There are many types of brow lift techniques, from browpexy to the traditional coronal brow lift. For our Nashville-area patients, Dr. Boggess recommends the method that is best suited for the individual patient’s needs, determined by the specific concerns to be addressed.
Some patients are considering less invasive procedures, and others are more involved. As for all brow lift procedures, there is a recovery time that is to be expected, and there are steps the patient can take that will alleviate discomfort and hasten the healing process.
What can I expect after a brow lift?
Immediately following surgery, you don’t need to stay in bed or remain at home after the anesthesia has worn off. Although a post-surgery precaution to take is to sit or sleep in an upright position or with the head elevated. This will help the swelling subside more rapidly and aid in the continued healing of the procedure. This would be a good practice for you to utilize for several days after the procedure.
Of course, some of this information may be different for you if you’ve combined your brow lift with another procedure such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or a fat transfer. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper healing and a terrific result.
How long does swelling last after a brow lift?
Following surgery and for a few days after, bruising and swelling occurs in the concentrated and surrounding areas, which consists of the forehead, the eyelids, and both cheeks.
To help reduce the swelling and bruising, apply lightweight ice compresses to the entire area for 20 minutes. Remove the compresses for 20 minutes, then re-apply for another 20 minutes. Icing should be done at least 24 to 36 hours after surgery.
The majority of the bruising and swelling will decrease within 7 days after the procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers additional information about recovering from a brow lift.
Is a brow lift painful?
To ease any pain that could result from the procedure, you can take acetaminophen. If a stronger pain reliever is needed, a prescription for acetaminophen with added codeine may be provided. Do not take any medications that contain aspirin, as this will cause an increased risk of bleeding.
Itching may also be experienced at the suture line located in or behind your hairline. Numbness is another common occurrence on the forehead and at the suture line, which will typically cease after a few days.
Sutures will be removed 1 week after surgery.
How long after a brow lift can I exercise?
To ensure proper and rapid healing of the procedure, all strenuous activities, particularly exercising should not be engaged in for at least a week. Undemanding activities and walking are permitted and encouraged. After a week, vigorous exercises can be returned to, but weight lifting, using free weights and machines, need to be put off until after the end of the second week following surgery. This precaution will prevent any complications from interfering with the complete healing process.
At Youthful Reflections, we’re here to help you heal and feel confident in the way you look. You can browse some of our patients’ brow lift before-and-after photos to see how dramatically the procedure rejuvenates their appearance.
If you have any questions about the brow lift procedure or recovery, please call us at (615) 942-8016 or use our online form to request a consultation.