ENDOSCOPIC FOREHEAD LIFT
Instead of a large incision in the hairline area as in Coronal Forehead Lift, several "puncture-type" incisions are made just at the hairline. Using a special tool called endoscope (a special viewing instrument that allows a surgeon to see images of the body's internal structures), Dr. Chugay will remove the muscles that produce frown lines and will reposition the eyebrows at a higher level.
Endoscopic surgery has been used for decades in a number of different procedures, including gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, and knee surgery. However, Endoscopy is a very recent phenomenon in Aesthetic Surgery. Thus, despite its clear effectiveness, Endoscopic Technique is used by only about 10% of cosmetic and plastic surgeons.
An endoscope consists of two basic parts: A tubular probe fitted with a tiny camera and bright light, which is inserted through a small incision; and a viewing screen, which magnifies the transmitted images of the body's internal structures. During surgery, Dr. Chugay watches the screen while moving the tube of the endoscope through the surgical area.
Even though this is a relatively new procedure, Endoscopic Forehead Lift has acquired a standard approach and technique. The Standard Endoscopic Lift technique involves three horizontal cuts through which endoscopic and cutting instruments are inserted to perform the procedure.
After the tightening is achieved, the incisions are sutured, and TWO SCREWS are inserted into the bone near the temple area. The purpose of the screws is to hold the skin to prevent scar expansion. After the scar matures, screws are removed.
Dr. Chugay utilizes a technique, which is similar to the method described above. However, there are two significant differences. They include:
Instead of using screws, Dr. Chugay makes two short lateral incisions and a permanent stitch that is sutured into the lining of the bone.
Consequently, the following advantages are achieved:
When separating tissues, Dr. Chugay uses only blunt instruments instead of sharp scissors or scalpels. He has to work harder, and it takes more time.
However, the patient is the winner:
The frown line muscles are picked up gently with a hook and then removed with fine long scissors bit by bit under endoscopic vision as opposed to picking up the muscle with a grasper and then removing the muscle with scissors. Gentle traction with a hook helps avoid injury to sensory nerves of the forehead.
Coronal Technique is best for patients who require significant lifting. If you have deep wrinkles and a lot of hanging skin, you are a candidate for Coronal Lift. However, if you need small to moderate tightening, Endoscopic Technique may be your best choice. Dr. Chugay, after seeing you in person, will be able to advise which technique is best for you.
All surgery carries risks and every incision leaves a scar. However, with endoscopic surgery, your scars are likely to be hidden, much smaller and some of the after effects of surgery may be minimized. The tiny "eye" of the endoscope's camera allows Dr. Chugay to view the surgical site almost clearly as if the skin were opened from a long incision.
Because the incisions are shorter with endoscopy, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Also, bleeding, bruising and swelling may be significantly reduced. With the endoscopic approach, you may recover more quickly and return to work earlier than if you had undergone open surgery.
In most cases, endoscopic surgery may require less recovery time than is usually required for open procedures.
Because endoscopy is a relatively new technique in cosmetic surgery, it's extremely important that you select a surgeon who has adequate training and experience. It's important to keep in mind that the endoscopic approach has only recently been applied to cosmetic surgery procedures.
Dr. Chugay utilizes a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation. You will be asleep and comfortable during the procedure. The risky general anesthesia is not used. LEARN MORE ABOUT ANESTHESIA.
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