What is the Recovery Process Like After a Brow Lift?

Brow lift surgery offers men and women the exciting opportunity to refresh their appearance and virtually take years off the clock, and with modern brow lift techniques — like the endoscopic brow lift — the procedure is more convenient than ever before. Still, there are some important things to know about brow lift recovery to ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results. Here, Houston, TX, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony E. Brissett and the dedicated team at Brissett Plastic Surgery offer helpful information on brow lift recovery, including how long it may take, what things you’ll need to do (and avoid), and more.

What does a brow lift do?

For many people, forehead lines, heavy eyelids, and a drooping brow are some of the most noticeable signs of facial aging to appear, leaving them looking angry, tired, and often older than they actually are. In other cases, people have a naturally heavy brow from a young age, which can worsen over time as the brow begins to descend in their 40s and 50s. With brow lift surgery, Dr. Brissett can make a variety of enhancements to the upper third of the face to create a refreshed, younger-looking, and more desirable appearance. Some of the most common concerns that can be dramatically improved and even corrected with brow lift surgery include:

• Forehead lines and wrinkles
• Brow lines
• Heavy brow
• Drooping brow
• Flat eyebrow arch
• Downturned eyes (sad eyes)
• Crow’s feet
• Sagging eyelids
• Hooded eyes
• Tired or angry appearance

How is a brow lift performed?

The specific brow lift technique used will vary from patient to patient based on their facial anatomy, specific concerns and goals, natural hairline, and other factors. Most often, Dr. Brissett utilizes one of the following types of brow lifts:

• Open (traditional) brow lift
• Endoscopic brow lift
• Limited incision brow lift

Through the brow lift incision(s), Dr. Brissett is able to tighten and reposition muscle and soft tissue layers, remove excess skin, and create a strikingly natural-looking, smoother, and more youthful appearance.

What do I need to know about brow lift recovery?

Following brow lift surgery, patients should expect to develop some amount of bruising, swelling, and discomfort. A feeling of tightness in the brow is also common. These side effects should begin to improve after about 1 – 3 weeks, though mild residual swelling and tightness can remain for several months. On average, patients typically take about two weeks off of work after brow lift surgery, though light desk work and household chores can typically be resumed earlier. Patients who undergo an endoscopic brow lift may be able to return to their normal routines sooner with Dr. Brissett’s clearance, although strenuous exercise is usually off-limits for about 4 – 6 weeks. To encourage the most complete and efficient healing possible, use these helpful brow lift recovery tips:

• Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated
• Avoid bending over or inverting your head
• Return to your follow-up appointment for suture removal after one week (if required)
• Attend all of your postoperative follow-up appointments
• Keep your incisions clean and dry
• Wait at least 48 hours (or as recommended) before washing your hair
• Do not submerge your healing incisions
• Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting
• Do not smoke
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water

With proper brow lift aftercare, including following all of Dr. Brissett’s detailed instructions given during your preoperative and postoperative appointments, you can set yourself up for successful healing and a stunning result.

Forehead lines got you down? Raise your spirits with brow lift surgery in Houston, TX

If a heavy brow or droopy eyes are keeping you from looking and feeling your best, we can help. Take the first step toward a refreshed and rejuvenated new look — and boosted self-esteem —– by calling Brissett Plastic Surgery to schedule your Houston, TX, brow lift consultation with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and brow lift specialist Dr. Anthony E. Brissett today.