A forehead lift, also called a brow lift, is a procedure that corrects drooping or sagging eyebrows and improves the horizontal wrinkles and frown lines that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired. Forehead lift may be performed at the same time as a facelift to provide a smoother overall look to the face. If there is excess skin in the upper eyelids, or puffy bags beneath your eyes, eyelid surgery may be recommended in addition
to a forehead lift.

There are a variety of ways to elevate the brows and correct aging changes in the forehead area. The particular surgical technique will depend on many factors such as the position of your eyebrows, the amount of excess upper eyelid skin and the height of your hairline.

The classic forehead lift

An incision is made across the top of the scalp, beginning above the ears and hidden within the hair. The incision is designed to be inconspicuous when healed. The muscles that cause wrinkling and frown lines are modified, excess skin is removed and the eyebrows are lifted to a more pleasing level.

The Endoscopic Forehead Lift

Dr Archer's preferred technique. This procedure is performed using three short scalp incisions, each less than 1.5 inches in length. An endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions. Using this device to provide adequate visualization, the forehead skin is lifted and the underlying muscles modified as required. The elevated brow is then secured into position using sutures or sometimes temporary fixation screws placed behind the hairline.

At the time of your initial consultation, Dr. Archer will carefully examine your forehead and discuss which approach would be best in order to obtain the desired result.

Forehead lift is usually performed on a out-patient surgery basis. Swelling and bruising should be gone within two weeks, and camouflage make-up can be used almost immediately. Patients can resume vigorous physical activity within six weeks.

As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur including bleeding, infection and temporary numbness. Fortunately, these occur rarely and can be minimized by carefully following your post-operative instructions and avoiding smoking. Dr. Archer will discuss these issues with you thoroughly at the time of your consultation.