Brow lifts fix loose skin on the upper third of the face to lift sagging brows and smooth forehead lines. Recovery involves healing around the forehead, scalp, and temples where the skin sits closer to the skull and has less soft tissue underneath. This sets brow lifts apart from facelifts, blepharoplasties (eyelid surgeries), and other facial surgeries. The specifics of how you heal after a brow lift will also depend on the type of brow lift performed. The healing timeline outlined here will help you know what to expect and explain the differences between traditional and endoscopic approaches.
Everyone heals at a slightly different pace, but most patients can resume their basic daily activities seven to 10 days after a brow lift. This includes returning to work, so long as your job isn’t physically demanding. Stitches or staples are generally removed in seven to 10 days as well, but complete healing takes about four to six weeks.
You will experience some swelling and bruising after your procedure. Exactly how much depends on the surgical technique used, individual healing factors like skin condition and age, and whether you combined your brow lift with other cosmetic procedures.
As previously mentioned, different people heal at different rates. Healing variations are usually minor, however, and your recovery should stick fairly close to the predicted timeline.
As surgical techniques advance, plastic surgeons have more ways to approach certain surgeries. While sometimes a traditional brow lift is still the best option, some patients can benefit from a less invasive endoscopic procedure. Here are the key ways in which healing from these procedures differs:
It’s common to combine a brow lift with other facial surgeries if you’re experiencing multiple signs of aging. You should expect to have more widespread facial swelling after a combination procedure than you would after a brow lift alone. You’ll also need to extend your healing time by a week or two, particularly when combining your brow lift with a blepharoplasty or facelift.
Recovery after a brow lift isn’t particularly arduous or lengthy. Even still, there are things you can do to help your healing along and ensure a smooth recovery. They include the following tips:
Brow lift recovery is generally straightforward and often requires less than two weeks of downtime. While some swelling and numbness can linger, the final results become increasingly visible over a period of four to six weeks. Endoscopic approaches may shorten healing time, but all techniques require patience and proper aftercare while you heal.
Most swelling resolves in two to three weeks, with subtle residual puffiness fading by week six.
Yes, but only with your surgeon’s permission. You will likely need to wait for 48 to 72 hours after surgery to wash your hair. Be sure to use only gentle shampoo when you do. Baby shampoo is an excellent choice.
You can resume wearing makeup after your sutures are removed (or dissolved) and your incisions are fully healed. This typically takes seven to 10 days.
Some patients experience a dull headache after a brow lift, but pain is generally minimal. Temporary tightness and numbness, however, are common.
Many patients feel “public ready” by day 10 or 14, especially after an endoscopic brow lift.
Temporary numbness or tingling can last several weeks to a few months, depending on the chosen surgical technique.
Yes. Expect an additional week of downtime and more noticeable bruising around the eyes if you combine these procedures.
You should sleep on your back with your head elevated with two to three pillows for at least one week.