Forehead surgery

Forehead surgeryThe forehead represents an important, exposed part of the face, which, with advancing age, shows signs of ageing such as wrinkles and drooping eyebrows. Plastic surgery of the forehead (so called forehead lift) is usually performed only in patients over 40; however, evaluation of the condition by an experienced plastic surgeon plays an important role.

What is forehead plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery of the forehead is a procedure of stretching the skin of the forehead and lifting drooping eyebrows by removing excess tissue, adjusting muscles, and stretching the skin. Individuals with hereditary conditions such as low or high forehead or wrinkles above the nose may achieve an alert and fresher appearance.

The final effect of the surgery is largely dependent on the overall quality of the skin and on the experience of the plastic surgeon. Durability of the resulting effect is subject to other signs of skin ageing.

How is forehead surgery performed?

Conventional forehead surgery is a challenging procedure performed usually under general anaesthesia combined with local anaesthesia. It aims to smooth away the signs of ageing by creating appropriate tension of the skin and the subcutaneous and muscle structures of the forehead, while maintaining natural appearance.

The principle of the surgery is to move up the eyebrows (lift them) by several millimetres and to disrupt the muscles at the base of the nose. Using the so-called open approach, excess skin and subcutaneous tissue (usually 2-3 cm) are removed in the area of the scalp.

The most common version of forehead lift is a modern endoscopic forehead surgery that uses four short skin incisions in the scalp about 1.5 cm long. During the procedure, the tissues of the forehead are lifted, allowing the surgeon to partially cut the insertions of muscles responsible for the unwanted facial expressions and lift the tissue upwards.

Forehead surgery is often combined with a face-lifting performed on the entire face.

After plastic surgery of the forehead

After the forehead surgery, overnight hospitalization is necessary and bed rest required. Compression bandage must be worn for about 1 week. After 3 days, it is possible to shampoo the hair. During the second week after the surgery, it is recommended to apply the bandage only overnight.

In case of the endoscopic technique, stitches are removed on the 8th – 10th day after surgery. In case of conventional forehead surgery where the wound is long and exposed to certain tension, they are removed later, usually after 14 days.

Swelling and minor bruising cannot be completely avoided however normal work and social activity is usually possible after 10 – 14 days. Maximum strain is usually permitted after 3 weeks.

During the period of about one month after plastic surgery of the forehead and eyebrow, dying hair, permanent waving, facial massage and peeling, as well as sunbathing are not recommended.