Forehead and Brow Lift

The forehead carries horizontal lines whose depth varies from person to person. Between the brows, these lines take a vertical shape.

Similar to facial skin, the forehead experiences loosening, sagging, and deepening lines as age progresses.

If you’re looking to relieve a tired facial expression, this can be an effective method…

A forehead lift surgery minimizes the lines on the forehead. By lifting the brows that have drooped over the eyes, they are repositioned, giving the person a lively look. If needed, lines beside the eyes can also be diminished to a certain extent.

The horizontal lines on the forehead, which typically vary in depth among individuals, become vertical between the brows. As the face ages, the forehead skin, like the rest of the facial skin, starts to loosen, sag, and develop deeper lines. Eventually, the brows descend, creating a tired appearance. Unhealthy diet, smoking, irregular lifestyles, stress, pollution, inadequate or nonexistent skincare routines, gravity, and facial expressions all contribute to this aesthetically displeasing outcome.

Who Can Have This Surgery?

This procedure is generally applied to men and women over 40 without other health issues. A forehead lift surgery minimizes the lines on the forehead, lifts the drooping brows back to their appropriate position, giving the person a vibrant look, and can, to some extent, reduce lines around the eyes. In cases of excessive sagging and the need for skin removal, the classic forehead lift method is utilized. With the classic method, there remains a crown-like scar about 4-5 cm behind the hairline, yet this scar is hidden within the hair-bearing skin. However, this method may result in long-term temporary numbness in the hair-bearing skin. Brow lift surgery, performed to return the brows to their natural position, is incorporated within the forehead lift surgery. Additionally, brow lift surgery is not necessary. Only by entering through the temple area, lifting the brows, and partially stretching the forehead is not a preferred method.

Surgery

Forehead lift surgeries can now be performed using an endoscopic approach. In patients where excessive tissue removal isn’t necessary, achieving similar results through 3 or 4 incisions of 2 cm behind the hairline within the hair-bearing skin has become possible. This method is applied to the majority of patients. With this approach, the postoperative period is more comfortable, and there is either no or minimal numbness in the hair-bearing skin. The surgery is conducted in a hospital setting, supervised by an anesthesiologist, in an operating room. It can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (sleeping through an IV). It lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. Returning home the same day is possible, though if combined with other aesthetic surgeries, the surgery and hospital stay duration would extend.

Post-Surgery

The early postoperative period generally passes comfortably. There may be general swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes. Numbness and a feeling of tension might be experienced, but these usually subside within 2 weeks. A head wrap may be applied, leaving the eyes, nose, and mouth exposed. The wrap is removed after 2 days, followed by a general check-up and change of dressing. Hair can be washed, and if needed, the wrap can be reapplied. Stitches are removed after 5-7 days.

Return to Normal Life

The surgery yields good results, and occasional touch-ups may be necessary. A person can return to work and wear makeup after 2 weeks. It’s recommended to avoid heavy exercise and sun exposure for 2 months and to protect from external impacts. The shape given to the forehead and brows can be affected by gravity and may last anywhere from 5-10 years to a lifetime, depending on the individual.