After the Procedure:

The area is wrapped with a sterile padding and an elastic bandage to prevent bleeding and edema. You will feel numbness and temporary discomfort in the surgical site, which you can control with medication.

You'll keep your head raised for 2 - 3 days after surgery to prevent swelling. Bruising and swelling will occur around the eyes and cheeks, but should begin to disappear in a few days or a week.

As nerves regrow, numbness of the forehead and scalp will be replaced with itching. It may take up to 6 months for these sensations to fully disappear. The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. Within 10 -14 days, the stitches or clips will be removed in 2 stages.

Outlook (Prognosis):

You will be able to walk around in 1 - 2 days, but you won't be able to work for at least 7 days after surgery. You can shampoo and shower 2 days after surgery, or as soon as the bandages are removed.

Within 10 days, you should be able to go back to work or school. You should limit vigorous physical activity (jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure) for several weeks. Avoid contact sports for 6 - 8 weeks. Limit prolonged exposure to heat or sun for several months.

Hair shafts will be a bit thinner around the incision for a few weeks or months, but the hair should start to grow normally again. Wearing your hair down on your forehead will hide most scars.

Most signs of the surgery should fade completely within 2 - 3 months. Makeup can cover minor swelling and bruising. At first, you'll probably feel tired and let down, but that will pass as you begin to look and feel better.

Most patients are pleased with the results of a forehead lift, and appear much younger and more rested than they did before. The procedure minimizes the appearance of aging for years. Even if you don't have the surgery repeated in later years, you will probably look better than if you had never had a forehead lift.