Denis J. Winder M.D.
Durango SurgiCenter
316 Sawyer Dr
Durango Co 81303
Phone: (970)259-3818
Fax: (970)259-9553
e-mail:
winder@durangoplasticsurg.com

FOREHEAD LIFT

If you're considering a forehead lift....

A forehead lift, also known as a coronal brow lift, addresses some of the more visible signs of aging... drooping brows, furrows, and frown lines. If you have "hooding" of the upper eyelids, you may need both a forehead lift and upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). The muscles and skin are removed and/or altered; this can raise the upper eyelids, smooth the furrows and soften frown lines.

There are modified forehead or brow lifts... a temporal brow lift and supra-brow lift. In a temporal brow lift, the incision is made in the hairbearing scalp adjacent to to the temple, and in a supra-brow lift, the incision is made directly above the eyebrow, sometimes in an existing wrinkle (as opposed to the full, or coronal forehead lift, where the incision runs across the top of the head in-between the ears). The best candidates for this surgery are those who are healthy and have realistic expectations about what this surgery can accomplish.

To help visualize what you might look like with these techniques, stand in front of a mirror and with your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, gently draw the skin upward. Regardless of the surgical approach used, the result of a forehead lift should not leave you looking "surprised", but more alert, more rested, younger and happier!

You'll meet with Dr. Winder and his patient counselor to go over all the information and details you will need to know to make a fully informed and educated decision about this surgery (including looking at "before & after" pictures of other patients). Approximately one week prior to surgery you will have your pre-op appointment; one of our nurses and Dr. Winder will do a complete physical and history, and, if needed, we will send you for pre-op laboratory tests.

The surgery is performed in our SurgiCenter in Durango under local anesthetic with supplemental IV sedation, with no overnight stay, complete confidentiality, and with considerable cost savings vs. hospitalization. The surgery can take anywhere from two to three hours or so, depending on the surgical approach used.

Your forehead and face will be swollen and bruised, but discomfort is usually minimal and easily controlled with medication. Stitches and/or staples will be removed in one week; bruising usually resolves in one to three weeks, and can be covered with makeup during that same time frame. Most patients can return to work within a week.

Read our most Frequently asked Questions about Forehead Lifts.