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A
forehead lift can smooth the forehead, raise
the upper eyelids, and minimize the frown
lines that come with aging. |
Brow Lift -
Forehead & Eyebrow Lift:
Brow Lift, also known
as a forehead and eyebrow lift, is the procedure to
correct deep forehead wrinkling (horizontal and
vertical) and eye brow drop. Dr. Yaker will address
the underlying tissue and muscles, as well as the
skin. Altering some of the underlying muscles may help
prevent many of the lines from returning. This surgery
is to help those of any age who have developed furrows
or lines due to anxiety, stress or muscle activity.
Some of these lines are a family trait. Often a
forehead lift is performed in conjunction with a face
lift to provide a smoother overall look to the face.
Sometimes eyelid surgery is performed at the same time
as the brow lift if the patient has a severe overhang
of the upper eyelids.
With every surgery
there are possible risks and complications:
Dr. Yaker performs many brow lift surgeries
successfully each year. Possible complications
following surgery include infection, bleeding, poor
healing, and reaction to anesthesia. It is advised
that smokers stop smoking 3 weeks before surgery and
continue until 3 weeks after surgery. Smoking
increases the risk of complications during the healing
process.
 In
preparation for a forehead lift, the hair is
tied back with rubber bands in front of and
behind the incision area. An incision is usually
made across the top of the head, just behind the
hairline |
 Forehead
skin is gently lifted and portions of facial
muscle and excess skin are removed. The incision
is then closed with stitches or clips. |
About the Surgery:
There are different methods for this procedure. Dr.
Yaker will discuss with you during consultation your
options. The procedure is performed in our on site
AAAASF certified ambulatory surgery center under
general anesthesia. The hair will be tied back to
avoid the incision area. The incision will start at
about the level of your ears. In the conventional
method the incision is hidden just behind the
hairline. Sometimes the incision is at the hair margin
for patients with high foreheads. A mini forehead lift
is performed through small incisions in the scalp and
with the use of an endoscope. After tightening the
underlying tissue and altering the muscles that are
causing problems, the excess skin is removed. The
incisions are carefully closed. Dr. Yaker makes every
effort to keep the scars as minimal as possible and
hides them along the hairline. Usually, the scars are
very inconspicuous.
 The
result of a forehead lift is a younger more
rested look. |
Illustrations above are courtesy of
ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
(The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, Inc.)
Pre-Operative
Instructions for Brow Lift
2 weeks Before
Surgery:
- Do not take aspirin
or ibuprofen products (You may take Tylenol)
- Do not take any
diet pills or similar appetite suppressant
medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
- Do not take any
herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
- Do not take Vitamin
E
- Do Not Smoke - This
will interfere with the circulation and healing
process causing major complications
Products Needed at
Home:
Fill your
prescriptions given to you during your pre-op visit:
- Percocet, Lortab,
Dilaudid, or Darvocet is for the pain
- Keflex is an
antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as
directed)
- Extra-strength
Tylenol
- O-tips
- Small tube of
Bacitracin
- Small bottle of
Hydrogen Peroxide
The Night Prior to
Surgery:
- Eat a bland meal
- Nothing Spicy
- Before going to
bed take a Pepcid AC
The Day of Surgery:
**Eating
or Drinking Prior to Surgery Will Result in the
Cancellation of the Surgery**
- Wear loose
clothing, something very easy to put on after
surgery. Wear a top that buttons or zips in front.
(Do not wear jeans or tight clothing)
- Do not wear
make-up.
- Men may shave as
usual.
- Leave all jewelry
and valuables at home
- The person caring
for you after surgery will need to stay with you
for at least 48 hours.
Post-Operative
Instructions for Brow Lift
Medications:
- Take your pain
medications for the pain. Do not take it on an
empty stomach.
- Take the
antibiotics as directed until they are all gone
- Sometimes patients
will develop a yeast infection from the
antibiotics, if this occurs call the office.
- Should you become
constipated, you may use an over the counter stool
softener. If you do not have relief from your
stool softener, call the office.
- Should you have
nausea, a prescribed Phenergan suppository should
help.
- Should you
experience itching, take Benadryl 25 mg: one
capsule every 6 hours as needed
- Remember no aspirin
products until 2 weeks after surgery
Other Things to
Remember:
- If you feel you are
in an emergency situation, please call the office
at any time. Our phones are answered 24 hours a
day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding,
abnormal swelling, or a temperature over 101
degrees. Other calls should be made during
business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.
- Sutures or staples
will come out on or around day 10-14.
- You will be able to
wash your hair the day after surgery.
- You will be able to
have your hair highlighted or colored
approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
- You will need to
sleep with a couple of pillows behind your back to
elevate the head to help keep swelling down.
- You can expect
swelling for the first few weeks.
- You may experience
a head ache feeling up to a few days.
- It will take up to
6-8 weeks for the scars to flatten out.
- We ask that you not
drive for 4-6 days.
- Most patients take
a week off from work for this procedure.
- Remember smoking
may cause complications in the healing process.
- Keep activity
moderate for the first 3 weeks. After 3 weeks you
may ride a life cycle, take walks, and lift light
(5-8lbs) arm weights. After 4 weeks you may resume
normal activities as tolerated.
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