A forehead lift–often done in conjunction with other popular procedures like facelifts, blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty–is typically done on an outpatient basis without an overnight stay. Despite its popularity and effectiveness, however, it’s important to know what to expect from your recovery process… and how to ensure it goes smoothly. Today, we’re breaking down Taban MD’s comprehensive guide to forehead lift recovery.
What Is a Forehead Lift?
A forehead lift is a surgical procedure that adjusts–or, in some cases, removes–excess skin, tissue, and muscle that causes drooping eyebrows, hooded eyes, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines.
In many cases, this procedure proceed while the patient is awake. In this instance, we use local anesthesia, administered carefully so that only minimal discomfort remains noticeable. During surgery, patients should expect the following:
- Sections of hair will be held away from the surgery area, with hair directly in front of where the incision is made, often needing to be trimmed.
- Surgical incisions will be made at ear level, which will follow the hairline to ensure that the forehead will not look too high post-procedure.
- After removing excess tissue, skin, and muscle, the surgeon will close the cut with stitches and staples before dressings are applied. The hair and face will be washed prior to this to avoid irritation.
Forehead lifts generally take under two hours and are considered a straightforward procedure.
Guide on Forehead Lift Recovery: In 4 Steps or Less
As with all procedures, preparation begins at your initial consultation.
Here we present what you will learn regarding how to recover from a forehead lift:
#1: Prep for the Procedure
Before your surgery, you will have a patient consultation. This will include a history, a physical exam, and a psychological evaluation.
Why? Because, as the person undergoing the procedure, you must fully understand several aspects. These include the preoperative preparations, the procedure itself, and the care required after surgery for long-lasting results.
For the one week before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking blood thinners. These medicines may cause increased bleeding during the surgery:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), or clopidogrel (Plavix), will require a talk with your surgeon before stopping or changing how you take these medicines.
#2: Understand the Potential Side Effects
Although the recovery time for a forehead lift varies from patient to patient (and relies heavily on factors like general health, age, and pain tolerance), there are certain potential side effects that commonly crop up for the majority of patients.
Temporary bruising, swelling, and itching are common. But they typically fade within one week of the surgery. Numbness and tingling are to be expected directly after the procedure. But they also subside within a few days. To avoid further swelling and discomfort, we recommend avoiding rigorous activity, exercise, and heavy lifting for a minimum of six weeks post-surgery.
Immediately seek out your surgeon if you experience a high fever, excessive swelling, or excessive bleeding at any point during the recovery process.
#3: Know What You Can Do At Home
Before you go in for your forehead lift, it’s vital to prepare your home for when you return.
A week before your procedure, we advise you make sure you have the following on hand:
- A cold compress already in the freezer
- Plastic freezer bags to hold and restock your ice
- Gauze or clean towels
- Pillows to keep your head elevated while resting
- Ointment for the incision area, which is generally prescribed by your surgeon
It will be requested by your surgeon that patients stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure, and that alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs be refrained from during this timeframe in order to guarantee minimal swelling, bruising, and bleeding.
#4: Understand Your Physical Limits Post-Surgery
You will be able to walk around in one-to-two days after your forehead lift. But you will not be able to work for at least seven days after surgery. To avoid tearing or irritating your stitches and bandages, it is advised to only shampoo once the bandages have been removed.
Within 10 days, most patients feel strong enough to return to work or school. However, limit exposure to heat or sun for several months. The skin on and around your forehead will be especially delicate and prone to sun damage.
Hair shafts will be a bit thinner around the incisions for a few weeks or months, but the hair should start to grow normally again almost instantaneously. Wearing your hair down on your forehead will hide most forehead lift scars, which are small and thin.
Most signs of the surgery should fade completely within two to three months, leaving only your fantastic results behind.
Book Your Forehead Lift Consultation Today
Forehead lifts are a straightforward procedure for many. And now that you have this guide on forehead lift recovery, you can know more about how to remove forehead wrinkles from Dr. Taban. The authority on Los Angeles oculoplastic surgery.
Contact our team via our online support form or via telephone at (310) 499-2565.