Should I have a forehead lift or upper eyelid surgery?
Overview
Facial cosmetic surgery can do wonders in enhancing your appearance and confidence, giving you a brighter and more youthful appearance. Since a forehead lift and upper eyelid surgery can both lead to an alert and refreshed look around the eyes, you may wonder if either a forehead lift or an eyelid surgery is best for you. There are general indications for each procedure, and other times there may be indication you’ll benefit from both; but in short, the answer can only be determined through a private consultation and examination with your specialized cosmetic surgeon.
Indications
A forehead lift is also known as a browlift or eyebrow lift, and it helps many to achieve more youthful features by smoothing creases, reducing frown lines, and elevating the brow line to its appropriate position. The small incision forehead lift, as practiced by Dr. Steinsapir, has revolutionized the way we approach forehead lifts and the results achieved. A couple decades ago the “open forehead lift” was standard but offered less natural results, often a harsher look, and a lengthy recovery period; whereas today the endoscopic or “small incision” or “closed” forehead lift is regarded as one of the most important cosmetic surgeries.
In some cases, a forehead lift may be performed in combination with upper eyelid surgery, which is also called a “lidlift.” Combination surgery is not just for a more comprehensive improvement. Combination surgery is often performed to optimize the overall cosmetic appearance. This avoids having to push a single approach to the point where the results are less than ideal or natural.
Once upper eyelid surgery is commonly indicated when there is excess fat deposits and loose skin crowding around the eyes, weighing them down and creating a tired or drooping appearance. Now upper eyelid surgery is also used to correct small amounts of eyelid ptosis, strengthen the support for the eyelashes to address lash ptosis. The goal is preservation of upper eyelid volume with the retention of the upper eyelid fold. Skeletonization of the upper eyelid is still too common an outcome of upper eyelid surgery and Dr. Steinsapir advocates for the preservation of upper eyelid structure to avoid a surgical look.
An Individualized Approach
Both a heavy brow and forehead concerns, as well as this extra tissue around the eyes can detract from your appearance, it’s a very good question to ask whether you might benefit from a forehead lift or lidlift. The right approach for you will depend on the root cause of your concern, which an experienced oculofacial surgeon can help you determine. The importance of this individual consultation and physical examination is paramount, as a successful surgery with natural results comes from having a plan that is specifically designed for you.
Please call us today to schedule a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, who is an international leader in minimally invasive cosmetic facial procedures–including the forehead lift, facelift, and eyelid surgery–with particular attention to how the entire face interacts with the eyes, our most expressive feature. By consulting with the best, you’ll receive answers and finally achieve the look you desire.
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 or surgeon 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.
What should I expect with my forehead 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.
Can I have my eyes and forehead lift at the same time?
As an experienced oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Steinsapir often combines eyelid surgery with a forehead lift for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. However, every individual’s needs differ and a consultation and examination by a cosmetic surgeon is necessary to determine the extent of the procedure required. Before you decide on a surgeon to perform any procedure, attend a consultation to learn how the surgeon will address your individual goals and his or her strategy for achieving optimal results.
The benefits of a forehead lift
In some instances, a forehead lift alone can freshen your face and provide you with the youthful appearance you are seeking. The forehead lift elevates the eyebrows, reduces frown lines, and smoothes your forehead. Eyelid surgery deals with the height of the crease, the crease structure, and eyelid and lash ptosis. Although this 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.
A forehead lift can freshen your appearance
Dr. Steinsapir only performs endoscopic forehead lift, or closed forehead lift, as opposed to the more traditional open forehead lift. The endoscopic forehead lift offers faster healing time and fewer negative effects like scalp numbness, hair loss, or a long scar.
The benefits of a lid lift
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or a lid lift, allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fatty tissue that create the appearance of droopy, deflated eyelids. As the fat deposits, loose skin, and drooping of the eyelids typically occur because of aging, this procedure can reverse the effects of time to restore a youthful, refreshed, and rested appearance. Upper eyelid surgery, because it is a versatile procedure, can also accomplish other goals, such as creating an upper eyelid crease.
How will the surgeon know which procedure I need?
