A browlift or forehead lift is performed to correct deep furrows and sagging eyebrows, a look that makes you appear tired, old, sad or angry.  Whether to reclaim a more youthful appearance or to look as good as you feel, forehead surgery or a browlift permits you to have safe and dramatic results. 

Risks Involved
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. With a browlift procedure complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, each patient varies greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.  Some of the complications that may occur include bleeding, infection, and reactions to the anesthesia.

Pre-operative Preparation
Specific instructions will be given to you by Dr. DiTredici on how you should prepare for your surgery.  The most important guideline is that you should stop smoking at least a week or two before and after surgery, this restriction is highly recommended because smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can greatly affect the healing of your incision areas. For your safety on the day of your surgery you should make arrangements for someone to escort you home. 

Surgical Procedure
The present day technique for a browlift is performed endoscopically, although a coronal incision, which is carried across the hairline, is still performed for certain patients.  Three to four small incisions are made in the scalp.  The scalp is then elevated from back to front and side to side with an elevator instrument.  This is either performed in a sub-galeal plane or a sub-periosteal plane.  An endoscope (television scope) is then inserted into one of the incisions, along with a dissector.  Next, dissection and removal of some of the forehead muscles is carried out under direct vision.  This helps prevent damage to the neuro-vasculature.  At this point a small drain may or may not be placed.  Fixation of the scalp is performed in a couple of ways, with screw fixation: absorbable or non-absorbable, which need to be removed, or with suturing.  The scalp is pulled and the incisions are closed with suture.  A compression wrap is applied and the surgery is complete.  The approximate length of time for the procedure is one to two hours.

Post- Operative
After the procedure you may experience some minor discomfort, in which, Dr. DiTredici will prescribe some medication to help alleviate.  After the surgery Dr. DiTredici may advise you to keep your head elevated, and sleep at a 45 degree angle for a couple of days to keep the swelling to a minimal. You will have some bruising and may experience tightness, numbness, or a tingle sensation.  If you experience any of these sensations do not be alarmed for these are normal reactions, and they will disappear during your healing process.  Dr. DiTredici will see you in 48-72 hours in which he will remove the dressings, as well as the drain.  Your stitches will be removed 7-10 days after surgery, and you will be able to return to work in about a week.