This year you may have heard the term “bitchy resting face” or “BRF” circulating around. The unflattering phrase refers to the natural expression of someone who appears to be chronically unhappy. Though not a medical condition, the sullen look is something that plastic surgeons have seen time and time again. You may call to mind someone you know who has the perpetual appearance of being angry or sad. It may even be you. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the development of the sourpuss, which is inherited or a product of age, but there is something you can do to correct it. One possible solution is a forehead lift.
One facial feature that can cause the face to look sullen all the time is the forehead. Deep vertical lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as frown lines or the 11s, form from repeated contraction of facial muscles in the forehead region coupled with sun exposure and lost skin elasticity. The eyebrows themselves may also begin to drop, hooding the eyes and giving a man or woman the appearance that they are always concerned or upset. Though Botox and soft tissue fillers can help to soften wrinkles in the forehead, a more permanent and effective solution is a forehead lift.
Dr. Moynihan performs forehead lifts, or browlifts, in Chicago. A forehead lift is designed to restore the youthful, refreshed, and alert appearance of the face by elevating low brows. Endoscopic techniques, which utilize the use of a camera device through smaller incisions, are less invasive than traditional forehead lift methods, pose fewer risks, and result in less scarring.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical center with sedation or general anesthesia. When an endoscopic brow lift is performed, three 1.5cm incisions are made behind the hairline of the patient. The brows are released through these incisions and raised. The open or traditional browlift technique involves a longer incision that typically extends from one ear and across the scalp to the other ear. Sutures are then used to close the incisions. In total, the procedure takes approximately one hour.
Following a browlift, patients typically require one week to recover. There will be some temporary swelling and bruising of the surgical site. Discomfort is generally mild. Intense exercise should be avoided for about two weeks.
Patients who undergo browlift find their confidence increases as their appearance becomes more youthful and harmonious. No longer do they hear the question, “What’s wrong?” That is, unless something is actually bothering them. Instead friends and acquaintances will remark on how rested and happy they look.
Schedule a Chicago forehead lift consultation with Dr. George T. Moynihan at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery by calling 312-988-9300. A private consultation will help to determine if you are a good candidate for a forehead lift based on your medical history, an examination, and a discussion of your goals. Dr. Moynihan is very thorough and will gladly answer any questions you may have.
