Brow Lift

Brow Lift Recovery: Pre & Post-Operative Instructions, Timeline, and What to Expect

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A brow lift is one of the most effective surgical procedures for restoring a refreshed and youthful appearance to the upper face. By elevating the eyebrows and smoothing forehead tissues, a brow lift can improve heavy brows, forehead wrinkles, and hooding of the upper eyelids.

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One of the most common questions patients ask is:

“What is recovery like after brow lift surgery?”

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While every patient’s recovery is unique, understanding the normal healing process can help reduce anxiety and ensure the best possible result.

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What to Consider Before a Brow Lift Surgery

Before undergoing brow lift surgery, we recommend that you:

• Schedule a consultation with Dr. Katherine Vandenberg to discuss your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
• Read Brow Lift Pre & Postoperative Care Instructions | Dr. Katherine Vandenberg so you know what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
• Review Brow Lift Surgery Shopping List | Recovery Supplies Checklist and obtain the supplies you will need for a smooth recovery.
• Consider a consultation with our Spa for botulinum toxin injections 4-6 weeks before your surgery. Relaxing the forehead muscles before surgery may reduce tension on the brow, help maintain the newly elevated brow position during early healing, and potentially improve your overall result. This recommendation is individualized and may not be appropriate for every patient, so speak with your surgeon before proceeding.
• Download the Symplast Patient App for iOS on the Apple App Store or for Android on the Google Play Store.
  • Set up your account.
  • Turn your notifications ON so that you can communicate with Dr. Vandenberg and our medical team throughout your recovery.

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BROW LIFT RECOVERY TIMELINE

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First 48 Hours After Brow Lift Surgery

The first 2 days after surgery are focused on protecting your surgical result, minimizing swelling, and controlling discomfort. Patients will have a head wrap, which is to be kept in place unless instructed by your surgeon.

Most patients experience:

• Forehead tightness.
• Pressure across the forehead and temples.
• Bruising and swelling around forehead and eyes.
• Mild to moderate discomfort.
• Numbness of the scalp and forehead.
• Nausea and vomiting related to general anesthesia or taking medication on an empty stomach.
• Fatigue or drowsiness after general anesthesia is common.

Patient recovering after brow lift surgery with the head elevated and an ice pack placed over the forehead dressing to help minimize swelling during the first 48 hours.

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3–6 Days After Brow Lift Surgery

This is typically the peak swelling period, which may coincide with peak pain. Many patients are surprised that swelling may worsens during the first 2-3 days before it begins improving. It is completely normal for swelling and bruising to move down the face because of gravity. Continue sleeping with head elevated and wearing your compression head wrap to minimize swelling.

Most patients experience:

• Mild progression of swelling and bruising (day 2-3).
• Eyebrows appear higher than expected.
• Continued temporary numbness of the forehead and scalp.
• Gradual return to a regular diet as tolerated.
• Gradual decrease in pain and need for prescription pain management.

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1 Week After Brow Lift Surgery

By the end of the first week:

• Most bruising begins to fade or fall into the lower face and neck.
• Swelling starts to improve.
• Pain is minimal and often can be controlled without prescription pain medications.
• Incisions are still healing.
• Staples or sutures are are often removed between 7-10 days.
• Many patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities.
• Many patients have returned to their regular diet.

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2–3 Weeks After Brow Lift Surgery

Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and most normal daily activities within 2–3 weeks, depending on the extent of their surgery, their occupation, and their comfort level. Although you will look significantly better by this stage, subtle swelling remains present and will continue to improve over the coming months.

Most patients notice:

• Most bruising has resolved.
• Swelling continues to improve.
• The forehead feels less tight.
• Pain medications are typically no longer needed.
• The eyebrows begin to settle into a more natural position but have not yet reached their final position.
• Numbness, tingling, or itching of the forehead and scalp may still be present and continue to improve.

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1–3 Months After Brow Lift Surgery

Although most patients have resumed their normal daily activities by this point, healing continues beneath the skin. During this period, the brow gradually softens and settles into a more natural position.

Patients commonly notice:

• Continued improvement in swelling.
• A smoother, more natural forehead contour.
• The eyebrows gradually settling into a more natural position.
• Continued improvement in numbness, tingling, and itching.
• Ongoing scar maturation, with scars becoming softer and less noticeable.
• Gradual return of normal forehead movement as tissues relax.

