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Forehead Lift Vs. Endoscopic Forehead Lift?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 3,875 times
Tags: comparison, endoscopic, technique

What's the difference between an forehead lift and an endoscopic forehead lift? Which one is better?

35 answers to Forehead Lift Vs. Endoscopic Forehead Lift?

+4

Endoscopic forehead lifts are superior to open methods

Endoscopic forehead lifts are a very common procedure in my practice.  It has been my experience over the past 12 years that they are superior to open procedures for several reasons.  With the exception of people who have very heavy brows, the results are at least equal and often better than with open methods.  Advantages of the endoscopic method include: 1. 3-5 small incisions behind the hairline versus long scalp or hairline incisions 2. Shorter surgery time 3.... more
Jeffrey E. Kyllo, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

Consider Limited Incisison Lateral Browlift

If there is a facial rejuvenation surgery that is over-recommended and often overdone these days, it is without question the browlift. Look no further than the celebrity photo magazines for pictures of stars who look like they have just sat down on a plate of tacks. The goal of aesthetic plastic surgery should be to make a person look better and more youthful, not merely different, and certainly not as though one is perpetually surprised. My goal is to provide my patients with results which... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon
+3

Endoscopic Lifts have slightly quicker recovery but open techniques last longer

There are a number of alternative surgical techniques for lifting sagging brows. The endoscopic technique utilizes several smaller incisions in the scalp to tunnel beneath the forehead and 'release' the brows. The sagging brows along with the skin of the forehead are then shifted upwards and resuspended in a more youthful position. No skin is removed. In the open technique, a longer continuous incision is made across the scalp, the tissues are lifted, 'frown' muscles are weakened, and a... more
Jason Litner, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Endoscopic vs open browlift

I honestly did not have great longevity with the endoscopic browlift and have gone to doing most of my browlift open.  It is a long scar but it usually heals beautifully and my patients have not had any long term complaints regarding sensation changes.  The advantage of the open technique is the great exposure of all the vital structures and the longevity of the results.  For patients with hair line issues (many men for example), I often do a transblepharoplasty brow lift... more
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Brow Lift: A Hairline Decision

As other posters have noted the terms brow lift and forehead lift are interchangeable. However, the technique that is used is predicated on the position of the hairline. If a patient has a low or normal hairline, the endoscopic (minimal incision) approach is generally favored; it allows the case to move along more quickly and offers less recovery time. However, if a patient has a high hairline, the Trichophytic (irregular beveled incision, along the hairline) approach is favored, because... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

There are trade-offs between forehead lift and endoscopic forehead lift

It sounds as if you are talking about a forehead lift done with a coronal or side-to-side incision across the scalp versus one performed through small incisions in 3 or 4 strategically located areas of the scalp. Each have advantages and disadvantages. The main difference is the length and amount of incisional scar. The coronal lift is certainly effective at the price of a long incision and scalp numbness and some potential for loss of hair. The endoscopic lift has the advantage of small... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead Lift Vs Endoscopic Forehead Lift - Choose the right tool for the right job

There are a number of techniques and modifications that are used by plastic surgeons.All are useful but should be viewed as tools to achieve your goal and one technique is NOT superior to the others for all situations. You have to individualize.. You need to use the right tool for the right job. The most important part is to they match the patient’s desires and requirements such as lowering the hairline, or lifting just the outside of the brow which often droops before the middle... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead lift - endoscopic or open?

Endoscopic advantages: Shorter incisions Less numbness Less pain Endoscopic disadvantages: Shorter longevity Potential to raise hairline Open advantages: Greater longevity Better control of hairline (can shorten or lengthen) Open disadvantages: Longer incisions More numbness More pain
Sam Naficy, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead Lift vs Endoscopic forehead lift. Which is better?

Certainly, there is no uniform answer to this question, and good doctors will disagree. Some will argue that the results are not as dramatic with the endoscopic approach but others will argue that the advantage of small incisions vastly overwhelms any such advantage achieved with the long incision "open" technique. Another alternative is a small incision non endoscopic forehead lift which can frequently be done with the same small incisions as with the endoscope... more
Lawrence Kass, MD

Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead Lift Options

There are many methods for performing a browlift or forehead lift including an endoscopic browlift (through tiny incisions with the assistance of telescopes) , bicoronal forehead lift (extensive incision from ear to ear across the top of the head) and a tricophytic or hairline browlift. (hidden along the hairline. Each of these techniques achieves a similar result through the brow and the forehead in terms of smoothing of lines and gentle elevation of the brows. The key difference is in... more
Ross A. Clevens, MD

Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic Browlift and Forehead Lift

There are a variety of terms for the procedure that works on the upper one-third of the face-  browlift and forehead lift are the most common.  The endoscopic forehead lift is actually a misnomer-  it really is a browlift, achieved through three to five small incisions made in the hairline, permitting the elevation of the deep forehead tissues resulting in a more elevated and open appearing set of eyebrows.  There are a variety of other browlift techniques-  the... more
Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Open vs Endoscopic Forehead Lift - What are the Differences