The primary issue in determining whether you need a lid lift, forehead lift, or both is the type of eyebrow support and shape you need. Some individuals need just a forehead lift. Your surgeon will assess the need to address upper eyelid issues. In some instances people will have both eyebrow ptosis and excess upper eyelid skin and fullness and benefit from both sets of issues being addressed at the same time.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon. He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers, and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery. He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiply revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions. He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago. He is board certified in Ophthalmology and multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage. He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally. He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills communities. Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for this expert care. Please contact us today to learn more about evidence-based treatment options with Dr. Steinsapir for proven results.
What Is the Best Forehead Lift?
The forehead lift is a great option for many people who have sagging eyebrows, forehead creases, or frown lines. Since the results last for about five to ten years or more, a well-crafted forehead lift is an excellent long-term solution for improving your appearance. In nearly every situation, the best forehead lift is an endoscopic forehead lift that is customized to your individual features.
- Endoscopic Forehead Lift Before and After
From 1990 and forward, the small incision forehead lift (also called the endoscopic forehead lift and closed forehead lift) replaced the open forehead lift (also called the coronal forehead lift) as the clear choice for safe forehead lifts with the best natural results. The endoscopic forehead lift is a minimally invasive solution that is at least as effective, and possibly more effective than its predecessor, the open forehead lift, which is now considered an outdated method that is rarely indicated. With faster healing time and minimally scarring that is nearly undetectable, an endoscopic forehead lift can safely improve your appearance
What Are the Advantages of the Endoscopic Forehead Lift?
The endoscopic forehead lift offers many advantages to the open alternative. While the open forehead lift could be called undoubtedly oversurgical, the 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, and those you meet will pick up on this. The untrained eye will just think that something looks slightly “funny” or “off” about your hair line, and this is even true of beveled incisions that allow some hair to grow through the scar. In hair grafting circles, this is referred to as “compression.” Natural hairlines do not have compression.
Both the open and closed forehead lifts are long-lasting, with the open forehead lift showing no clear advantage in any area. 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.
With the endoscopic forehead lift being very safe and providing more natural results, you may wonder why the open forehead lift is still available at all. The simple truth is that the endoscopic forehead lift is more difficult for a surgeon to learn. Before mastering this technique, the surgery takes longer to perform, and with this increased learning curve a few surgeons have not bothered to update their practice. Fortunately, when you seek an endoscopic forehead lift from an experienced provider, your doctor has the high skill level required of this technique and understands how important it is to learn minimally invasive methods for best results.
Who Can Perform my Closed Forehead Lift?
Ask your potential facial cosmetic surgeon if he or she provides the closed/endoscopic forehead lift or the open/coronal forehead lift. Also ask whether your doctor custom-tailors each surgery, or if he or she feels they are all basically the same. The best cosmetic surgeon understands that no two treatments are the identical when you are aiming for natural results suited to the individual’s features, circumstances, and goals. Ask to see some before and after forehead lift photos. Finally, assess how comfortable you are with the doctor, if what he or she says makes sense to you, and if you are confident in his or her ability. Sometimes there may be personality obstacles between you and a doctor, which does not speak ill of the doctor, but simply means that you should find a better match so that you are completely comfortable with your treatment plan.
Consider how a consultation with Dr. Steinsapir can help you learn more about the best forehead lift in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Dr. Steinsapir can discuss your goals in a no-risk environment and help you determine the most suitable treatment path. He has been leading the trend toward small-incision, minimally invasive, endoscopic forehead lifts since 1990, contributing to his status as a world-renowned expert in facial cosmetic surgery. As one of 500 elected Fellows to the American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Steinsapir considers how all of your facial features work together to give you a balanced look. Furthermore, he is an associate clinical professor at UCLA where he contributes to forward-thinking, science-based medicine. Please contact us today to find out how an endoscopic forehead lift can help you improve your looks and confidence.
I had cheek implants in the past, what are my option for improving my appearance now?
I had a chin implant in the past, what are my options for improving my appearance now?
I had a facelift in the past, what can I do to refresh my look now?
I had an open forehead lift in the past, am I a candidate for having my forehead revised endoscopically?
Ptosis and the Asian Eyelid.
Anchor blepharoplasty and the Asian Eyelid.
Which chemical peels are best for Asian Eyelids?
I think I need my Asian Eyelid Surgery fixed.
What should I know about Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Can I have my eyelid surgery under general anesthesia?
Does anyone perform Asian Eyelid Surgery under local anesthesia?
Does it make sense to have Asian Eyelid surgery in China when I visit?
Should my Asian Eyelid Surgeon be Asian?
What are the best lower eyelid options for Asians?
