What to Expect During Brow Lift Recovery
One of the most unfortunate effects of aging is the progressive sagging and drooping of the forehead and brow area. It’s a common phenomenon that happens to nearly everyone starting in their 40s and 50s. But for some unlucky individuals, it may even start in their 20s or 30s.
While aggressively marketed serums and creams purport to fix the issue of a drooping brow, it’s really only brow lift surgery that can create improvement and lead to a youthful appearance. Brow lift surgery effectively lifts and brightens the brow and forehead to diminish the appearance of sagging. This gives patients a more youthful and less tired and angry look.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at one particular aspect of brow surgery: recovery. But first, let’s take a brief look at what a typical brow lift entails.
As a side note, if you are seriously considering brow lift surgery, stop now, and head here where you’ll find some things about brow lifts that may surprise you.
How Is a Brow Lift Performed?
There are actually several different ways to perform a brow lift (sometimes known as a forehead lift). Dr. Sieber will help you decide which method is best for you based on your unique situation.
No matter which lift method you choose, the brow lift procedure itself usually takes around two hours to perform. Most brow lifts are outpatient, and general anesthesia is almost always used.
In addition to a temporal brow lift, the three main types of lifts are:
Coronal Brow Lift:
An incision is made behind the hairline. This method requires that the forehead be lengthened slightly, so if you already have a large forehead, this may not be the brow lift method for you.
Hairline Brow Lift:
Best for those with long foreheads. An incision is made along the hairline, and the brow is repositioned from this point.
Endoscopic Brow Lift:
With an endoscopic brow lift small individual incisions are made along the hairline, and a camera is inserted to guide your surgeon as they reposition your brow.
Brow Lift Recovery Day By Day
Dr. Sieber will use staples on your incisions, which will be located on the forehead tissues within your hairline. These will remain until Dr. Sieber removes them after approximately two weeks.
After surgery, during recovery it’s important to minimize bruising and swelling, though both of these symptoms are normal directly following your procedure. In some cases, a drain may be used as well.
Always follow the postoperative directions provided by your surgeon. Your facial plastic surgeon will tell you that it is important to keep your head elevated. On your first day after brow lift surgery, you will experience swelling and some pain. Medications may assist with discomfort. You may also experience numbness on your forehead and along your hairline, which should subside after a few weeks or months. Your surgeon will also instruct you regarding pain relief and medications.
After about one week in recovery, you will be able to go back to work and start returning to some of your normal daily activities. Talk with Dr. Sieber throughout the following weeks to know when it’s safe to return to your regular exercise routine and other activities.
Recovery From a Brow Lift
You will be able to start returning to some of your normal activities (usually including work) around one week after your surgery. After two weeks of recovery, you’ll be able to have your incision staples (positioned within the hairline) removed.
Brow Lift Results
You’ll see improvements from your brow lift procedure right away after surgery. However, swelling from the procedure may hinder you from seeing your complete results until after a few months.
FAQ: Recovering From a Brow Lift
How long does swelling last after eyebrow lift surgery?
Swelling may persist for several months. However, the majority of swelling will be gone within one to two weeks.
How painful is eyebrow lift surgery?
Anesthesia is used during eyebrow lift surgery, so the procedure itself is not painful. Post-surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks, but this will subside with time.
What do you look like after brow lift surgery?
You will have staples in your hairline after surgery, along with some bandages. Some swelling and bruising will be present. These symptoms will subside with time, and the staples will be removed after two weeks.
Is there such a thing as a brow lift recovery headache?
Yes, you may experience a headache after your brow lift. This may persist for around a week, but it should subside after that.
How is mini lift recovery different?
The recovery time after a mini brow lift may be shorter and less intense than the recovery period after a standard brow lift. However, this depends on many factors, including which method of surgery was used for the mini lift.
Can you get an eyelid surgery with brow lift surgery?
Yes, and in fact, many patients opt to undergo eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) along with their brow lift. The two cosmetic procedures can quite effectively lift the browline and forehead for a more awake and youthful look that is still natural.
Will I have Brow Lift Scars?
Typically, brow lift scars are minimal. Consider a brow lift procedure if you’re concerned about loose skin or wrinkles on the upper face.
Book Your Brow Lift Consultation Today
Could a brow lift help you look more like yourself? Don’t continue to struggle with a furrowed brow and an angry or tired look that doesn’t represent your true self.
Schedule a brow lift consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber today to learn more about the ins and outs of this cosmetic procedure and to see if you are a good candidate for surgery. Call today!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/recovery
