Forehead Lift

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

A wrinkled brow is part of aging and we are all susceptible to it in one way or another. For some, the frown lines appear early, giving a sad or disapproving look. Horizontal lines make the whole face look older. Sagging eyebrows affect the appearance of the eyes, giving a sleepy or distracted look. Sun damage contributes to all this, as does heredity, and weight gain and loss which stretches skin and then leaves it drooping.

Another factor which contributes and which is not always considered is our daily facial expressions. Aside from reacting to bright light and expressing genuine annoyance, we might be frowning as part of clowning around or mimicking someone else. We might raise our eyebrows to express disbelief and squint to express suspicion. There are a thousand reasons we use facial expressions, all part of living. But those repeated muscle contractions do end up contributing to wrinkle formation.

The procedure

A forehead lift is often done along with a facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, or injections. Each forehead lift is designed for the individual, to meet the needs and goals of that particular person. Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Weil will discuss all the options with you beforehand and answer all your cosmetic surgery questions.

Before your forehead lift, you might be asked to get a medical evaluation or have some lab tests done. You could be asked to adjust your daily medications or supplements. Certainly if you smoke, Dr. Weil will ask you to stop several weeks before your procedure.

An endoscope can be used in a brow lift. It’s a narrow, flexible tube with a light and lens at its tip. Dr. Weil can see on the computer monitor exactly where it is and what he is doing with it. It has a second channel for inserting surgical implements. From the patient’s point of view, endoscopic surgery is better in that a smaller incision is made, and therefore a smaller scar results.

Incisions will be hidden within the hairline. In some cases small incisions are made in the eyelid creases if frown lines need to be removed from low between the eyebrows. Extra skin is removed and incisions are closed with absorbable sutures or perhaps special clips or skin adhesives.

Recovery

Follow Dr. Weil’s instructions for self-care. This is very important for a speedy and safe recovery. Any bruising or swelling will subside gradually. Be careful to protect the incision line(s). You might have a drain inserted for a short while, to remove any excess fluid. Dr. Weil will instruct you on how to care for it. You’ll have several follow-up visits so Dr. Weil can monitor your recovery and catch any potential problems quickly.

After about a week or ten days you can return to work or normal activities. Your final results may not be clear for several months. If you use a sunblock you’ll have a better chance of keeping your smooth forehead and clear, alert-looking eyes.

Please call or email our cosmetic surgery staff if you would like a complimentary forehead consultation. Our cosmetic surgery office serves the entire area of San Francisco, the South Bay, and the East Bay.

For questions about Financing options please see our cosmetic surgery finance page.

Randall B. Weil M.D., F.A.C.S

San Francisco Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

909 Hyde St., Ste. 602, San Francisco, CA 94109 | 415-781-2081