Forehead lift

Expectations after surgery:

The operative area is wrapped with a sterile padding and an elastic bandage to inhibit bleeding and edema. There will be numbness and temporary discomfort in the surgical site, which can be controlled with medication.

The head will be elevated for 2 to 3 days after surgery to inhibit swelling. Bruising and swelling is inevitable around the eyes and cheeks, that begins to disappear in a week or days.

As nerves regenerate, numbness of the forehead and scalp will be replaced with itching. It may take up to 6 months for these sensations to fully disappear. The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. Within 10 to 14 days, the stitches or clips will be removed in two stages.

Convalescence:

The patient will be able to walk around in a day or two, but will not be work-active for at least 7 days after surgery. It is permissible to shampoo and shower 2 days after surgery or as soon as the bandages are removed. Within 10 days, most patients are back to work or school. Vigorous physical activity is limited for several weeks (jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure). Contact sports should be avoided 6 to 8 weeks. Limit prolonged exposure to heat or sun for several months.

Hair shafts will be a bit thinner surrounding the incision for a few weeks or months, but normal growth will usually resume. Hair worn down on the forehead will camouflage most scars so they will be relatively inconspicuous.

Most visible signs of surgery should fade completely within 2 to 3 months. Camouflage make-up can cover minor swelling and bruising. Initially tiredness and a let down feeling are usual, but will pass as the patient begins to feel and look better.

Most patients are pleased with the results, and appear much younger and more rested. The appearance of aging is minimized for years. Even if the surgery is never repeated in later years, these patients always look better than if they never had a forehead lift.