Brow / Forehead Lift

Complication are rare

Knowledge of the path of the frontal branch of the facial nerve and avoidance of excessive dissection in its pathway minimizes the occurrence of complications. The key is to develop and maintain a plane of dissection deep to the nerve. The most likely areas of damage are in the temporal regions where the facial nerve travels in the superficial temporal fat pad. By developing and maintaining a plane of dissection just superficial to the deep temporal fascia, your surgeon will minimize the risk of nerve damage.

Of course there is some risk regarding anesthesia and complications because of it, such as allergic reactions. Other risks may be hematoma, seroma, asymmetry, infection, nerve damage, and tissue necrosis.

A very common after effect is temporary alopecia - loss of hair, along the incision lines and even hair of the head in general or facial hair, such as eyelashes or eyebrows sometimes because of the anesthesia and medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers.

There may also be some degree of temporary sensation loss with each technique because the nerve's branches are transected in the full-thickness procedures, and stretched or bruised during the endoscopic ones.

Postoperatively, your surgeon will instruct you to be very careful with hot hair dryers and curling irons, since they could severely burn your scalp without you feeling it.

The aesthetic complications are perhaps the most difficult to avoid and manage, but they need not be.

There is also a risk of failure where the sagging brow returns to its prior position, or lapses. The risk of brow asymmetry is a reality, but very low. Usually, a minor touch up can be performed with local or regional anesthesia, in-office.