Forehead Lift (Browlift)

A forehead lift or "browlift" can be performed with or without a cheek lift, and rejuvenates the upper face giving patients a more youthful, refreshed look to the forehead and eyes. A browlift correct the sagging or low position of the eyebrows, softens horizontal creases across the forehead, and erases the worries or angry expression that can result from frown lines.

Best Candidates for a Browlift

Men or women who have deep forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, or furrows that make people look sad, tired, or angry would greatly benefit from a browlift. Patients are usually between the ages of thirty and sixty, but there is no real age limit.

Men or women who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery, as weight loss can drastically change the appearance of the face. As for any procedure, patients are better candidates if they are near their "goal" weight.

Surgical Planning

A browlift is usually performed with an endoscope which is the least invasive technique available. The browlift may be modified to include an upper cheek lift which augments the cheekbone area and corrects hollows which can occur with aging in the lower eyelid. This procedure is called the Temporal Brow Midface Lift. Upper or lower blepharoplasty or traditional facelifting can also be combined with forehead lifting for a balanced total facial rejuvenation. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, but may vary depending upon the extent of work required.

There are only a few very small incisions which allows the scars to remain concealed in the scalp.

Surgery Preparation

Dr. Julene Samuels and her office staff will give you specific instructions regarding surgical preparation. This includes medications to avoid, eating and drinking, as well as smoking.

If you smoke be prepared to quit 6 weeks prior to your surgery and not resume for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Medications to avoid include Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and any vitamins or herbs.

The surgery will be done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia; however, patients will have the option to stay overnight is they desire. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery to assist them in their immediate recovery period, which averages seven to ten days.

Hospital Options

A browlift may be performed at Jewish Hospital Downtown or Alliant Medical Pavillion.

Post-Operative Care

Patients make have headaches, swelling, bruising, numbness, and tingling during the immediate recovery period, which is seven to ten days.

Patients will have staples placed in the hairline, along with a small amount of sutures. Sutures and staples will be removed at ten to fourteen days post-op. There is also a "head dressing" placed immediately after surgery. If patients choose to do the procedure on an outpatient basis, the office visit will be the day after surgery to assist in the removal of the head dressing.

Returning to Normal Activities

It may take patients weeks to feel like themselves again. Most people return to work after one week; however, this doesn't include jobs with large amount of physical activity. Exercise may be performed after 4 weeks, but strenuous exercise needs to be postponed for six weeks.

The scars will take approximately three months to fade and flatten out. While they never completely disappear, they will remain hidden in the hairline.