Q - What is a forehead lift?
The forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the forehead area by minimizing forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, frown lines, forehead furrows, and hooding over the eyes. By removing excess tissue, altering muscles, and tightening the forehead skin, the result is a more youthful and refreshed appearance with a smoother forehead and elevated eyebrows.

Q - How do I known if I'm a good candidate for a forehead lift?
If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement in the appearance of your forehead area, you may be a good candidate for a forehead lift. Though most patients are aged forty to sixty-five, the forehead lift can be successfully performed at other ages.

Q - What will happen during a consultation for a forehead lift?
During your consultation for a forehead lift, the surgeon will talk to you about your goals and what you dislike about your forehead. A thorough medical history will be taken and an examination will be performed. All aspects of the surgery will be explained including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks and the associated costs. Photographs of your forehead and face may be also be taken at the time of consultation.

Q - Where does the forehead lift take place?
The forehead lift may take place in a surgeon's office-based facility, a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

Q - What type of anesthesia will I receive for my forehead lift?
Forehead lifts are often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia is sometimes used instead.

Q - How are forehead lifts performed?
For a traditional forehead lift, an incision is made at or behind the hairline and the skin of the forehead is lifted from the underlying tissues and muscle. The surgeon will then remove excess tissue and alter the muscles. If necessary, the eyebrows will be elevated as well. The forehead skin is then tightened and the excess removed before the incisions are closed. For an endoscopic forehead lift, several smaller incisions are made along the hairline and the surgeon then works through these using a small camera device known as an endoscope. A bandage may be applied to the forehead at the completion of surgery.

Q - How long is the surgery for a forehead lift?
The average surgery time for a forehead lift is about one to two hours.

Q - Where are the incisions located for a forehead lift?
For a traditional forehead lift, an incision is made across the top of the forehead at or behind the hairline. For an endoscopic forehead lift, several smaller incisions are made at the hairline.

Q - Will I have scars after my forehead lift?
The incisions made for the forehead lift do result in scars though they tend to be well-concealed at or behind the hairline. When performed as an endoscopic procedure, there will be several smaller incisions similarly concealed by the hairline.

Q - How much pain can I expect after my forehead lift?
You may experience some temporary discomfort, particularly around the incisions, but this can be relived with prescription medication.

Q - Will I need someone else to drive me home after my forehead lift procedure or will I be able to drive myself?
You will not be able to drive yourself home after your forehead lift procedure and should arrange for a ride home beforehand.

Q - What should I expect of the recovery after my forehead lift?
You can expect some bruising and swelling after your forehead lift. Most of the swelling should fade within about a week, while the bruising may take two to three weeks to clear up. You may experience some headaches and numbness. Patients undergoing a traditional forehead lift may also experience itching and hair loss at the incision. You can generally expect the recovery to be shorter and milder if you're undergoing an endoscopic forehead lift. Bandages applied after surgery are usually removed within one to two days, and stitches may be removed within one to two weeks.

Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my forehead lift?
Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed within seven to ten days. Endoscopic patients may be able to return to work sooner.

Q - How soon after my forehead lift will I be able to exercise?
Any strenuous exercise will need to be postponed for several weeks, and sun exposure will need to be limited for several months.

Q - When will the stitches be removed after my forehead lift?
The stitches may be removed in about two weeks for the traditional approach and in about one week for the endoscopic approach.

Q - What risks are associated with the forehead lift?
As with all types of surgery, there are some risks that are associated with the forehead lift and these may include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bleeding, excessive or broad scarring, infection, nerve injury, and the need for additional surgery.

Q - Will my forehead lift be covered by insurance?
Forehead lifts which are solely cosmetic in nature are generally not covered by insurance. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier.

Q - Can I finance my forehead lift?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.