Brow Ptosis / Brow Lift

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After a brow lift it’s common to experience some pain and bruising that may last for up to two weeks. You may also feel a tightness in your forehead. Most patients can resume normal everyday activities the day after surgery.

After brow lift surgery you may have:

a drainage tube in the wound to help prevent fluid build-up
bruising and swelling
numbness
pain and tenderness
dressings or bandages on your face.

We don’t recommend driving in the first seven days after surgery as your eyes may feel dry or gritty and this could affect your vision. Your eyes may also be sensitive to bright lights in the first week after surgery.

Due to bruising you may need to take one or two weeks off work, how much time will depend on the scope of your procedure. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for four weeks after surgery.

Often simple, over the counter pain medication is sufficient to manage any discomfort or tenderness.

More information

What else you should know

Am I a candidate for a brow lift?

Whether you are a candidate for a brow lift will depend on your condition. If you have droopy eyebrows that are affecting your vision, a brow lift may be a suitable option.

What are some of the risks I need to consider for this procedure?

A brow lift poses various risks, including:

Scarring might be visible after a brow lift.
Changes in skin sensation. A brow lift can cause temporary or permanent numbness on the forehead or top of the scalp.
Asymmetry in the position of the brows. A brow lift can result in asymmetry, with one or both of the eyebrows appearing too high. However, asymmetry may even out during the healing process. Persistent brow shape or position problems can be treated through additional surgery.
Hair problems. A brow lift can cause an elevated hairline or hair loss at the incision site. If hair loss doesn’t resolve on its own, it can be treated with scar excision or hair grafting.

Like any other type of major surgery, a brow lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia.

How will my surgeon manage my post-operative care?

Your surgeon will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise:

where you will go after your surgery
what medication you will be given or prescribed
what bandages and dressings you will need and when they’ll be removed
if you require stitches, when they’ll be removed
when you can get back to normal activity and exercise
when to book your follow-up care.

What are some of the potential risks and complications?

Modern surgery is generally safe, but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur.

Some of the possible complications and risks associated with brow lifts include:

Bleeding from an operated site.
Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases.
Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions or allergic drug reactions.
Pain, bruising, swelling and scarring in the operated site.
Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes.
Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to general anaesthesia, such as deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
Temporary or permanent areas of numbness.
Asymmetry (unevenness) of the brows.
Hair loss near the site of incision.
Eye irritation or dryness.