What is a forehead lift? Pros, cons and procedure

Over time, the skin on the forehead gradually loses elasticity, causing static wrinkles to form even when you are not expressing emotions. To address these stubborn signs of aging, a forehead lift is an effective solution. So, how does this method work to restore a smooth forehead and a bright, radiant look? This article will help you gain a deeper understanding of forehead lifts.

What is a forehead lift?

Forehead lift is a technique that directly targets the skin and underlying tissue of the forehead, helping to remove horizontal wrinkles, lift the eyebrows, smooth frown lines, reduce crow’s feet, and correct sagging skin. This results in a youthful, refreshed appearance and brightens the eye area. Forehead lift is an effective and long-lasting solution to erase the signs of aging on the upper face, restoring a vibrant and radiant look.

Depending on the degree of aging, a forehead lift can be performed using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques or bio-thread lifting methods.

The pros and cons of forehead lift

Forehead lift surgery is an effective method to reverse signs of aging in the upper face. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it comes with notable advantages as well as disadvantages that should be considered. Specifically:

Pros

• Effectively and comprehensively addresses forehead aging signs: This method not only smooths horizontal forehead wrinkles and deep frown lines but also removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles, reconstructing the overall contours of the forehead. It delivers noticeable rejuvenation results, especially in cases of advanced aging, when wrinkles are deeply etched and the brow has significantly sagged.
• Brow lifting and eye area improvement: Drooping eyebrows are a primary cause of a tired or sad appearance and can create “pseudo eyelid droop” as sagging forehead and brow skin presses on the eyelids. A gentle forehead lift also raises the brow, increasing the distance between the brow and eyelid. This makes the eyes look larger and brighter, removing heaviness and fatigue without the need for eyelid surgery.
• Long-lasting results: Forehead lift offers superior durability compared to non-invasive methods. Results typically last 5–10 years (for endoscopic techniques) or even longer. It is considered a long-term investment, saving time and cost for maintenance.
• Minimizes scarring: With modern endoscopic forehead lift techniques, the surgeon only needs to make 3–5 small incisions of about 1–2cm, which are completely hidden within the hairline. As a result, scars are barely noticeable after healing, providing aesthetic confidence, even when wearing the hair up or with short hairstyles.

Cons

• Invasiveness and long recovery time: Surgical forehead lift is an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia before surgery, so a certain recovery period is needed. The forehead and eye area may experience swelling and bruising during the first 1–2 weeks. Clients should plan for rest, follow wound care instructions carefully, and allow several months to see the final stable results.
• Potential risks and complications: Like any surgery, forehead lift carries risks such as nerve injury, infection, hematoma, or asymmetry if performed at a low-quality clinic or by an inexperienced surgeon. To minimize these risks, the procedure should be done at a reputable facility with highly skilled and experienced surgeons.
• Changes in hairline position: In some traditional forehead lift techniques, skin is tightened and removed along the hairline. This may push the hairline backward, making the forehead appear higher and slightly affecting aesthetics, especially for those who already have a high forehead. Therefore, individuals with a naturally high forehead should carefully consider this before undergoing a forehead lift.

How much does a forehead lift cost?

The cost of a forehead lift in Vietnam is significantly lower compared to other countries. The price mainly depends on the method used, technology applied, and the reputation of the clinic. According to surveys at reputable facilities in Vietnam, forehead lift costs generally range from 20,000,000 to 60,000,000 VND.

You can also consider the cost based on different techniques:

• Endoscopic forehead lift: 35,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND
• Traditional surgical forehead lift: 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND
• Thread forehead lift: 15,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND

These prices are market references at major hospitals or aesthetic clinics and may vary depending on the timing, promotional programs, and additional services.

Forehead lift procedure

The standard medically safe forehead lift procedure is carried out through strict steps to ensure maximum safety and aesthetic results. For the endoscopic surgical method, the process includes:

Step 1: Consultation & detailed assessment

The plastic surgeon evaluates the forehead’s aging condition, brow drooping, wrinkle depth, and skin quality. They discuss the expected results and determine the new brow position for facial harmony. Necessary pre-operative tests are conducted to ensure the client’s health, and the most suitable forehead lift technique is chosen.

