forehead lift (brow lift)
Preoperative Phase with Dr. Tolga Aksan
Consultation and Evaluation:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Dr. Aksan reviews the patient’s overall health, including any previous facial procedures, current medications, and specific concerns about forehead and brow aesthetics.
- Discussion of Aesthetic Goals: The patient’s goals for a forehead lift, such as reducing forehead wrinkles, lifting sagging brows, and improving the upper face’s overall appearance, are discussed in detail.
- Physical Assessment: Dr. Aksan evaluates the forehead and brow region, considering skin quality, the extent of lines or drooping, and the relationship to other facial features.
Preoperative Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia, infection, and other blood-related issues.
- Coagulation Profile: Including PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) to assess blood clotting.
- Electrolyte Panel: To check the balance of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in your body.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: To assess kidney function.
- Liver Function Tests: To evaluate the health of your liver.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: To check for diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions.
- Lipid Profile: To assess cholesterol levels.
- Urine Analysis: To detect any urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
- Pregnancy Test (if applicable): To rule out pregnancy before the surgery.
- EKG (Electrocardiogram): Especially for patients over 40 years or with cardiac risk factors, to check heart function.
- Chest X-Ray: To evaluate lung health and rule out respiratory issues.
- Hemoglobin A1C: For patients with diabetes, to assess blood sugar control over the last three months.
- HIV and Hepatitis Panel: Depending on the clinic’s policy and patient’s risk factors.
- COVID-19 Test: Depending on current health guidelines and policies.
Planning and Marking:
Dr. Aksan plans the forehead lift, marking the areas to indicate the extent of lifting and incision placement for optimal results.
Surgical Procedure by Dr. Tolga Aksan
Anesthesia:
A forehead lift is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Incision:
- Depending on the technique, incisions may be made along the hairline, within the scalp, or, in some cases, above the eyebrows.
- The incision pattern is chosen to minimize visible scarring and achieve the best lifting results.
Lifting and Reshaping:
- The forehead skin is gently lifted, and underlying tissues and muscles are adjusted to smooth wrinkles and raise the brows.
- Excess skin may be removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Closing the Incisions:
- The incisions are closed with sutures or clips, and the area may be bandaged.
Postoperative Care by Dr. Tolga Aksan's Team
Immediate Recovery:
- Postoperative instructions include managing swelling and discomfort with medications. The patient may be advised to keep the head elevated and avoid certain activities.
Postoperative Instructions:
- Detailed guidance on caring for the incision sites, managing discomfort, and limitations on physical activity to facilitate healing.
- Instructions on when to return for a follow-up and how to monitor for any signs of complications.
Follow-up Visits:
- Regular appointments with Dr. Aksan to monitor the healing process and assess the results of the forehead lift.
Long-Term Care and Results:
- Final results are typically visible once swelling has subsided, which may take several weeks.
- The results of a forehead lift are long-lasting, although the aging process will continue.
Key Considerations
- Patient Selection: Ideal for individuals seeking to correct sagging brows, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines.
- Recovery Time: Recovery may include several weeks of reduced activity, with a gradual return to normal activities.
- Risks and Safety: Dr. Aksan discusses potential risks such as scarring, changes in sensation, and asymmetry.
Dr. Aksan’s approach to forehead lift surgery involves advanced surgical techniques and a personalized patient care plan, ensuring aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results, along with comprehensive postoperative care.
