 ENDOSCOPIC
FOREHEAD LIFT
The effects of aging are inevitable and often as
we age the brow and forehead area show the first signs. Skin begins to
lose its elasticity and in combination with the pull of gravity the
forehead and brow may tend to droop. This results in deep frown lines,
wrinkling across the forehead and increased heaviness of the upper
eyebrow and lids. In some patients this gives them a tired, angry or
sad expression that may not accurately reflect how they feel. It is
these effects that are addressed by endoscopic forehead lift.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
In endoscopic forehead lift a series of small incisions are made
measuring approximately 2 - 3 cm in length. These incisions are made
within the hairline and as such should be essentially invisible as
they heal. An endoscope is a optical viewing tube which when attached
to a video monitor allows a surgeon to do precise surgery through
small essentially bloodless incisions. During the surgery the muscles
of the forehead and eyebrows are lifted into the appropriate position.
Excess skin and muscle is carefully trimmed away and the muscles and
skin of the brow are then suspended to provide a esthetically pleasing
appearance while maintaining normal physiologic function. Typically
during the procedure the procerus and corrugator muscles are divided
preventing further depression of the brow and getting rid of the frown
lines between the eyes that most patients find unappealing.
In many instances a endoscopic forehead lift is combined with a
coincidental upper or lower blepharoplasty.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or deep
intravenous sedation and can take between 1 ½ to 4 hours, depending on
extent of surgery and if a brow lift is combined with other procedures
such as a blepharoplasty.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
Following surgery a pressure dressing is applied and it is
important to wear the pressure dressing for the first several days
following surgery in order to prevent excessive swelling or bruising.
Stitches are usually removed approximately five to seven days
following surgery and most patients are able to resume normal
activities within one to two weeks.
Patients who are not good candidates for endoscopic brow lift
include males with significant male pattern balding or females with a
high temporal hairline or significant thinning or alopecia of the
temporal hairline. |