Step 2: Preoperative Marking & Sterilization

The surgeon marks the planned incision lines, forehead lift areas, and fixation points using a specialized pen. The scalp and forehead are then thoroughly disinfected.

Step 3: Anesthesia

To ensure comfort and pain-free surgery, the patient receives either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, as determined by the anesthesiologist.

Step 4: Endoscopic forehead lift surgery

At this stage, the surgeon makes 3–5 small incisions hidden along the hairline. A tiny endoscopic device with a camera is inserted through the incisions, allowing the surgeon to clearly view the muscles, tissues, and nerves on an HD screen. The surgeon carefully separates the skin and tissue from the forehead muscles, relaxes the wrinkle-causing muscles, and lifts the skin and muscles upward and backward. The tissues are secured in the new position using special biocompatible materials or surgical sutures to maintain the lift.

Step 5: Closing incisions & post-operative care

After lifting and securing, the small incisions are closed with cosmetic sutures or surgical clips. The patient is moved to a recovery room for close monitoring as the anesthesia wears off. The forehead is lightly bandaged to reduce swelling and help maintain the new shape.

The surgeon may place a temporary drainage tube. Finally, they will prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, and provide detailed instructions for wound care, hygiene, and home precautions.

How long does a forehead lift last?

The longevity of a forehead lift largely depends on the technique used. However, it is important to note that this is not a permanent solution, as the natural aging process continues. Still, it provides significantly longer-lasting results compared to non-invasive rejuvenation methods. Average duration by method:

• Endoscopic forehead lift: 5–10 years
• Thread forehead lift: 1–3 years
• Traditional surgical forehead lift: 7–12 years

How painful is a forehead lift?

During a forehead lift, you will not feel significant pain. This is because the surgeon uses pain control methods such as general anesthesia for endoscopic forehead lifts and local anesthesia for thread lifts.

However, once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel discomfort, tightness, or mild pain in the forehead, scalp, and around the incision areas. This sensation is due to the tissues and muscles being stretched and repositioned. Pain usually peaks during the first 1–2 days and gradually subsides over the next 3–7 days.

To manage pain, the surgeon typically prescribes painkillers and antibiotics for the first few days. You can also apply gentle cold compresses to the eyes and forehead to help reduce discomfort.

What’s the difference between a forehead lift and a brow lift?

In cosmetic surgery, the terms “forehead lift” and “brow lift” are often used interchangeably, especially in English. However, technically and in terms of primary objectives, they differ significantly in scope and intended results. The differences are as follows:

>>> See more: Brow lift cost in Vietnam

Forehead lift address in Vietnam

A forehead lift is a complex surgical procedure. To ensure both effectiveness and safety, it must be performed by a highly skilled, experienced, and meticulous surgeon. In Vietnam, many clinics offer forehead lift services, but finding one that meets Ministry of Health standards can be challenging. If you are looking for a reputable hospital or aesthetic center for forehead rejuvenation, consider Aesthetic Surgery Center for the following reasons:

• The wrinkle removal and forehead lift techniques at Aesthetic Surgery Center are modern and imported from developed countries such as South Korea.
• The center offers not only surgical procedures but also minimally invasive or non-invasive forehead lift solutions, such as thread forehead lifts and ultrasound technology (Dr. Lamist).
• Aesthetic Surgery Center boasts a team of specialist surgeons with extensive experience in cosmetic surgery and dermatology, proficient in rejuvenation methods including forehead lift surgery, ensuring high-quality results.
• All forehead lift surgeries are performed in a sterile environment with modern equipment, ensuring absolute safety and minimizing the risk of complications.
• The reputable center guarantees visible results, including wrinkle removal and natural brow lifting, without negatively affecting health.
• Many clients have undergone forehead lift surgery and provided positive feedback, reinforcing trust for future patients.

Forehead lift before and after photos

To see the results of the forehead lift procedure clearly, you can refer to the before-and-after photos of clients at Aesthetic Surgery Center:

After reviewing the information shared in this article, you should have a better understanding of forehead lift surgery. This procedure can effectively “erase all signs of aging on the forehead” and restore smooth, firm skin.