Forehead Lift / Brow Lift

Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC

As we age, our forehead can lose its smoothness and become furrowed. It can also sag, causing our brows to lower over our eyes. This can make us look angry, stern, or tired, even when we are happy and well-rested. It can also make us look older than we desire. If people around you are asking "Are you okay?" or "Rough night?", you might be able to benefit from a forehead lift.

If you believe wrinkles or sagging in your forehead make you look old or angry, and would like to learn whether a forehead lift can help, please email Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery to schedule a personal consultation.

Is a Forehead Lift for Me?

A forehead lift (or brow lift) is a surgical procedure that can help restore a more youthful appearance. If you look in the mirror, and your expression when relaxed looks stern, angry, or aged, a forehead lift might be a good procedure for you. You should be in good general health, a non-smoker, and have specific, realistic goals for the surgery.

There are several alternatives to a forehead lift. Sometimes, it is not your brow that is responsible for your tired appearance, but your eyelids. If this is the case, eyelid surgery is a better choice for you. If you are looking for a less expensive, temporary solution, BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport injections can often give similar results to a forehead lift, although they require repeated treatments at about 3-4 month intervals. Sometimes the best results are achieved by combining a forehead lift, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, and eyelid surgery.

The Forehead Lift Procedure

During a brow lift, one or more incisions are made at or above the hairline. Let Dr. Widenhouse know whether your hairline is receding or is expected to recede so he can place incisions appropriately. The placement, length, and number of incisions depend on the creases or sagging you are experiencing. Through these incisions, the skin of the forehead is pulled up more tightly over the front of the skull, and some excess skin is removed. If necessary, permanent sutures, small surgical screws, or other devices may be used to help maintain results. Incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives.

For some people, an endoscopic forehead lift may be an option. It uses shorter incisions and allows for faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.

Recovery and Results of a Forehead Lift

After surgery, your forehead and head may be taped to reduce swelling and facilitate healing. There will be swelling in the treated area, but discomfort should be minor and easily controlled with medication. Once the swelling goes down, you will see a smoother, more youthful appearing forehead.

To learn more about this procedure, you can see our questions about brow lift page or schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery in Charleston, South Carolina today.