FOREHEAD AND EYEBROW LIFT
What are the benefits?
A forehead and eyebrow lift has a rejuvenating effect on the face, especially around the brow area. That’s because frown lines around the forehead and sagging eyebrows can give you a tired and depressed look. The procedure refreshes and illuminates the face and gets rid of that tired look, specifically by lifting the eyebrows and reducing the lines between the eyebrows and the wrinkles often found on the upper side of the nose.
Is it for me?
A forehead and eyebrow lift can improve your appearance and self confidence, however, it won’t necessarily improve your relationships with those around you. Before opting for this procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
What techniques are used?
Many surgical techniques are available: conventional lifting with incision from one temple to the other, an intermediate lifting at the temple level, a thread lift, and other techniques with smaller incisions. A forehead and eyebrow lift is often performed in combination with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a face lift. Dr. Duclos may also suggest injections rather than a lift.
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will examine your face to make sure that its harmony isn’t undone by an isolated frontal surgery. She’ll evaluate the condition of your skin, how many wrinkles you have and where they’re located, hairline and eyebrow position, asymmetry, muscles, and bone structure.
After evaluating your general condition and your expectations, she’ll make her recommendations, pointing out the incision sites which may be situated in between or in front of, the hairline (hair will not be shaved), and explaining the inherent risks of the procedure. She will also explain each step of the procedure itself, which is usually performed under local, local with sedative or general anaesthetic, and discuss pre and post operative care.
The length of the procedure depends on the extent of the work that needs to be done. You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
You should avoid lying on your back for the first five days after the procedure. It is also recommended that you sleep in a semi upright position (with your head at a 60 degree angle from the bed) or in a “lazy boy” type chair. Even with regular cold compresses, swelling and bruising will appear on the forehead, eyelids and cheeks. It will be at its worst two or three days after the procedure, disappearing after about two weeks.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for three weeks. Keep your forehead out of the sun for about eight weeks and the scar itself for about six months.
What are the risks?
Complications are rare and usually minor.
If any bleeding occurs during the procedure, it may be necessary to enlarge the incision in order to stop it. Drains that pump away any accumulated blood rarely need to be used.
Infection, irregular scarring and local capillary loss occur very rarely.
Loss of sensation often occurs along the length or over the incisions. It is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent.
In very rare instances, the nerves that allow eyebrow movement get destroyed on one or both sides, making it hard to frown. Additional procedures may be necessary to improve this.