Forehead lift: how it is done, its importance, and contraindications

Forehead lift: how it is done, its importance, and contraindications

Forehead lift, or advanced forehead lift, as the name implies, is a type of plastic surgery that is performed in the frontal area of ​​the face, in order to reduce the size of the forehead and match the upper third of the face with the other parts (eyes and face). nose/mouth and chin).

The disproportionate size of the forehead can cause a person inconvenience, which can primarily affect the individual’s self-esteem. Surgery, however, is not indicated solely for these cases. According to plastic surgeons Patricia Marques and Beatriz Lasance, the procedure may also be used in the following cases:

• • When the eyebrows are too low

• • When the hairline is too high

• • To reshape the brow bone structure (when the brow bone is too far from the front)

• • As a method of rejuvenation, as aging can cause the eyebrows to droop, thus making the frontal area larger.

How is forehead surgery performed?

When the forehead is naturally wider, a forehead lift consists of making an incision near the hairline and removing excess forehead skin . If the goal of the procedure is to rejuvenate the patient, one possibility is simply to raise the eyebrows, reducing the distance between them and the hairline. Now, when the hair line is very high, the most specific procedure is hair transplantation .

Regardless of the case, all of the above actions promote shortening of the frontal area and hanging of the eyebrows. “Surgery can even include reshaping the bony portion of the forehead in cases of facial feminization surgery, where the forehead is more rounded,” complements plastic surgeon Beatrice Lassens.

The “amount” of forehead removal that can be removed varies depending on the elasticity of the patient’s skin. However, the average is a decrease of 2 centimeters, and up to three centimeters if this elasticity is large.

Care before and after surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are some precautions that must be followed before having a forehead surgery. First, the patient must perform a set of tests and an evaluation of the heart to check whether or not he can undergo surgery.

It is also necessary to maintain a healthy diet, avoiding foods and habits that can increase inflammation in the body. Patricia Marques, a specialist member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, recommends suspending the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes for at least seven days and one month before surgery, respectively.

In the postoperative scenario, recovery is usually smooth, with mild pain and slight facial swelling. In general, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to relieve discomfort for the first few days, and the patient is asked to rest for at least two weeks.

You may also feel a little numb in the scar area. “But this is common in surgeries of this type, and within 3 to 6 months it will be back to normal,” emphasizes Beatrice Lassens. The surgeon also stresses the importance of taking care of the scar and hair with the appropriate medications prescribed by the doctor.

Forehead surgery risks

The most common risks of plastic surgery, such as forehead surgery, are infections after surgery, as well as bleeding, inflammation, temporary hair loss, and healing problems.

“There are nerves in the area that move the anterior muscle and their injury can lead to paralysis of the entire area or part of it, and asymmetry can occur,” warns Lasance. Other potential but rare risks include permanent hair loss and necrosis in the area of ​​separation.

contraindications

When a forehead lift is performed to promote regeneration, it is not suitable for people with very thin skin with little flexibility , the extra cloth strip may not be able to be removed. This assessment must, of necessity, be carried out by a specialist.

In addition, in general, this procedure is also contraindicated for pregnant women, immunocompromised patients (those with a weakened immune system), those with severe heart disease, decompensated diabetes or clotting problems.

The value of forehead surgery

The average price can vary from 15 to 20 thousand riyals . “Even if it is of high value, it is important that you find a surgeon who is a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery and who has experience in this type of surgery, so that the operation is done responsibly and has good results,” Patricia Marques said.

Forehead surgery in SUS

The SUS also covers some types of plastic surgery, but the process of being able to perform these procedures in the public network is not so simple. In general, in these cases, the purpose of the surgery should not only be aesthetic but should be related to improving the patient’s quality of life and well-being.

Forehead lift alone is not offered at SUS . However, depending on careful medical evaluation, some patients may obtain clearance to correct facial deficiencies or deformities (including those caused by burns). In this way, surgery can be performed.