (a narrow hollow instrument with a fiber optic light source and camera, through which surgical instruments are passed in order to perform the operation).
   
• The forehead skin is lifted and repositioned. The muscles that cause frown lines are weakened.

Recuperation and Healing

• The patient goes home with the head wrapped in dressings, which are usually removed on the first day after surgery.
   
• Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
   
• Sutures or staples are removed within 10 days.
   
• Most swelling and bruising is gone in about 7 to 10 days.

Other Options

• Additional procedures that may enhance the result are upper and lower eyelid lift, facelift, or other facial procedures or implants.

Insurance Guidelines

• This procedure is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for the full payment.

Note

• The specific risk and suitability of the procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual. Such possible complications are best reviewed with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery.

Photographs

• Click here to view before and after photographs of this procedure.