Forehead Lift Surgery
A forehead lift is a surgical procedure used to remove or drastically reduce the wrinkles and frown lines that form across the forehead as a result of aging.
Like so many other facial cosmetic surgeries, a forehead lift is usually accompanied by other procedures. The most common is to have an eyelid lift in conjunction with a forehead lift.
Lasting between one and two hours, a forehead lift is performed right in the office with IV sedation or twilight anesthesia.
There are two basic methods of performing this surgery. The first is the traditional manner in which an incision is made just behind the natural hairline, running in length from ear to ear.
The newest method is the endoscopic approach. This is a method in which four or five one-inch incisions are made just behind the hairline.
The skin is then pulled up and the excess is removed. The incision is then stitched or stapled closed.
Your surgeon will then carefully and completely wash your face to prevent infection.
Am I a good candidate for forehead lift surgery?
The majority of people who opt for forehead lift surgery are between the ages of 40 and 70; however, people in their thirties who are suffering from premature aging have been known to get this surgery. Other determining factors include:
- Being in good physical and mental health.
- Having visible and unwanted deep forehead lines and/or wrinkles.
- You are rather young but are suffering from signs of premature aging.
- You are opting to have the surgery for personal reasons and not because someone else wants you to.
How much does a forehead lift cost?
According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, a forehead lift procedure alone ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.
This figure usually includes an overnight hospital stay if needed, surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and any post operative visits.
Here is an estimated breakdown of this overall cost:
Surgeon’s Fee: $3,276
Anesthesia: $1,000 to $1,300
Facility Fee or Hospital Stay: $500 to $2,000
These figures are just estimates and will vary based on the surgeon you choose and their surgical experience.
The cheaper the surgeon’s fee is, the less experience they typically have so this is something you should be on the lookout for.
Unfortunately, many health insurance plans will not cover the cost of this unless it is medically necessary.
Therefore other funding options will need to be sought. You should talk to your surgeon about possible financing options.
What can I expect during recovery and what are the risks?
Just like all other surgeries, forehead lift surgery carries certain risks.
Specific risks associated with this surgery include infection, bleeding, scarring, loss of hair at the incision point, a lack of sensation, and in rare instances patients have been unable to move their eyebrows or forehead.
If this complication occurs, additional surgery may be necessary. To minimize these risks, it is imperative that you follow all post-operative instructions.
Immediately after surgery, your head will be wrapped with sterile padding and an elastic bandage. This helps to ensure that bleeding is kept to a minimum.
These bandages are usually removed within a day or two of the surgery. The stitches however, will be removed in two different visits.
The first of which will occur in approximately 10 to 14 days after the surgery. Numbness and eventually localized pain is normal.
Your surgeon will most likely prescribe pain medication to help with the discomfort. You will also be instructed to keep your head elevated for two or three days to reduce the amount of swelling.
Once all the stitches and bandages have been removed, it is common to suffer from itching in and around the incision area.
This can last up to six months and has been reported as the most troublesome post-operative complication.
How do I find a forehead lift surgeon?
Choosing a qualified forehead lift surgeon is the single most important decision that you will make throughout this entire process.
This is also one of the most difficult and time consuming. Having a good rapport and feeling comfortable with your surgeon can make or break your plastic surgery experience.
The best place to start is with referrals from your doctor, friends, and family members. Then move onto the certification boards such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Medical Specialties, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Verify any surgeon’s credentials and then begin scheduling consultations.
Take this time to ask a lot of questions about the surgeon, his or her success and failure rates, any other staff members that will be assisting, or any other questions you may have about the procedure.
