Forehead Lift FAQ

What is a forehead lift?

The forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of the forehead area by minimizing forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, frown lines, forehead furrows, and hooding over the eyes. By removing excess tissue, altering muscles, and tightening the forehead skin, the result is a more youthful and refreshed appearance with a smoother forehead and elevated eyebrows.

How do I known if I’m a good candidate for a forehead lift?

If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement in the appearance of your forehead area, you may be a good candidate for a forehead lift. Though most patients are in their forties to sixties, the forehead lift can be successfully performed at other ages.

What type of anesthesia will I receive for my forehead lift?

Forehead lifts are often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Sood will determine which anesthesia is best for you.

How are forehead lifts performed?

For a traditional forehead lift, an incision is made at or behind the hairline and the skin of the forehead is lifted from the underlying tissues and muscle. If necessary, the eyebrows will be elevated as well. The forehead skin is then tightened and the excess removed before the incisions are closed. For an endoscopic forehead lift, several smaller incisions are made along the hairline and the surgeon then works through these using a small camera device known as an endoscope. A bandage may be applied to the forehead at the completion of surgery.

How long is the surgery for a forehead lift?

Surgery time for a forehead lift is usually about one to two hours.

Will I have scars after my forehead lift?

The incisions made for the forehead lift do result in scars though they tend to be well-concealed at or behind the hairline. When performed as an endoscopic procedure, there will be several smaller incisions similarly concealed by the hairline.

How much pain can I expect after my forehead lift?

You may experience some temporary discomfort, particularly around the incisions, but this can be relieved with prescription medication.

What should I expect of the recovery after my forehead lift?

You can expect some bruising and swelling after your forehead lift. Most of the swelling should fade within about a week, while the bruising may take two to three weeks to clear up. You may experience some headaches and numbness. Patients undergoing a traditional forehead lift may also experience itching and hair loss at the incision. You can generally expect the recovery to be shorter and milder if you’re undergoing an endoscopic forehead lift. Bandages applied after surgery are usually removed within a couple of days, and stitches may be removed within one to two weeks.

How much time should I plan to take off from work after my forehead lift?

Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed within 1-2 weeks. Endoscopic patients may be able to return to work sooner.

How soon after my forehead lift can I exercise?

Any strenuous exercise will need to be postponed for at least 6 weeks, and sun exposure will need to be limited for several months.

What risks are associated with the forehead lift?

As with all types of surgery, there are some risks that are associated with the forehead lift and these may include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bleeding, excessive or broad scarring, infection, nerve injury, and the need for additional surgery.

Dr. Sood's primary goal is to provide excellent clinical results along with a high level of patient care and service. Patient satisfaction is our highest concern. We are dedicated to providing every patient with a pleasant experience, beginning with the first visit and continuing on through surgical procedures and treatments and postoperative care. We encourage patients to evaluate the benefits as well as the risks of each procedure within the confines of realistic expectations.