Forehead Lift Surgery
The effects of aging are inevitable, and often the brow and forehead area show the first signs. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. The pull of gravity can affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead, and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrows. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as the forehead lift (brow lift). Based on variations in how men and women age and on new advances in medical technology, different methods are used to perform this procedure.

Dr. Porterfield feels that facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. He can answer specific questions about your specific needs.

Is A Forehead Lift For You?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Dr. Porterfield will tighten and remove the excess loose skin. Forehead wrinkling and drooping brows are then modified. The procedure is called a forehead lift or brow lift. 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. 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. This procedure is usually done between age forty and sixty-five, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.

Making The Decision For A Forehead Lift
Whether you are having surgery for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is of paramount importance. During the consultation, Dr. Porterfield will examine your facial structure, the condition of your skin, and your hairline in order to decide where incisions should be made. A thorough medical history will be obtained so that he can consider any medical conditions that may heighten surgical risks. A detailed description of the procedure will also include a discussion of any risks and complications associated with a forehead lift, and the anesthesia, surgical facility, and costs.

Understanding The Surgery
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 To Expect After The 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.

It is common practice for a brow lift to be accompanied by a Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) or face lift to provide our patients with the ultimate post operative results. Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself. Insurance does not generally cover cosmetic procedures.