A brow lift, commonly known as a browplasty or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that repositions sagging eyebrows, erase forehead wrinkles, and improves brow symmetry for a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Eyebrows and forehead are the most visible areas of your face, and you must be careful during the recovery period to reduce the risk of complications and ensure optimal outcomes.
Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions helps you care for your incisions properly, protect your surgical results, and maintain eye comfort during this time.
Post-Operative Instructions for Browlift Surgery
After the surgery
- Stay in bed for the first 24 hours after the surgery. Only get up to go to the restroom with assistance, especially if your eyes are swollen.
- Sleep on your back for the next 3-5 nights. Keep your head elevated with at least 3 to 4 pillows to minimize swelling and bruising on your face. Do not sleep on your side or back, as it can strain your incisions.
- Even when you are lying in bed, flex your feet and legs every 3 to 5 times every hour. It is essential for the normal circulation of blood.
- Avoid bending forward or looking down at the phone, as it can increase blood flow and fluid accumulation in the face, worsening swelling.
- If you wear contact lenses, avoid inserting them for at least five days after your brow lift surgery, or follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations.
- You may notice crusting on the incision line. Do not pick at it. If the incision line is within the hair, showering will resolve it. If your incision is along the hairline, carefully clean it with hydrogen peroxide using a soft cotton swab. Apply the prescribed ointment to keep your incision moist.
Lying in bed all day is not recommended. Take short walks around the house and move your arms and legs to maintain circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Caring for your incisions
- Your surgeon will use dissolvable or non-dissolvable, removable sutures. While dissolvable stitches naturally break down and do not need removal, non-dissolvable stitches are removed by your surgeon 7–14 days after surgery, depending on healing progress and the specific technique used.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry. Avoid touching, rubbing, scratching, or picking at the incision site.
- Use loose-fitting headgear or hair ties that do not press on the incision area.
- Wear clothing that fastens in the front or back for at least one week. Avoid slipover sweaters, t-shirts, and turtlenecks, as they can press or rub against the incisions, pull on sutures, or irritate the healing tissue.
- Avoid coloring your hair, using makeup, and other skin or hair products for at least 4-6 weeks until your incisions have fully healed.
- Be very careful when combing or styling your hair, as you may have stitches around your hairline. Pulling or snagging the hair can irritate the incisions, loosen sutures, or cause bleeding.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions for removing your bandages, which is usually one to three days after surgery.
- Apply the antibiotic ointment prescribed by your surgeon to prevent infection, ensure effective healing, and minimize scarring.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun during the recovery period. Sunlight can darken scars, slow the healing process, and increase swelling or irritation around the incisions. Always use a sunscreen with high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your forehead and brow when going outdoors.
Do not take your forehead incisions lightly. Protecting them is essential for preserving both your surgical results and your visual appearance.
What to eat?
- Start with a light, low-fat diet after surgery to support recovery. You can resume your regular diet if you do not feel nauseous.
- Avoid fried, greasy, spicy, and heavy foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids and increase your water intake. Surgery can cause dehydration, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery or until you are taking medications.
Medications
- Take all medications, including antibiotics, ointments, and pain-relieving medications as prescribed by your surgeon.
- Do not take medications with alcohol.
- Make sure the ointments do not get into your eyes. If it accidentally does, rinse your eyes gently with clean water without wetting the incisions. This is necessary to prevent eye irritation or infection while protecting the incisions.
- Do not take any other medications for the next 10 days without asking your doctor, especially medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen, as they may increase bleeding.
Showering after browlift
- You can take a shower after 24 – 48 hours if your surgeon approves. Use lukewarm water and avoid direct pressure on the incisions.
- Wash your hair gently with a mild shampoo and pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not blow-dry or rub your hair. High heat from the hair dryer can increase swelling and irritate healing tissues.
- Avoid tub baths or Jacuzzi until your incisions have healed or unless cleared by your surgeon, which takes around 2 weeks.
What to expect?
- Pain – Your forehead will feel tight or sore, and you may have a dull headache or pain around the brows for several days after surgery. This is normal. You can relieve this discomfort with the pain-relieving medication your doctor has prescribed.
- Numbness – There will be a feeling of numbness or tingling sensation for the next few days or even weeks, or it may come and go. It fades over time.
- Eye dryness – You may experience dryness, or increasing tearing in your eyes. It is a temporary side effect after brow lift surgery. It occurs because mild swelling may prevent the eyelids from closing fully, or the eye area may feel tight during the healing. Use a tear substitute as needed to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Bleeding and discharge – You may notice mild oozing or spotting around your brows, forehead, or hairline during the first 24 to 48 hours. This is normal.
- Bruising – There will be some bruising on the brows, forehead, and surrounding areas. It is temporary, and it starts fading gradually after a few days.
- Swelling – You can expect maximum swelling for the initial 3 to 5 days. Your eyes may appear completely closed due to swelling. Most swelling improves within a week.
You may experience temporary blurry vision, itchiness, and sensitivity to light. They usually improve after a few weeks. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better.
Physical activity
- It is important to limit your physical activity after a brow lift to promote smooth healing and reduce the risk of complications.
- You can resume normal daily activities a few days after surgery, as swelling and discomfort improve or as instructed by your surgeon. Most patients require about 7 to 10 days off work, depending on their job responsibilities and the face-to-face interaction involved.
- Avoid bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy objects, or straining for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Exertion that elevates blood pressure can result in bleeding.
- Start with a light workload based on your recovery. If your job requires significant lifting or bending, you may need more time off work.
Call your doctor’s office if you notice any unusual symptoms, experience vision changes, develop persistent headaches, or want to ask questions about your post-surgery progress. Professional guidance is significant for safe healing and peace of mind.
Conditions that require emergency care
Call 911 immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe vision loss
- Severe swelling on one side of the head, face, or neck
- Temperature above 101.8°F
- Shakes and chills
- Intense pain that does not subside with medication
- Bright red blood from the incision site
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Signs of allergic reaction, such as itching or rashes
Seeking medical help right away is crucial for protecting your well-being and ensuring timely recovery.