Browlift

If you are considering a browlift .....

A forehead lift or "browlift" is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.

In a forehead lift, the tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. The surgery is performed with the use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions.

If you're considering a forehead lift, this brochure will provide a basic understanding of the procedure -- when it can help, how it's performed and what results you can expect. It won't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Be sure to ask Dr. Rieger if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure.

THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR A FOREHEAD LIFT

before browlift

A forehead lift can smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids, and minimize the frown lines that come with aging

A forehead lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

Forehead lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a smoother overall look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids. Sometimes, patients who believe they need upper-eyelid surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their surgical goals.

Patients who are bald, who have a receding hairline, or who have had previous upper-eyelid surgery may still be good candidates for forehead lift. The surgeon will simply alter the incision location or perform a more conservative operation.

Remember, a forehead lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them in detail with your doctor.

ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK

Complications are rare and usually minor when a forehead lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Yet, the possibility of complications must be considered.

In rare cases, the nerves that control eyebrow movement may be injured on one or both sides, resulting in a loss of ability to raise the eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead. Additional surgery may be required to correct the problem.

Formation of a broad scar is also a rare complication. This may be treated surgically by removing the wide scar tissue so a new, thinner scar may result. Also, in some patients, hair loss may occur along the scar edges.

Loss of sensation along or just beyond the incision line may occur it is usually temporary, but may be permanent in some patients.

Infection and bleeding are very rare, but are possibilities.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

PLANNING YOUR SURGERY

For a better understanding of how a forehead lift might change your appearance, look into a mirror and place the palms of your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Gently draw the skin up to raise the brow and the forehead area. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.

If you decide to consult a plastic surgeon, he or she will first evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone.

During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss your goals for the surgery and ask you about certain medical conditions that could cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to develop large scars. Be sure to tell the surgeon if you have had previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications -- including aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.

If you decide to proceed with a forehead lift, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique, the recommended type of anesthesia, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks and the costs involved. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results of surgery.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery and your recovery proceed more smoothly.

If your hair is very short, you may wish to let it grow out before surgery, so that it's long enough to hide the scars while they heal.

You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.

WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED

Dr. Rieger prefers to perform the operation in a state-of-the art accredited outpatient surgery center.

ANESTHESIA USED FOR THE PROCEDURE

Some forehead lifts are performed under general anesthesia, in which case you'll sleep through the entire operation. Some are performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and although you may feel some tugging and mild discomfort, your forehead will be insensitive to pain.

YOUR SURGERY

Your surgeon will make three, four or five short scalp incisions, each less than an inch in length. An endoscope, which is a pencil-like camera device connected to a television monitor, is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view of the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Using another instrument inserted through a different incision, the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and underlying tissues are altered to produce a smoother appearance.

Some surgeons including Dr. Rieger use a new technology at this point in order to secure the brow/forehead in its new lifted position. The pictures below summarize this technique. The key to this technology is a small “plastic” implant which holds the forehead in its new lifted position. This “plastic” implant eventually dissolves.

The below shows the technique of the endotine surgery

endotine incision browlift

endotine anchor hole

endotine ready for placement

placement of endotine browlift

lift obtained with endotine

endotine set in place

The picture below shows the new Endotine fixation technology vs. Single Suture fixation.

advantage compare of endotine

When the lift is complete, the scalp incisions will be closed with stitches or clips and the area will be washed. Gauze and an elastic bandage may also be used, depending on your surgeon's preference.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

Endoscopic forehead lift patients may experience some numbness, itching sensation, incision discomfort and mild swelling. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication, if necessary.

The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week. Although you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed.

Most patients are back to work or school in a week to 10 days. Vigorous physical activity should limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.

Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. You may feel a bit tired and let down at first, but your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better.

YOUR NEW LOOK

after browlift

The result of a forehead lift is a younger, more rested look.

Most patients are pleased with the results of a forehead lift. Often, patients don't realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.

Although a forehead lift does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for years. As time passes, you may want to repeat the procedure.

call 316-652-9333 for a consult about Browlift in Wichita, Kansas.

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