Brow lift recovery looks different for every patient. Ultimately, the experience depends on the type of brow lift, the extent of repairs needed, the patient’s age and overall health, as well as other factors.
In this article, we’ll go over what to expect from your brow lift recovery experience as well as some tips for brow lift recovery preparation.
First, however, let’s start with a simple question: What is a brow lift?
What Is Brow Lift Surgery?
A brow lift (also called a forehead lift) raises a sagging brow line while improving lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. The result is a smoother forehead and eye area, improved vision (depending on the initial issues of the patient), and a more youthful appearance in general.
Many times, patients confuse a brow lift with a facelift or eyelid surgery. A facelift lifts the entire face and sometimes includes a neck lift. This cosmetic procedure aims to correct more significant signs of aging, (including wrinkles, excess skin, and facial sagging) on the face and neck.
An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, lifts only the eye area — primarily, the upper eyelids, which can begin to droop over the eyes with time. This drooping causes patients to look older and more tired that they really are. It can also obstruct vision.
What Is Brow Lift Recovery Day by Day Like?
Days 1-2
Right after surgery, you will have swelling and bruising, light soreness behind the hairline, and possibly, changes in sensation (numbness). Be sure to take it easy.
Do not do any heavy lifting or intense exercise. It’s important to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and get lots of quality sleep.
Days 3-7
Swelling usually peaks around three days post-surgery. During this initial week, be sure to use ice packs when needed, and continue to take it easy.
Take your prescription pain medications as needed. Most patients are able to switch to an over-the-counter pain med (if needed) after several days.
Weeks 2-3
After the first week of recovery, most patients can return to work. At this point, you should be walking daily. Start slow, and don’t walk quickly or go far. Initial walks after surgery are mainly to improve circulation.
You will have several follow-up appointments with Dr. Smita. Be sure to attend these so that she can assess your recovery progress and ensure you are healing well.
Week 4 and Beyond
Swelling should continue to go away as the weeks go on. Complete brow lift results are usually visible about six months to one year after surgery. There should be little to no swelling lift in the forehead tissues, and brow lift incision lines should now be healed as flat and lightened brow lift scars.
To see what brow lift patients look like at this point, we recommend searching brow lift recovery pictures. Be sure to search for brow lift recovery photos at different time periods post-surgery to see what your results may look like at each stage of healing.
Prepare for Your Brow Lift With These Tips
Use the following tips to help you be maximally prepared prior to brow lift surgery.
- Drink plenty of water each day in the weeks prior to surgery.
- Consume ample amounts of protein in the weeks prior to surgery.
- Plan to take daily walks (once cleared by your plastic surgeon) to help promote optimal blood flow and reduce your risk for blood clots.
- Plan on filling any pain relief medications prior to surgery (if possible).
- Arrange for a close friend or family member to bring you home after your procedure.
- Prepare your bedroom with a wedge pillow (you’ll need to keep your head elevated for several weeks while sleeping).
- Set up a recovery area for resting during the day. Create a comfortable spot, books and magazines, podcasts, movies, chargers, snacks, bottled water, etc.
- Purchase ice packs, and put them in the freezer so that you have them at home and ready once you return from your cosmetic surgery.
- Prepare some easy meals ahead of time. Making freezer meals or setting up a meal service are useful ideas.
FAQ: Brow Lift Surgery
Are there different types of brow lifts?
Yes, there are three main different types of brow lift surgery: the classic or coronal brow lift (hairline brow lift), the endoscopic brow lift, and the temporal brow lift. In general, temporal and endoscopic brow lift recovery tend to be shorter than recovery from coronal brow lift surgery.
How much is a brow lift?
Patients seeking information on brow lift cost should visit a plastic surgeon’s office for an in-person consultation appointment. Some plastic surgeons offer virtual appointments as well.
The point is that plastic surgeons need to speak individually with the patient to know for sure what type of surgery is required. This will be a primary influence on the final cost.
Request a Brow Lift Consultation Appointment
Have you been considering a brow lift procedure and forehead rejuvenation? This facial plastic surgery requires a skilled facial plastic surgeon with board certification.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham can help you achieve your brow and forehead goals with a forehead lift at her New Jersey practice. Call today to learn more about this and other cosmetic procedures to improve your appearance and boost your confidence!