Lidlift Kenneth D. Steinsapir, M.D.
Cosmetic, Facial & Eye Plastic Surgery

Forehead lift surgery, also referred to as a brow lift or eyebrow lift, is designed to achieve a younger, more refreshed look by smoothing the forehead, reducing frown lines, and elevating the eyebrow line position.  In some cases, it’s preferred over upper eyelid surgery for achieving rejuvenation.  Although the forehead lift elevates the eyebrows, it differs from eyelid surgery because eyelid surgery deals with the height of the crease, the crease structure, and eyelid and lash ptosis.  Although eyelid surgery can freshen your look as well, the forehead lift addresses one of the focal points of your face–one that can make the difference between looking tired and run down and looking youthful and refreshed.  In some instances, combining a brow lift with eyelid surgery will provide the total facial rejuvenation you are seeking.

Different types of forehead surgery

There are three major types of cosmetic forehead lifts; endoscopic, also called closed forehead lift, open forehead lift, and thread, or suture lift.  Of these three types, endoscopic forehead surgery is the safest, most effective, and most natural-appearing surgical solution.  Both the open and closed forehead lifts are long-lasting, with the open forehead lift showing no clear advantage in any area and some clear disadvantages.  Healing time for the endoscopic forehead lift is about five times faster, so you’ll see improvements sooner, and your risk of forehead lift complications is greatly reduced.

The thread lift, or suture lift is often advertised as a cheap alternative to the facelift.  The thread lift is a procedure in which a barbed suture is threaded through the face.  This is supposed to lift the face with minimal surgery.  It costs less than a facelift, and sometimes recovery time is shorter, but this procedure doesn’t last and can have associated complications.  Most cosmetic surgeons do not perform thread lifts because they feel that they are ineffective.  For cosmetic purposes, Dr. Steinsapir primarily performs endoscopic forehead lifts, or closed forehead lift.  The endoscopic forehead lift offers many advantages to other alternatives.

Where is surgery commonly performed?

A forehead lift, whether open or closed is a surgical procedure and cannot be performed during an in-office visit.  Surgery is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center.  Dr. Steinsapir performs this procedure at the UCLA Outpatient Surgery Center where he is on staff as an Associate Clinical Professor and Attending Surgeon.  An endoscopic forehead lift requires intravenous sedation but general anesthesia is typically not needed.  This means that you have surgery with minimal drug exposure contributing to a faster recovery.

What is the typical recovery course and physical restrictions?

Swelling and bruising following an endoscopic forehead lift can last for several weeks.  However, most women find that after 7 to 10 days and a little makeup, they can go out and about without calling attention to themselves.  Most men find they can return to their work routine without makeup at 7 to 10 days.

Endoscopic forehead lifts involve a relatively short recovery process and patients usually experience minimal discomfort.  Smaller incisions mean less healing and a faster recovery and is associated with few complications compared to the open forehead lift technique.  Numbness of the scalp, which was universal with the open forehead lift, is rare with the endoscopic forehead lift.  There is very little if any hair loss with a small incision forehead lift.

What are some common complications and how are they addressed?

An endoscopic forehead lift offers faster healing time and fewer negative effects like scalp numbness, hair loss, or a long scar.  Although a few who insist on continuing to perform the open forehead lift may say that the resulting scar from the open forehead lift can be “hidden” underneath your hair, the reality is that this breaks up the natural hair growth pattern.  The untrained eye will recognize that something looks slightly “off” about your hair line―even beveled incisions that allow some hair to grow through the scar can look wrong.  In hair grafting circles, this is referred to as “compression.”  Natural hairlines do not have compression.  Many who have had this procedure also do not like the long term numbness that results from cutting large sensory nerve in the scalp.  The open coronal forehead lift can also be associated with permanent hair loss along the incision line.  These complications are not seen with the small incisions used for the endoscopic forehead lift.

What is the time frame before full recovery?

Following endoscopic forehead lifts, the forehead needs to be supported while the body heals.  This support is called brow fixation and there are several options for brow fixation.  The two most common options in this practice are the Coapt endobrow Endotine or microscrew fixation.  The Coapt device is a small plate that is used in pairs.  The plate is fixed to the forehead bone and supports the forehead.  The device is completely covered and over time will dissolve.  The other method for supporting the forehead after surgery involves three or four small microscrews that poke out of the scalp.  A small staple behind each post supports the forehead.  The posts and the staples are removed about three weeks after surgery.  Again, these are hidden in the hair and are generally not noticeable to others.  Dr. Steinsapir allows a return to the gym in 10-14 days, however even the day after surgery you will be encouraged for go out for a walk.  Most find that they can resume business by telephone, email, and computer the day after surgery.

Is Dr. Steinsapir available for a personal consultation regarding this surgery?

Dr. Steinsapir believes strongly that there is not substitute for a personal consultation to determine if a particular surgery is right for you.  Dr. Steinsapir performs this consultation himself so he can get to know your medical history and personal concerns.  He will perform a detailed examination.  After assessing the totality of your personal situation, he will discuss with you his opinions, concerns, and recommendations.  This will include a through discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and likelihood of success.  Call today for your personal consultation.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.