The primary differences between an endoscopic forehead lift and a traditional forehead lift are: 1.  location of incisions - smaller and less conspicuous in endoscopic vs traditional approach (tricophytic      and bircoronal) 2. effect on hairline position - minimal in endoscopic and tricophytic but more pronounced in bicoronal 3. risk of scalp numbness - minimal in endoscopic and greater in traditional approach 4.... more
Andrew B. Denton, MD

Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Brow lift versus endscopic brow lift

An endoscopic forehead lift is done through 3 small incision in the hairline to elevate the brow.  This refers only to the scars.  A forehead lift traditionally refers to a scar across the entire hairline above the brow.  I prefer endoscopic lifts and have found that the result lasts a lifetime.  The same cannot be said for a conventional brow lift.
Samer W. Cabbabe, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic and Traditional (Open) Forehead Lifts Each Have Their Place

In my practive, I use an open, traditional forehead lift with a trichophytic hairline incision in patients with very high hairlines, who generally wear bangs. This type of lift generally shortens the forehead, and is probably the most durable type of lift (decades). In those with lower hairlines, balding, or an aversion to the though of a longer/hairline incision, I use an endoscopic browlift. When properly done, the endoscopic lift is also durable - 7-10 years easy - and can be executed... more
Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD

Saint Louis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic Forehead Lift: less invasive, less scar,

Endoscopic Forehead surgery is an ideal surgical rejuvenation surgery of forehead in majority of the patients. There are a few exceptions, especially male patients with heavy wrinkled and thick skin consistency. They still get much improvements with this technique without the extensive surgery that involves with the open surgery. Using smaller incisions reduces the risks for potential sensory nerve damage as well as hair loss along the incision line that is so common with open... more
Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO

Huntington Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

One is done with a camera

Endoscopic browlifts are performed using a camera mounted to scope.  The procedure is done through small incisions.  A traditional browlift is performed through a coronal incision from ear to ear.  Make sure if you are seeking an endoscopic browlift that your surgeon has good experience with the technique and performs the procedure in a facility with the right equipment and staff accustom to the procedure.
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic brow lift Pros and Cons

The short answer is that neither is "better", but both are useful for certain situations.  The minimally invasive Endoscopic Brow Lift  approach is ideal for most natural rejuvenation of the forehead and eyebrow position. An traditional trichophytic incision is made just in front of the hairline.  This or a hybrid procedure (mix of endoscopic and open) can be very effective  IF the hairline is too high and the forehead too long.  To... more
Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH

Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic or open forehead lift.

The open forehead lift has an incision that allows the surgeon to work on the problem under direct vision. With an endoscopic procedure the surgeon is looking through a camera lens onto a TV screen and preforms the procedure.
Walter D. Gracia, MD

Arlington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic Brow lift has advantages

The traditional technique to do a forehead lift is to do what is called an "open" approach. This entails an incision within the hair from ear to ear. The newer technique is to use an endoscopic approach. This is through a scope similar to those used to do corrective knee surgery. This allows for small incisions and therefore less healing. The procedure accomplishes the same thing (raise your forehead and eyebrows as well as improve the wrinkles between your eyebrows). You will... more
Scott R. Brundage, M.D.

Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
+1

The best browlift, forehead lift is endoscopic for the right patient

This has to be one of the procedures that I enjoy the most.  The technique continues to change but the basic technique involves using minimal incisions to obtain what used to take a long incision over the top on your head from ear to ear.  Doesn't sound appealing.  Well, that is what most patients would think.  Numbness and tingling in the scalp.  Not exactly a desirable side effect.  The use of a small endoscope about 5mm in diameter allows surgeons... more
Dennis J. Bang, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead lift versus endoscopic forehead lift

Patients today have many options to change the shape and position of their forehead and eyebrows. Many techniques can be performed very small incisions that are well hidden in the hairline. A is also known as a coronal brow lift. This surgery requires an incision that goes from ear to ear over the top of your head. For this reason, we rarely perform the surgery in our practice anymore. The majority of forehead lifts perform our endoscopic, meaning that they are done using 1 cm... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead lift = brow lift

Forehead or brow lifts are done to raise the eyebrows and shape them into an attractive position, but it can be difficult to tell when this is the problem since it is often manifest by the appearance of extra skin in the upper eyelid. Patients often come in asking about eyelid surgery when what they really need is a brow lift. One way to tell is if you have deep horizontal lines developing in the forehead and extra skin in the upper eyelid, you are probably compensating by using the... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead lift vs. endoscopic forehead lift

As you can see there is controversy concerning which type of forehead technique is best! I feel the surgeon should be familiar with all the options and pick the best one for the patients anatomy and wishes. From the open coronal (in side the hairline or just in front), to the endoscopic (screws or suture), endotine techniques, or the threading / contour lifts. There are indications for all. I do all these options.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Browlift vs. endoscopic browlift