Remember: Your brows have not yet reached their final position. Subtle changes continue to occur over the coming months as swelling resolves and the tissues relax.

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4–12 Months After Brow Lift Surgery

Although most healing occurs during the first few months, subtle improvements continue for up to one year after surgery.

During this period, patients commonly notice:

• Final refinement of the brow position.
• Continued improvement in numbness, tingling, and itching.
• Ongoing scar maturation, with scars contracting, becoming smaller, softer and more faint/difficult to find.
• Resolution of the remaining subtle swelling.
• The final aesthetic result becoming more apparent.

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How to Reduce Swelling After a Brow Lift

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process, but the following measures can help minimize swelling and promote a smooth recovery:

• Sleep with your head elevated. Keep your head elevated above your heart (approximately 30-45 degrees) while resting and sleeping for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery. This helps reduce fluid accumulation in the forehead and around the eyes.
• Wear your compression head wrap. Wear your head wrap as instructed by your surgeon. Gentle compression helps reduce swelling and provides support to the healing tissues.
• Apply ice packs. During the first 48 hours, apply ice packs over the forehead dressing as directed. Cold therapy helps decrease inflammation, swelling and discomfort.
• Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Proper hydration and balanced diet rich in protein support healing and help body clear excess fluid.
• Avoid activities that increase swelling for the first several weeks.
  • Heavy lifting
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Bending forward at waist
  • Straining
  • HOT showers or saunas
  • Anything that significantly increases your blood pressure

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When Can I Exercise After a Brow Lift?

Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to promotes circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Avoid the following for approximately 2-3 weeks, on until cleared by your surgeon:

• Running
• Weightlifting
• High-intensity exercise
• Contact sports
• Yoga
• Positions that place your head below your heart

After 2–3 weeks, you can begin returning to these activities gradually. If an activity causes pain, increased swelling, or discomfort, ease back and give yourself more time to heal.

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When Can I Wash My Hair After Brow Lift Surgery?

Most patients may shower and wet their hair 72 hours after surgery.

When washing your hair:

• Use only gentle (baby shampoo) for the next 3-4 weeks.
• You may allow soapy water to gently run over the incisions but DO NOT submerge your head in any body of water for at least 6 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
• When washing hair, gently rub parallel to the direction of incisions and avoid aggressively scrubbing over incision site.
• Do not rub in a direction that will pull incision apart.
• Pat the incisions dry with a clean towel.
• Be gentle when brushing your hair. Hold your hair above the brush to avoid placing any tension on the incisions.
• Use only the cool or warm settings on your hair dryer until sensation has returned to your forehead and scalp (typically 1-3 months after surgery).

Until approved by your surgeon, avoid:

• Hair coloring.
• Perms or chemical hair treatments.
• Submerging your head under any body of water (lakes, pools, hot tubs) for 6 weeks after surgery.

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Is Forehead Numbness Normal After a Brow Lift?

Yes.

Although some patients may not experience any numbness. Temporary numbness of the forehead and scalp is one of the more common and expected parts of brow lift recovery.

During surgery, small sensory nerves are stretched and require time to recover.

Patients may experience:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Itching
• Brief “electric shock” sensation

These symptoms gradually improve over the weeks to months following surgery.

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When Should I Call My Surgeon?

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:

• Rapidly increasing swelling, especially if it occurs on only one side.
• Significant bleeding.
• Fever greater than 101°F (38.3°C).
• Severe pain that is worsening or not relieved by medication.
• Increasing redness or drainage from the incision.
• Vision changes, including blurred or double vision.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents your from staying hydrated or taking your medications.

Although these complications are uncommon, prompt evaluation is important.

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Brow Lift Recovery Requires Patience

A brow lift can provide long-lasting rejuvenation of the upper face, but healing is a gradual process. Swelling, bruising, tightness, numbness, and temporary changes in sensation are all normal parts of recovery and improve with time.

Following your post-operative instructions, protecting your incisions, wearing your compression head wrap as directed, and attending your scheduled follow-up appointments are the best ways to promote healing and achieve a beautiful, natural-looking result.

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Schedule a Brow Lift Consultation in Salt Lake City

If you are considering a brow lift and would like to learn whether you are a candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Katherine Vandenberg at 22 Plastic Surgery.

Patients from Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Draper, Holladay, Park City, Murray, Midvale, South Jordan, and throughout Utah choose brow lift surgery to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance while maintaining natural facial expression.

 

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