FOCUS ON foreheads

SURGICAL & NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

Did you know that forehead rejuvenation can address more than horizontal lines and wrinkles? Depending on the procedure you choose, you can elevate a droopy brow, smooth out the 11s — those pesky vertical lines between your eyebrows, minimize crow’s feet, and even reduce the appearance of hooded eyes. Read on to discover various ways to improve your forehead and brow area and enjoy a more youthful, invigorated appearance.

FOREHEAD LIFT

This surgical option, which may also be called a brow lift, is performed by a plastic surgeon. It refreshes your forehead, brows, and the area around your eyes by raising the forehead tissue and skin. Although there’s more downtime involved than with noninvasive or less invasive options, the results can last up to 10 years or more, and they are often dramatic.

The technique your plastic surgeon will use depends on how you’re aging and your goals. Below are a couple of popular options to consider. Ask your plastic surgeon to review all the options they perform and to compare and contrast expected results and recovery time. This will enable you to make an informed decision and feel comfortable that it’s your best option.

HAIRLINE LIFT

An incision is made across your forehead at your hairline, and then a small amount of tissue and skin is removed to lift the entire area, which can include the brows if that’s your goal. A gifted plastic surgeon with experience in forehead and brow lifts will use techniques to hide the incision at the hairline and minimize scarring. However, if your hairline is receding, you should explore different options.

ENDOSCOPIC LIFT

This minimally invasive procedure is performed through a few small incisions in the forehead at or just behind the hairline. A long, thin tube with a tiny light and camera is inserted through an incision to view the underlying muscles and tissues. Another instrument is inserted through a separate small incision to lift the tissues and anchor them in place. Ask your plastic surgeon how this option differs from a hairline lift, including the recovery period, expected results, and how long it will last. If you have a high forehead, ask how the plastic surgeon can avoid raising your hairline.

NEUROTOXIN INJECTIONS

If you only want to address lines and wrinkles, look into Botox Cosmetic, Dysort, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify injections. These brands of wrinkle-relaxers treat frown lines, the 11s, and crow’s feet with small amounts of botulinum toxin. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and downtime is minimal. You should see wrinkle improvement in a few days, but keep in mind that it typically takes around two weeks for these treatments to take full effect.

PDO THREADS

A PDO thread lift elevates and tightens your skin with tiny polydioxanone (PDO) threads, which are inserted and anchored into different layers of the skin via thin, hollow needles. PDO threads instantly lift and tighten skin and elevate your forehead and brows in strategic areas. They help increase collagen production, which further reduces fine lines and smooths wrinkles. PDO threads dissolve on their own, usually within six to nine months, but the results may last up to 18 months.

Liquid Lift and Noninvasive Options

Dermal filler and neurotoxin injections tackle aging symptoms in different ways, making them a great combination if you’re a good candidate. They smooth wrinkles and lines, and the fillers also gently lift the forehead and brows by plumping the skin and restoring hollow or sunken areas such as the temples. Liquid lift results last for months, but they aren’t permanent. Subsequent treatments will be necessary to maintain your results.

Noninvasive aesthetic treatments use RF, ultrasound, and laser energy to stimulate new collagen production and tighten the skin to rejuvenate the forehead and brow area. Talk with your aesthetician to understand how effective they will be in addressing your goals and how long you should expect the results to last.