A formal browlift involves an incision over the entire top of the head (ear to ear). It has the advantage of allowing a lot of lifting but the disadvantage of an area of anesthesia of the scalp behind the incision and on the top of the scalp for a very long time, if not permanent. An endoscopic browlift is performed through separate, non-connected incisions and usually does not result in long term anesthesia of the scalp. It's main disadvantage is that only a modest amount of lifting can... more
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead lift, brow lift, endoscopic lift

First, you should clarify terms with your surgeon. Brow lift and forehead lift are two terms for the same procedure. Endoscopic lifts are usually limited incision, short-scar brow lifts done with video magnification imaging techniques. Most plastic surgeons today use endoscopic techniques with high success. The procedure has smaller incisions, less pain, shorter recovery, fewer side effects than the prior / traditional open brow lift. A minority of patients could still benefit from open... more
Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon
+1

There is no question that an endoscopic forehead lift is the best approach

It astounds me that surgeons continue to offer open forehead lifts. In the early 1990's the endoscopic forehead lift essentially replaced the open forehead lift. The advantages were much faster healing, no long term scalp numbness, loss of hair, and no need for a scar that extends over the head from one ear to the other. Older surgeons have resisted the transition to the closed or endoscopic forehead lift. The open forehead lift is fast and it is effect, perhaps too effective ( think deer... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Modified Endoscopic Forehead Lift can provide the best of both worlds

Large incision coronal forehead lifts are very effective in lifting and smoothing the brow and forehead region. However, they require a large incision and therefore a more significant post operative recovery. There have been several modifications to the endoscopic forehead lifting technique over the past 5-10 years that allow this procedure to provide an outstanding, natural appearance with a long lasting result and shorter recovery period. Some of the modifications avoid lengthening a high... more
Evan Black, MD

Detroit Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Different techniques and results

The coronal lift is one long incision across the scalp. The endoscopic approach involves five smaller vertical incisions. With the endoscopic lift is there is less numbness of the scalp postoperatively. While the endoscopic approach will raise the hairline, cannot address the frontalis muscles or dermal atrophy of the corrugator muscles. There is more control of the corrugator muscles with the coronal approach, along with placing fascia grafts underneath the dermal atrophy wrinkles... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic forehead lifts have smaller incisions and faster recovery

A forehead lift, regardless of exact method, elevates the forehead and eyebrows. Each method of surgery requires some form of anesthesia, either general or IV sedation (twilight). Both have similar cosmetic outcomes. The difference between a traditional forehead lift and an endoscopic brow lift is the approach, or surgical access, to the brow area. Traditional forehead lifts made a long incision either right at the hairline, or just behind the hairline. This approach allows greater degree of... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Different techniques are utilized to achieve a brow lift

There are different techniques utilized to achieve a brow lift. The open browlift technique is a more traditional technique used to achieve a brow lift with a long incision across the scalp within the hair, or along the hairline. The endoscopic browlift has been more utilized for the past 10-15 years using smaller incisions and with the aid of an endoscope (camera). The open techniques can be more dramatic, but this is not always desired. Additionally, numbness and 'painful' itching... more
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Open Brow Lifts vs. Endoscopic Brow Lifts

Open browlifts employ a longer incision but can be very helpful in patients with high foreheads and significant forehead wrinkling and deep creases. The endobrow lift employs shorter incisions and are better in patients with less forehead wrinkles and a lower forehead. I personally think that open browlifts last longer. Some patients complain about the long incision and the numbness on their scalp from open lifts. The numbness usually gets better but it takes about 6 mos to a year. more
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic Brow Lift

An endoscopic forehead lift is a forehead lift that uses the endoscope and small incisions in order to address the brow ptosis. In general the regular brow lift(open brow) needs a longer incision either at the hairline or inside the hair. There is more affection of sensory nerves so the scalp may stay numb for sometime after surgery. Due to the longer incision more healing problems could be expected. The upside with this procedure is a more lasting result. The endoscopic brow lift uses 3-4... more
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Open coronal vs endoscopic forehead lifts

A forehead lift is the general term for a procedure that elevates the forehead and eyebrows in a patient whose brows are considered too low. It can be done traditionally as an "open" procedure using an incision from ear to ear across the scalp. Alternatively, an "endoscopic" forehead lift attempts to do the same thing but through a few small incisions in the scalp relying on TV cameras to provide the visualization needed to perform the surgery rather than an open... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Endoscopic forehead lift uses a video camera

ChicChickK, Endoscopic forehead lift uses a video camera. However, forehead lift and endoscopic forehead lift differ by more than just the video camera. The traditional forehead lift uses an incision that goes across the top of your head. The forehead skin is then elevated down to the level of your eyebrows. At this point, the muscles which cause you to frown and cause lines on your forehead can be excised. The skin is then stretched back up and the extra skin excised. The incision is... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Forehead Lift vs Endoscopic Forehead Lift

In summary, many physicians debate the superiority of one over the other. However let's take a step back. A forehead lift is merely a description of any procedure to generally elevate the forehead and most commonly the brows. However there are many ways to achieve the forehead lift and the endoscopic approach is one of these methods. It would be similar to saying: "Transportation". Now do you mean transportation by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, car, train, etc.? Do you get the... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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