What to Expect
Before the Surgery
Before the forehead lift surgery is conducted, the surgeon examines the patient’s forehead. The surgeon provides thorough preoperative instructions, takes a detailed medical history, answers any questions the patient may have and performs a physical examination to determine the patient’s fitness for surgery.
There might be some lifestyle changes the patient may have to make before the surgery. For instance, the patient may be asked to quit smoking, at least temporarily. The patient can also be asked to avoid alcohol and some medications. People who regularly take any anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin will be asked to stop it for a specified period before the surgery. These medicines are known to cause increased bleeding.
During the Surgery
The sections of hair will be held away from the surgery area. Local anaesthesia along with sedation is usually used during a brow lift surgery. At the time of the procedure, the tissues and muscles that cause the drooping are transformed to smoothen the forehead, reduce frown lines, and raise the eyebrows. After removing excess tissue, skin, and muscle, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches. The hair and face are washed to avoid irritation in the scalp skin.
The treated area is enfolded with a sterile padding and an elastic bandage to avoid swelling and bleeding. After the completion of the surgery, the patient is taken into a recovery area where they are closely monitored.
After the Surgery
The patient will have sutures and dressing on the forehead for the first couple of days after surgery. The recovery time period differs from patient to patient. However, for a speedy and safe recovery process, the patient should apply ice pack to minimise swelling and take the necessary doctor-prescribed painkillers.
After the surgery, doctors may also ask the patient to avoid any strenuous activities for two weeks, such as heavy weights lifting, swimming, or jogging. Moreover, patients are advised not to shower or wash hair until the bandages are removed. The patient is also required to keep the head elevated with pillows for at least two days after the procedure.
After the stitches are removed, (in approximately one to two weeks), the patient can return to work or their usual routine.
What You Need to Know About Forehead Lift
Complications are said to be minor and rare when a forehead lift surgery is performed by a skilled surgeon trained in the process. However, in some cases, the surgical procedure has a tendency to harm the nerves that control forehead and eyebrow movements. Furthermore, hair loss can also occur along the scar edges in the scalp where an incision is made through the hairline. Other than that, bleeding and infection can take place with any surgical procedure.
