Procedure:
Minimises forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over the eyes, furrowed forehead and frown lines by altering the forehead muscles and tightening the forehead skin. This procedure is now usually performed with an endoscope, which requires three to five short incisions allowing access to the relevant areas to be treated incorporating a camera and a monitor to visualize the dissected areas. It may also be performed using the traditional technique, with an incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline.
Length:
One to two hours.
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anaesthetic are options.
Inpatient/Outpatient:
This is most often a daycase procedure. If it is being performed with a facelift operation, then it is more usual to stay in hospital for one night following the procedure.
Possible Side Effects:
When an endoscope is used, temporary swelling, numbness, headaches, and bruising may occur. When using the traditional method, there is also the possibility of itching and hair loss.
Risks:
Injury to facial nerves causing loss of motion, muscle weakness, or an asymmetrical look, persistent areas of numbness and broad and occasionally excessive scarring
Recovery:
The patient usually returns to work in seven to ten days and even sooner with an endoscopic forehead lift. Strenuous activities must be limited for several weeks. Full recovery from bruising takes from two to three weeks. One should limit sun exposure for several months to avoid hyperpigmentation of the forehead, which can occur as a result of sunlight exposure during the first 3-6 months after the procedure has been performed.
Results
This procedure usually lasts between five and ten years.
