forehead lift

What is an endoscopic forehead lift?

When your eyebrows are positioned quite low on your forehead, it can put extra pressure on your upper eyelids – which can lead to headaches. The surgeon can tighten the skin on your forehead and correct the sagging eyebrows with an endoscopic forehead lift.

By using a scope (examination camera) and inserting it into small incisions made in your hairline, the skin above your eyes is separated from the underlying tissue. The skin is then pulled tight, moving the eyebrows up, reducing any slack.

What are the advantages of an endoscopic forehead lift?

  • You will no longer appear tired
  • No heaving feeling on your eyebrows and eyelids

When am I a suitable candidate for an endoscopic forehead lift?

You are a good candidate when the skin on your forehead has started to slacken and sag, due to ageing or because it is hereditary. Also, if you find that you are continually having to ‘pull up’ your eyebrows. For optimal results, you could combine your endoscopic forehead lift with an upper- or under-eyelid correction.

How is an endoscopic forehead lift done?

A forehead lift is an outpatient treatment for which you will be asleep throughout the whole procedure. There are two methods used when giving this treatment:

  • The ‘open’ method: an incision is made from ear to ear, across the forehead in the hairline. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue, excess fat is removed, and the muscles are tightened. The skin itself is also pulled tighter. The sutures are stitched in several layers to distribute the pull on the skin.
  • The ‘endoscopic forehead lift’: several small incisions are made in the hairline. A small, pen-shaped camera (attached to a monitor) is inserted through some of the incisions, and the other instruments used are inserted through the remaining incisions. You will always be given a general anaesthetic for this surgery. You will already be able to see the results after a few weeks.

The operation will take about one to two hours.

forehead

CONSULTATION

During your first consultation, we will discuss what this procedure entails. We will also discuss what bothers you the most about your forehead. You will be informed about the various operating techniques that can be used, what you can expect in terms of end results, the possible risks involved and the necessary aftercare. You will always receive honest advice and be informed clearly about the treatment and what needs to be done in the period afterwards.

During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will check to see if you are a suitable candidate for an endoscopic forehead lift. The surgeon will ask you questions regarding your health, medical history and any possible medication you may be using. Should you use blood thinners, then you should stop using them at least one week before the treatment.

We advise you to stop smoking at least four to six weeks before your surgery. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and can disrupt the healing process. You may not drink any alcohol at least 24 hours before your surgery. Alcohol increases the risk of bruising and haemorrhaging.

What can I expect after having had an endoscopic forehead lift done?

After such an operation, you can expect some swelling of the upper-eyelids and some bruising. Under normal circumstances, the swelling should not be so severe that it prevents you from being able to see. To help reduce the swelling and bruising your head and forehead will be wrapped in a firm bandage before you wake up from your surgery. You may remove the bandages 48 hours later, after which you may wash your hair should you need to.
Any swelling around the eyes will usually have disappeared to a great extent after two weeks. In the beginning, your eyebrows may seem to be a little high on your forehead. After this type of operation, this is perfectly normal; after a couple of weeks they will have dropped down to a normal position.

Most people do not experience the forehead lift as being very painful. However, should you be in any pain, then you can take paracetamol. Should this not be sufficient or the pain increases, please contact us.

You will have an appointment at the polyclinic, seven to 10 days after your surgery. The plastic surgeon will then remove the sutures. A week later, he will remove the insoluble screws. This is not painful.

Try not to cough a lot, push, lift or bend in the first four to six weeks, as this can put a lot of strain on the edges of the wound and disrupt the healing process. You should also avoid doing any sports in the first six weeks to prevent any contact with or pressure on the wound(s).

ENDOSCOPIC FOREHEAD LIFT BEFORE AND AFTER

hairline reduction

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