A forehead lift (browlift) is intended to give a more youthful and rested appearance to the forehead and upper eyelids.

Browlift is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or monitored sedation. The incisions are usually made behind the hairline. For patients with high foreheads, the incisions can be placed in front of the hairline. The operation is done using an endoscope (a narrow hollow instrument with a fiber optic light source and camera, through which the procedure is done with small special instruments.) The forehead skin is lifted and repositioned. The muscles that cause frown lines are weakened.

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

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of a forehead lift are Lower and/or Upper Eyelid Lift, Face Lift, or other facial procedures or implants.

Browlift is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

The specific risks and the suitability of the forehead lift 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

The immediate post-operative experience for a patient who has had a classic forehead lift may differ significantly from a patient who had the procedure performed endoscopically.

Classic forehead lift patients may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with prescription medication. Patients who are prone to headaches may be treated with an additional longer-acting local anesthesia during surgery as a preventive measure.

You may be told to keep your head elevated for two to three days following surgery to keep the swelling down. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes-- however, this should begin to disappear in a week or so.

As the nerves heal, numbness on the top of your scalp may be replaced by itching. These sensations may take as long as six months to fully disappear. If bandages were used, they will be removed a day or two after surgery. Most stitches or clips will be removed within two weeks, sometimes in two stages.

Some of your hair around the incision may fall out and may temporarily be a bit thinner. Normal growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent hair loss is rare.

Endoscopic forehead lift patients may experience some numbness, incision discomfort and mild swelling.

Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Endoscopic forehead lift patients usually experience less of the itching sensation felt by patients who have had the classic forehead lift.

The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week and the temporary fixation screws within two weeks.