What to Expect After Your Brow Lift

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

Brow lift surgery, often called a forehead lift, is a common outpatient procedure that can have a profoundly positive effect on the face. This technique focuses on raising the eyebrows to a symmetrical, youthful position and arch over the eyes. By lifting the tissue on the upper region of the face, the procedure corrects problems such as heavy upper eyelids, deep wrinkles on the forehead, prominent creases at the outer edges of the eyes, and a generally tired or angry-looking expression.

Knowing that a brow lift can refresh your appearance is one thing. Knowing that you feel ready to undergo this procedure is something else entirely. What stops many people from taking the next step toward greater satisfaction with their appearance is thinking that modern brow lifts are like the old ones with long incisions and a long recovery. Here, we discuss what you might expect after having a brow lift performed in our Highlands, NC office.

Brow Lift Recovery Timeline

Days 1-3

Previous brow lifts were under anesthesia. Dr. Buchanan’s techniques have been refined such that he performs this procedure with local anesthesia alone. Patients are completely comfortable. The first few days after a brow lift, patients can expect to feel slight soreness that is usually managed with only Tylenol. The incisions may also itch for a few days up to two weeks. Sleeping with the head elevated for a few days helps minimize swelling and speeds recovery.There are usually no bandages. You can resume showering with coolish water or bathing immediately, with care.

Days 4-10

Bruising occurs only from the eyes down and is easily covered with camouflage make-up. By the end of the first week, a great deal of improvement in bruising and swelling usually occurs. Stitches are removed at 4-7 days.  You can return to work and other light activities by day 4-5.

Weeks 2-3

As swelling subsides and tissue settles, the brows may look slightly exaggerated in terms of their height on the forehead. Over the next few weeks, the tissue will loosen slightly and the brows will drop into their intended position over the eyes. With the decrease in swelling and bruising and almost complete healing of incisions comes the freedom to return to normal activities, including strenuous exercise.

Weeks 4 to 6

This is the home stretch of recovery when the final cosmetic results become fully visible.

A brow lift can do a lot for the face. See what this procedure can do for you. Call (828) 526-3783 to schedule a visit with our friendly team.