In your initial consultation, Dr. Porterfield will extensively discuss your goals with surgery, evaluate your health, and carefully examine you to determine the most appropriate procedure. He will then discuss the various procedures available and what can be achieved with each, including their specific risks. He will also review before and after pictures with you as necessary to further display what can be achieved.

All facets of the surgical workup are covered during the initial consultation and afterwards patients are prepared for the scheduling process. Some will require further medical workup such as labs, imaging, medical clearance, etc. as needed.

During the consultation, Dr. Porterfield will also explain the type of anesthesia that will be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Porterfield. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

Dr. Porterfield will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and whether to take or avoid certain vitamins and medications. Be sure to tell Dr. Porterfield if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.

What does this procedure involve? Dr. Porterfield will tighten and remove the excess loose skin. Forehead wrinkling and drooping brows are then modified.  If necessary, he can remove part of the muscle that causes vertical frown lines between the brows. The result can be a smoother brow and a more youthful expression.

What could it look like if I have this procedure done? To see what a forehead lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards. Incisions can be placed at the hairline, behind the hairline, or in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead.

What is the most common age to have this procedure performed? This procedure is usually done between age forty and sixty-five, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.

What is the main difference between types of forehead lifts? The main difference among the various options for forehead lifting consists of the placement of the incision. The original technique is the coronal incision, which is made slightly behind the natural hairline. An alternative is the pre-trichial incision. This is similar to the coronal incision except that the mid-portion of the incision is made directly at the hairline. This incision generally heals favorably and has the advantage of lowering the hairline. The disadvantage could be noticeable scarring. An option is to place the incision within the midforehead creases. This is primarily used in men with deep pre-existing forehead lines.

What can I expect after surgery? 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. You will be advised to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. The sutures are usually removed within seven to 10 days following surgery. If bandages have been used, they are removed in one to three days. It is important to follow Dr. Porterfield’s advice on resuming normal activities. The recovery time will usually not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods. Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with standard make-up techniques.