What Should I Consider Before Getting a Forehead Lift?

A forehead lift can also be referred to as a brow lift and is surgically performed to treat conditions of aging. A forehead lift can correct inherited traits in the face such as low brow lines or deep frown lines. This procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries for a more harmonious effect to the face.

Over a period of time, gravity causes the face to be pulled down, showing signs of aging. Often a person will look older than they feel and will want to reflect a more youthful appearance. Before having a forehead lift, one should consider if they are a candidate for the surgery.

Candidates for a forehead lift should have a low sagging position of the eyebrows that appear to give a sad or tired look. Deep creases generally appear across the forehead horizontally. Frown lines in between the eyebrows or along the top of the nose should be present also.

Finding the right surgeon is extremely important. A surgeon should be board-certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They should have pictures of their past work, along with many references. Once a surgeon is chosen, an appointment for a preoperative consultation should be scheduled.

At the preoperative consultation, the surgeon should perform a physical evaluation and examine one's medical history. The surgeon should also examine the bone structure of the face, the skin's texture, elasticity and thickness, as well as the underlying structure of the skin, the brow position, and the eye and eyelid aesthetics. They will then put together a surgical plan with the patient's goals in mind and discuss the procedure that will take place.

There are a few important things to remember before having a forehead lift. All chemical processing of the hair should be done prior to surgery. This cannot be done to the hair following the surgery for at least a month or more.

Short hair should be grown longer to cover incisions while they heal. Medications that are taken should be discussed prior to surgery to avoid any complications. This discussion should take place during the initial consultation.

Full recovery time after surgery will vary from person to person. Swelling will generally dissipate within 24-48 hours. Most bruising disappears after two weeks. Concealing makeup is usually allowed after the first week to cover any bruising. Numbness may be experienced for months but should only be temporary.

The cost of a forehead lift will depend on the surgeon's length of experience and where it takes place, as some places have higher costs of living than others. Several components make up the entire cost of the surgical procedure. These different components include a facility fee, the surgeon's professional fee, medications, medical tests, surgical garments and an anesthesia fee.

As with any surgery, there are complications and risks to consider. One may experience the inability to move the forehead or eyebrows, but this can be corrected with a second surgery. Permanent hair loss and scarring is possible, along with permanent numbness, infections and bleeding. These are extremely rare but have happened and must be taken into consideration.