Brow / Forehead Lift

Choosing a Procedure

Most patients who commonly request a forehead lift range between 40 and 60 years of age, and feel they look tired or angry even when they are not. Forehead lifts are also sometimes performed on younger adults with stress related conditions.

Conditions for a good candidate

• Eyebrows are positioned low which makes you appear like you are tired or sad or angry
• Wrinkles across forehead; horizontally
• Wrinkles between eyebrows

Consultation Expectations

Consultation is considered the first step for the patient. Dr. Kaila will discuss your expectations for your results as well as assess your physical and emotional health. During your assessment, Dr. Kaila will consider your bone structure as well as the underlying tissues of your face. Your skin will be assessed for its elasticity, thickness, and texture. The muscles of your forehead and upper eyelid will also be evaluated during this assessment. Other important observations that your surgeon will make during assessment are where your eyebrows are positioned, upper eyelid positioning, the amount of excess tissue, and your hairline.

Dr. Kaila may also suggest some other cosmetic options which may assist in meeting your goals for your final results. For example, facelift will help for the mid and lower face and neck region by tightening muscles and removing excess skin. Eyelid surgery may be required to help remove excess skin around the eyes.

Forehead Lift

Dr. Kaila will use a specific method for your surgery which is mainly determined by your features.

Coronal Incision Technique - This is the most common technique. There is an incision made, beginning above the ears and placed across the top of the scalp, which is concealed in your hair.

Hairline Incision - It is possible for the incision to be placed in front of the hairline in certain candidates for whom recession of the hairline is a major concern.

Limited Incisions - It is possible to perform a limited browlift with only laterally placed incisions in the hair, circumventing the need for a full incision.

Endoscopic Technique - It is possible for the surgery to be performed with small 3 to 4 mm endoscopic incisions and a camera, preventing any incisions.

Dr. Kaila will then remove or amend certain parts of the muscles. The muscles which he concentrates on are the ones that are causing any wrinkles and frown lines. Dr. Kaila will also remove a certain amount of excess skin which then allows him to lift your eyebrows.

Safety of Procedure

There are thousands of people each year who undergo this surgery and no major complications are experienced. All risks and benefits which coincide with this procedure must be understood. Dr. Kaila will discuss this with you. You also need to express any and all questions or concerns which you have regarding the safety of this procedure. The advice given by Dr. Kaila must be followed before and after your surgery. Following Dr. Kaila’s instructions will decrease some of the risks.

Preparing for Surgery

Once you select a surgery date for your procedure, you will be given an information package by your surgeon. This package will remind you of items discussed in the consult process. Provide you with preparation instructions for the operation, and instructions regarding the post operative healing process.

Day of Surgery

Surgery is performed at our private clinic, which is fully accredited. Usually this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia is performed by a fully licensed anesthesiologist certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation is used in some cases. No matter what choice of anesthetic is selected, during the procedure, you will remain comfortable and your physical status is always monitored during the operation as well as recovery. You will most likely be discharged home that same day with a specific discharge package with instructions for care and an emergency contact number.

After Surgery

Immediately after surgery you are brought to the recovery area. You will notice that you may have a head dressing around your forehead which will be there to minimize swelling. You will experience minimal discomfort and your surgeon will prescribe medication for any pain you have.

Healing

The healing rate varies, depending on the patient. This is a general time line of your expected recovery:

1st Day

• You should keep your head elevated and rest
• Leave your head wrapped in the bandages from surgery
  

1st Week

• During this time you will experience the peak of swelling and bruising but then it will start to fade
• Bandages are removed and you may shower
• Light activity may be resumed
• Stitches will be removed (if they are not dissolvable)

2nd Week

• Bruising will mostly disappear
• Makeup can be worn to conceal discolouration
• Normal activities and light exercise may be resumed

3rd Week

• More activity and exercise may be resumed
• Swelling will decrease continually
• As nerves heal, numbness and itching will decrease
• It is advised that during your healing period, you avoid direct sunlight. Using sun block lotion even after you have healed is advised to protect your skin.

Follow-Up Appointments

Post operative appointments are essential to evaluate the progress of your healing process. Dr. Kaila will want to continue assessment with periodic checkups. This is important because Dr. Kaila can monitor your results and answer any of your questions and concerns post operatively.

Results

Most people are very pleased and impressed with their results. Your appearance will be revitalized and rejuvenated. It may take several months; however, you will find it worth the wait. The length of your results lasting will depend on many variables; for example, your heredity and your lifestyle.