The Forehead Lift Procedure
The board certified plastic surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery specialize in cosmetic procedures, and they can help you determine if a browlift may be appropriate for you. The physicians at Edina Plastic Surgery have extensive training and experience with these surgeries, including the newer, less invasive endoscopic techniques as well as minimally invasive procedures such as Botox® and injectables.

The original forehead lift technique is called the "open browlift". It involves making an incision across the top of the scalp, behind the hairline, from the top of one ear across to the other. If the hairline has receded, the incision can be placed along the actual hairline, which can, in effect, lower the hairline. The endoscopic brow lift has become the most commonly used technique. Rather than making a long scalp incision, the surgeon makes 3 to 5 much smaller incisions behind the hairline. A camera device – the endoscope – is used to visualize the operative site. The forehead and brow regions are then freed-up as would be done with the open technique. The brow can then be lifted to an optimal position. It is secured in position typically with small, dissolvable devices called endotines®, which are anchored to the bone and hold the forehead in place during the healing period. They gradually dissolve over 8-9 months, but the brow position is maintained, usually for many years.

These surgeries are typically performed under a light, general anesthesia, or occasionally under local anesthesia with IV sedation. They are done in the Edina Surgery Center, which is Edina Plastic Surgery's private outpatient surgery center. It is a fully accredited and certified surgery center, where your safety, comfort and privacy are the top priorities.

Risks
Complications are uncommon with these procedures; however, as with all surgeries, there are some risks.  Scars are inevitable although they are usually well-hidden and become imperceptible.  Loss of hair growth along the scar can occur.  This is less of a concern with the smaller incisions used in the endoscopic technique.  Loss of some sensation along or just behind the incision is more common, especially with the open procedure.  It is usually temporary, but may be permanent in some patients.  Weakness of the muscles that lift the brow is a rare complication, and this will also resolve gradually in most patients.

After Your Surgery
Most patients experience a headache for 12 to 24 hours after the procedure. After this, the discomfort usually resolves quickly. Some bruising and swelling, usually around the eyes, is typical. It usually has resolved within 1 to 2 weeks. Occasionally, more prolonged swelling and bruising can occur. Patients usually come in the day after the surgery to have their hair washed in the on-site Salon, and normal showering can be resumed by the next day. Small skin clips which close the incision are usually removed about one week after the procedure. Most patients can be back to work within 7 to 10 days.