Forehead lift

A forehead lift, also known as brow lift, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting wrinkles and sagging skin on the forehead and brow area. This surgery helps restore a youthful and refreshed appearance, reposition the eyebrows to their original position, and restore facial expressions. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours. During the surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the hairline, which become virtually invisible within a few days after the operation. Through these incisions, the surgeon corrects the muscles and tissues of the forehead, removes excess skin, and reduces wrinkles. This results in a lifted brow area and smoother forehead skin.

Typically, during the surgery, in addition to regular sutures, the surgeon may use small metal clips to secure the skin, which are removed when the stitches are taken out. There’s no need to worry about them as they do not cause discomfort.

After the operation, you may experience swelling, mild bruising, and slight puffiness on the forehead from the endotine plates installed, which will dissipate over a few months.

Forehead lift is not only for patients over 40; in some cases, young patients with severely drooping eyebrows, giving the face a stern and tired look, seek this procedure.

Often, the operation is combined with others, such as SMAS facelift, forehead reduction, breast lift, or abdominoplasty.

Watch our videos on forehead lift YouTube.

Brief information about the surgery

• Surgery Duration: 2 hours

• Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 3-4 hours

• Return to Normal Life: 4-5 days

• Clinic Visits: 3-4 times

• Stitches Removal: 14 days

Why patients consider forehead lift and neck lift?

Patients may consider a forehead lift for several reasons:

• Wrinkle Reduction: With age, horizontal wrinkles and vertical furrows between the brows can appear on the forehead. A forehead lift helps smooth out these wrinkles, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

• Correcting Drooping Eyebrows: As individuals age, their eyebrows can start to droop, giving the face a tired and sad appearance. A forehead lift can lift the eyebrows, restoring their natural position and creating a more open-eyed look.

• Improving Vision: Sagging eyebrows can obstruct vision, particularly the upper part of one’s field of view. Raising the eyebrows through a forehead lift can improve vision by addressing this issue.

• Enhancing Well-Being and Self-Esteem: Many patients seek a forehead lift to improve their overall appearance, which can positively impact their emotional well-being and self-confidence.

Who is a candidate for the surgery?

Forehead lift surgery is suitable for candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Age: Typically, adults experiencing signs of aging, such as wrinkles or sagging skin on the forehead, which commonly begins after the age of 40.

• Health: Good overall health without significant medical issues that could affect healing or lead to complications during surgery.

• Skin: Presence of excess skin on the forehead or deep wrinkles, especially between the eyebrows or on the bridge of the nose.

• Realistic Expectations: Understanding that the surgery can improve one’s appearance but will not significantly alter their overall quality of life.

• Non-Smokers: Preference is given to non-smoking patients, as smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

• Motivation: A desire to enhance the appearance of the forehead and reduce signs of aging to boost self-esteem and self-perception.

Why South Korea?

South Korea annually conducts more cosmetic procedures and surgeries than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons here. Korea’s medical equipment and facilities are of high quality, comparable to those in the United States and Germany, ranking it among the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.

All anti-aging procedures are carried out in accredited clinics that have permission to work with foreign patients and have in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons who operate on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in soft tissue surgeries and performing no more than 2 surgeries a day. Please fill out the questionnaire for us to calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for the surgery.

How to prepare for a forehead lift surgery in South Korea

• Refrain from eating and drinking for 10 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that can increase the risk of heavy bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is only prohibited for 3 days before the surgery.

• Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting smoking before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications. It is also unsafe to be near smoking relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.

• Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Go for a consultation with the surgeon and show them photos of your desired results.

• If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will conduct all necessary tests in Korea.

• Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

• Place items near your bed that you may need during your rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

How the surgery is performed

Before the surgery, you will undergo at least 2 consultations with the surgeon and undergo tests to gain access to the procedure. On the morning of the surgery, the surgeon designs your face, answers questions, and hands you over for preparation to a medical coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your condition, and the time of your last food and water intake will be checked.

Afterward, you will be led into the operating room, where you will be assisted in lying on the operating table, your hands and legs will be secured to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work. A catheter will be inserted into your arm to deliver medications and anesthesia into your bloodstream. Once the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon begins the operation: several tiny incisions are made in the hairline, and with the help of an endoscope, the skin and muscles of the forehead are tightened, endotine plates are placed, and sutures are applied.

After completing the surgery, a special bandage is placed on your face, which helps protect the surgical area from damage, keep the tissues together, and reduce swelling. The patient wakes up and is taken to a room for further recovery.

What to expect after the surgery

After the surgery, a translator or nurses will wake you up and help you transition to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed – that’s the effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills; this will quickly pass, and there is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of pain may be present, although it is dulled by painkillers and medications used during the surgery. In addition to discomfort, you will notice your face starting to swell – this is normal, as your body begins the regeneration process.

You may also feel discomfort from the compression bandage – many clients complain that it presses under the chin; you can adjust the bandage slightly or ask to put a cotton pad underneath it, but under no circumstances should you remove it. It will be with you for only three days; patience is required. You will stay in the clinic for a few more hours after the operation, and there is a catheter in your arm to deliver medications. Towards the evening, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. In the absence of symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you will be able to prepare for discharge: change clothes, pick up medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.

After discharge, the pain may intensify slightly. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, which contain pain relievers. You may experience a mild headache, swelling of the eyes or nose; these are normal symptoms, do not be alarmed, and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. By the end of the week, you will look much better; try to walk as much as possible and continue to sleep with your head elevated.

The surgeon will remove the stitches and staples in 14 days. By this time, most of the swelling and bruises will have subsided, and you will look normal and can return to your regular life.

Rehabilitation process and post-operative procedures

Immediately after the procedure: You will have a compression bandage on your face, and there may be moderate pain. You will spend several hours in the clinic under the observation of medical staff. Your face will start to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to tolerate this discomfort for several days.

Days 1-2: Swelling will reach its peak, spreading across your entire face. This is normal, continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.

Days 3-7: Swelling gradually begins to decrease. The surgeon checks the tissue healing, and nurses remove the bandage. You should avoid sports and any activities that require you to lower your head. Continue to sleep with your head elevated.

Days 7-14: Reduction of swelling, disappearance of discomfort, and a gradual return to normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Under no circumstances should you smoke for 25-30 days after the operation; if you introduce an infection, a repeat surgery may be necessary. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If you experience additional swelling due to breaking these rules, immediately contact the coordinator and do not conceal the cause of infection.

Days 14-21: Removal of stitches and staples. You should still avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol. Swelling and bruising subside to the point where the fact of having had surgery is not noticeable to others.

Days 21-30: Your face may periodically swell, depending on which side you slept on. Swelling can shift to the left or right side, and it may vary daily. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Be patient and wait for the results.

Days 31-60: Swelling almost completely disappears, and you forget that you had surgery. You can start exercising, laughing, and using facial expressions.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, resume regular exercises, and lead a normal life. During this period, your face may still swell in the mornings, especially after consuming alcohol. Do not worry; the final swelling will subside a year after the surgery.

1 year after the surgery: Full completion of the rehabilitation.