The patient will be placed under general anaesthetic, meaning that they are asleep during the surgical procedure. The surgeon then proceeds to make an incision approximately six centimetres behind the natural hairline that runs from ear to ear. He carefully separates the skin from the underlying muscle structure and then removes any excess fatty tissue before tightening the muscles with sutures and tightening the skin, trimming away the excess before suturing the incision closed.

There will be a certain amount of pain and soreness associated with this procedure but it will begin to fade after the first week of surgery. Patients can generally return to work two weeks after surgery, but should refrain from any strenuous activities for up to six weeks after the forehead lift. 

Initially there will be a moderate amount of pain and discomfort, but this is perfectly normal after this type of procedure. The worst effects will be felt during the first week or two after surgery, but this can be managed with pain medication. After two weeks the symptoms will taper off markedly and gradually improve over the following weeks.

Any surgery presents possible risks or side effects, though these are rare and in most cases, temporary. Side effects associated with this procedure include bleeding, bruising, pain, risk of infection, swelling and scarring. Numbness may be experienced for the first three months but in cases where the nerves have been damaged the numbness may be permanent.

A forehead lift will last for many years but is not permanent as it does not halt the signs of ageing. A patient may need to repeat the procedure after seven to ten years if they so desire. The results are, however, long lasting and make a dramatic difference to the overall appearance of the patient.

Patients can expect to experience some scarring from this, or any other surgical procedure. The scars are not visible due to their placement in the hairline. The patients healing ability, age, skin type and skin tone will determine how much scarring occurs. Wound care is also an important factor in the healing process and can affect how well a scar heals after a forehead lift in Phuket.