Ask Dr. Man - Facelift

Dear Dr. Man, I live in Miami, Florida and I’m 55 years old. I consider myself in shape, but my face is showing some signs of aging. My eyebrows are droopy and saggy, and I have lines and creases in my forehead. What kind of surgery would help?

As we age, it is very common to develop droopy eyebrows, hooding over eyes, forehead creases and frown lines. A forehead lift (a.k.a. "brow lift") 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. A forehead lift or "browlift" is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.

In a forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. Your surgeon may use the conventional surgical method, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline; or it may be performed with the use of an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. Both techniques yield similar results- smoother forehead skin and a more animated appearance.

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, through an endoscope using small incisions. This procedure lasts approximately one to two hours. During recovery, patients may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness. Patients are usually back to work in several days. Visit a board-certified plastic surgeon to find out exactly what treatment would be best for you.

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. Dr. Man has a private practice in Boca Raton, FL.