The forehead lift: techniques to avoid complications and produce optimal results

Abstract

This discussion of forehead lifting, based on modifications of Vinas, Caviglia, and Cortinas, shares the authors' methods of patient evaluation, diagnostic details, architectural planning, and surgical concepts for forehead rhytidectomy along with correction of malpositioned and ptosis of the eyebrows and also glabellar frown problems. In addition, the nasal deformities associated with the sagging of the skin and subcutaneous tissue onto the upper fourth of the nose may make the nose look too short for a pleasing balance of the face and the upper fourth may appear disagreeably wide. A contribution to this excessive width is made by a sometimes thick and wide procerus muscle along with bilateral thick depressor supercilii muscles. When this nasal deformity is corrected, glabellar frown problems are also corrected. Attention to the details of the above-mentioned factors results in very long-lasting, sometimes permanent, and almost complication-free results that please the surgeon and the patient. Complications such as adherence of the dermis to the underlying pericranium, lack of motion in a portion of or the entire forehead, hyperactivity around areas of immobility, muscle irregularities, and also surgically produced depressions which require grafting, skin sloughing, permanent nerve injury, persistent sensory nerve loss, and short-term improvement have been avoided by paying attention to diagnosis, surgical planning, and technique, and postoperative care. Most patients can return to work in four or five days with minimal discoloration and swelling if they have not had aspirin or vitamin E one month before surgery, and there is hemostasis and the use of drains when indicated. Minimizing detection of the surgical incisions is accomplished by detailed preoperative planning of their location, architectural design development and drawing at the time of surgery, special surgical techniques, and excision of the skin or scalp. For patients with male pattern baldness use of specially designed V-Y advancement flaps with the browlift procedure improve the appearance of the hair's thickness and distribution.