If you’re noticing visible signs of facial aging within the middle of your face (such as increased wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, etc.) as well as seeing your brow becoming heavier or your forehead wrinkles more etched-in, it might be time to consider a rejuvenating surgery to help turn back the clock on facial aging.
The extent of your concerns might be better addressed by one or both of these procedures, though, and knowing which one will better solve specific problems can make the decision easier.

What Does a Facelift Do?

A facelift can mean different things to different surgeons. Typically, facial plastic surgeons divide the face into three major areas; the upper, lower, and mid face. Traditional facelift procedures almost always include the lower third, but some surgeons also include the mid-face (addressing specific issues from the cheekbone to jawline and even some benefits for the neck).
Common concerns that can be addressed with a facelift include:
• Moderate to severe sagging skin
• Jowls
• Excess, loose skin
• Deep folds or wrinkles

The surgical process typically involves lifting and tightening the facial tissues, including the connective tissues and muscular layers, to achieve a more youthful appearance. Anesthesia options for a facelift include both general anesthesia and local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s needs. It’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of a facelift, understanding both the benefits and limitations of the procedure.

There are also more specific facelifting procedures that surgeons may or may not choose to offer, including the so-called “mini” facelift or “weekend” facelift, or other more specific marketing phrases to delineate the traditional procedure from their preferred techniques. These procedures might offer less downtime, be combined with non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, or include multiple surgeries as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan for holistic enhancement. While a facelift can address sagging and excess skin, it does not correct facial volume loss, which may require additional treatments such as fat grafting or dermal fillers. Facelift recovery typically involves managing bruising and swelling, following aftercare instructions, and protecting the skin from sun exposure to ensure optimal healing and results.

What Does a Forehead Lift Do?

Also called a brow lift, forehead lift surgery affects the upper third of the face, comprised of the forehead muscles, eyebrows, and even the upper eyelids to some degree.

Common concerns that a forehead lift helps with include:

• Darkening or “heavy” brow (due to aging)

• Drooping eyebrows, which are a common sign of aging, can be corrected with this procedure

• Forehead wrinkles

• Crow’s feet

• Frown lines between the eyebrows

• Upper eyelid hooding, as the procedure can help reduce the appearance of hooding and improve the look of the upper eyelid

As there are many kinds of facelift procedures, there are also individual options for forehead lift patients. This includes various techniques that adequately address your concerns without the need for lengthy incisions or long periods of downtime.

Which is Right For Me?

It’s impossible to say what any one person’s ideal procedure will look like without a consultation with our facial surgeons. The consultation is key because typically, people just want to “look better” with only a basic understanding of the options involved to make every person’s procedure totally customized for their face and goals.

Choosing experienced facial plastic surgery clinics is essential to ensure you receive specialized care and optimal results. Surgeons with expertise in head and neck surgery, such as Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno, are especially qualified to perform these procedures, offering advanced skills in facial rejuvenation. While factors like brow lift cost may come up during your consultation, it’s important to prioritize your surgeon’s credentials and experience over price. While a facelift is a common request, what’s right for you can vary depending on how you’re aging.

The Three Ds of Aging

As you contemplate requesting a facelift or forehead lift, it can help to know how your skin is aging based on what you see in the mirror. The three Ds of aging are:
• Dermal – includes complexion issues like pigmentation, vascular issues, or mild skin laxity.
• Descent – what most people associate with facelifts. These are concerns of sagging and the effects of gravity over time.
• Deflation – volume loss, most often affecting the cheeks and under the eyes.

Generally speaking, if you associate your concerns most with dermal and descent issues, a facelift can help. The forehead might be harder to see descent concerns, but a heavy brow is a good indication that a forehead lift can also help. In both cases, deflation is usually not satisfactorily addressed with these procedures. Our physicians have other options for short-term or long-term volume loss treatments.

As you may have guessed, there are absolutely cases in which the answer to “which one” is “both.” Everyone ages differently, however, so what has helped someone else in the past may not necessarily be perfect for your exact signs of aging.

Non-Surgical Options

For individuals who want to enhance their upper face and forehead area without undergoing a surgical solution, there are several effective non-surgical treatments available. These options are particularly well-suited for those with mild to moderate signs of aging, such as early frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, and minor skin laxity. Botox injections are a popular choice, as they temporarily relax the muscles responsible for creating forehead wrinkles and frown lines, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Dermal fillers can also be used to restore lost facial volume and fill in deep wrinkles, helping to rejuvenate the brow area without surgery.

In addition to injectables, laser skin resurfacing is another non-surgical treatment that can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and promote collagen production for a more radiant complexion. While these non-surgical treatments cannot replicate the dramatic lift achieved with a surgical brow lift, they can be an excellent way to maintain a youthful appearance and delay the need for more invasive procedures. Many patients choose to combine these non-surgical options with other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive, natural-looking results tailored to their unique needs.

Choosing a Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon is a critical step in achieving the best possible outcome from your brow lift or forehead lift procedure. It’s important to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in brow lift surgery, facelift surgery, and other facial plastic surgery procedures. An experienced plastic surgeon will have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and the latest surgical techniques, ensuring your safety and optimal results.

During your consultation, be open about your medical history, aesthetic goals, and any concerns you may have. Ask your surgeon about their experience with endoscopic brow lifts, forehead lift procedures, and facelift surgery, and request to see before and after photos of previous patients. This will help you gauge the surgeon’s skill and aesthetic approach. A reputable facial plastic surgeon will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and delivers natural, harmonious results.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process is an important part of achieving long-lasting, beautiful results. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and the use of cold compresses. To minimize swelling and promote a smoother recovery process, it’s recommended to keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, and to avoid strenuous activities for the first several days.

Most patients are able to return to work and resume normal daily activities within 7-10 days, although individual recovery times may vary depending on the extent of the procedure and your body’s natural healing process. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential for optimal brow lift results and a refreshed appearance. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or vigorous exercise for several weeks. By prioritizing your recovery and adhering to aftercare guidelines, you can enjoy a more youthful, revitalized look that lasts for years to come.

Facial Rejuvenation in Lone Tree and Denver, CO

The face contains many complex structures that are completely unique to every individual. That’s why it’s important to entrust your facial rejuvenation to experts who handle these cases every day. Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are highly equipped and recognized facial surgery experts practicing in Denver and Lone Tree with over 40 years of combined experience. Learn how you can experience the delight of seeing a younger-looking, more alert you in the mirror and photos by contacting us online today.

Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno

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Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are board-certified facial plastic surgeons practicing in Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado. They have over 40 years of combined experience together in facial plastic surgery. Both Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno specialize in procedures like Facelift, Browlift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nose Surgery, and many other types of cosmetic procedures at FacesFirst.