Ask Dr. Man- Brow/Forehead Lift

Dear Dr. Man, I’m fifty-two years old and I’m very unhappy with the way the top of my face looks. My eyebrows are droopy and saggy, and I have lines and creases in my forehead. I want to have plastic surgery to fix it, but I’m not sure what needs to be done. Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated. Signed, S. in Boca Raton

Dear S., As we age, it’s very common to develop droopy eyebrows, hooding over eyes, forehead creases and frown lines. A forehead lift (a.k.a. "brow lift") is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. It can help to reduce deep creases, horizontal lines, and furrows in the forehead, while lifting heavy, droopy eyebrows that can create a hooding effect over the eyes and make a person appear angry, sad or tired.

The forehead muscles run vertically down the forehead and attach to the eyebrows and eye sockets. In a forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are repositioned to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. Frown lines between the eyes can also be reduced with the use of Botox injections. The results give the face a more alert, rested and youthful appearance.

A forehead lift is generally performed right in the plastic surgeon’s office under general or I.V. sedation. The procedure, which lasts about one to two hours, uses an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. During recovery, patients may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness. Patients are usually back to work in several days.

Often patients don't realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift. A forehead lift can produce excellent results by smoothing the forehead skin and giving patients a more animated and youthful appearance. Although a forehead lift does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for years. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if this procedure is right for you. Good luck!

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.