Brow Lift
Many people don’t recognize that the reason they look older and tired isn’t really the eyes, it is the brows that have settled and encroached on the eyes. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, will not only reposition a low or sagging brow, it can remove the creases that develop across the forehead or high on the bridge of the nose. It can also improve “crows feet.” The surgery typically produces excellent, long-lasting results that are often permanent.
A forehead lift is often performed by itself in younger individuals but frequently combined with a facelift in the older age groups. If you are going to have swelling, bruising and down time from a facelift, why not get it all done at once.
The Procedure:
A brow lift requires an ear-to ear incision is made in the hairline, often called a “headband” incision. This allows the tissue and muscle beneath the skin to be repositioned, altered or removed, correcting the source of visible creases ad furrows in the forehead. Brow lift incisions are typically closed with special clips that are left in for about two weeks. The procedure is most often performed as an out-patient basis under general anesthesia. It takes about an hour to perform.
Expected Side Effects:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Numbness – some permanent
- Soreness
Risks:
- Asymmetry
- Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss
- Bleeding or fluid collection under the skin, which could require more surgery
- Infection
- Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis – temporary or permanent
- Hair loss at the incisions
- Blood clots in the legs leading to clots in the lungs
- Death related to anesthesia
Learn More About the Procedure
Click below to learn what to do before and after the procedure.
At this visit, we will: Take your payment and answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure. At this time, Dr. Frost may not be available, but if you would like to speak with him again, please let us know and we will schedule this visit when he is available. Provide you with any prescriptions that you may need for after surgery. We encourage you to have these prescriptions filled prior to your surgery to avoid having to stop at the pharmacy after your procedure. Please let us know if you have any specific pain medication requests, and we will try to prescribe the medication that works best for you. Make arrangements for any necessary pre-operative evaluations that need to be performed, such as blood tests, pregnancy testing, EKG, etc.
Diet and Medications:
Please, DO NOT eat or drink ANYTHING after midnight prior to your surgery. This is VERY important. Your surgery will be CANCELLED if you eat or drink anything after midnight. The only exception is a sip of water with any medications that you must take. Generally, you should take high blood pressure and heart medications. Do NOT take arthritis medications and do NOT take diabetic medications (including insulin), unless specifically instructed to do so.
Bathing and Clothing Prior to Surgery:
Please take a shower and use antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of your surgery. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing such as a front button shirt and loose pants since these items are easier to put on and take off after surgery.
Take it slow and easy with your diet. Start with clear liquids and simply advance as tolerated. It is normal to have some nausea from the anesthetic and pain medication, but by taking it easy, this should quickly resolve.
Activity:
Take it easy, Walking is good, bouncing is bad. A good rule of thumb is: “If it hurts, don’t do it.” You may feel like you cannot stand up straight. Feel free to walk bent-over for the first week or so. You will be able to stand straight (and proud) soon. As you start to feel stronger, you may gradually increase your activity. Do not plan to drive for 2 to 3 weeks since restricted movement may limit your response time in an emergency. Do not do any abdominal exercise for at least a month to six weeks. Actually, if we tighten the muscles enough, you may never do another sit-up again!
Pain:
There is discomfort after any surgery. The goal of pain medication is to prevent pain, so do not wait until you are really hurting to take your medication. Follow the directions on your prescription to stay ahead of the pain and experience the highest level of pain relief possible. Narcotics can cause constipation, so drink plenty of water, eat fruit and use an over-the-counter laxative, if needed.
Post-Operative Dressings and Bathing:
Leave your head wrap on and keep your head elevated. We will remove the dressings the day after your surgery. You will look terrible and your hair will look worse! You may go home and shower and shampoo that day. Bring a scarf or wear a hoodie and sunglasses; you won’t want to be seen in public for a week or two. The bruising is usually worst at about 3 days and then begins to gradually fade. We will remove clips in 10 to 14 days.
Questions:
Our goal is for you to be informed. If you have a question, please call our office at 850.474.8333.