As we age and our skin loses elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles form on the forehead. Whilst superficial fine lines may begin to appear as the result of sun damage, dehydration and dynamic muscle movement of the face. Deeper wrinkles develop through more chronic sun damage and collagen changes in the skin.
Unfortunately, wrinkles can channel deep into the dermis and become increasingly pronounced in time. These visible creases in the skin not only affect confidence, but can, and most often, directly affect appearance. In many cases, deeper and more exaggerated wrinkles, most specially on the forehead or between the brows, can permanently change the facial expression to create a furrowed brow, or provide a misleading impression of persona that makes us appear worried, angry, stressed and unapproachable.
Type of Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
Surgery time: 2-3 hours
Length of hospital stay: 1 overnight stay
Aftercare: Bandage, suture removal after 10 days, lymphatic drainage
Back to public: After 2 weeks
Back to work: After 1-2 weeks (depending upon physical strain)
Time of recovery: 4-6 weeks
Fees: starting at 10.000 CHF
Superficial lines are easily smoothed because they are a part of the epidermal layer of skin. Through treatments such as Facial Peels, Microdermabrasion and Laser Skin Rejuvenation, shedding of skin cells and the process of accelerating the body’s own shedding process (exfoliation), can be accelerated to improve the condition and texture of the skin by removing dead skin cells, helping to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve penetration of collagen-building peptides and collagen-saving antioxidants.
Lines in the forehead are caused by the muscles that raise the eyebrow, the frontalis muscle. The bottom layer of skin, the subcutaneous fat layer, provides the body with a special connective tissue that allows the dermis (skin) to attach to your muscles and bones. As the muscles in your body perform their function, for example, as the frontalis muscle raises the eyebrow, over time, the surrounding dermis to the muscle is folded over on itself repeatedly and creases, known more commonly as “Worry Lines”, develop. Worry Lines, as their name suggests, tend to create a permanent frown, making the face appear more tired and aged in appearance.
Whereas non-invasive treatments such as Botulinum toxin and the use of botulinum toxin, in combination with dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid), can be used to significant effect in alleviating muscle spasms, limit muscle movement and minimise the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, results are short-lived and wear off typically through 3 – 6 months, as muscle action gradually returns and subsequent lines and wrinkles begin to reappear. A more permanent and long-lasting removal and reduction of forehead wrinkles, through the tightening of excess and loose skin can be achieved through a forehead lift. A forehead lift is performed on an inpatient basis, under sedation or general anaesthesia if preferred. In the open approach, an incision is made along or behind the hairline to perform the procedure and enable the surgeon to detach the skin from the underlying tissue. A forehead lift may be the preferred elective cosmetic procedure for patients wishing to:
Incidents and complications are extremely rare in forehead lift procedures. They are generally in accordance with any complications that may occur after each lifting procedure of the face and neck. Some patients may also experience temporary hair loss (some months) or thinness of hair around an area of the hairline. However, as with any invasive procedure, several factors can affect recovery including:
All dressings are removed at day 1 after surgery. Sutures are generally removed within the first week after operation. Returning to job usually takes about one week, whereas strong physical activities should be avoided for 4 weeks. A forehead lift may be a very effective and long lasting method to replace repetitive treatments with botulinum toxin.
As with any cosmetic procedure, individual forehead lift surgery costs can vary dependent upon the patient, extent of surgery as well as potential for additional and complimentary treatments. For example, forehead lifting is commonly performed in combination with upper eyelid surgery to create an optimal result. Naturally, all surgical fees related to the procedure and consultations are discussed and agreed with you beforehand.
Price for forehead lift: from 10.000 CHF