What to Expect During Brow Lift Recovery

Sagging brows can make the face look older, tired, and sometimes even upset. A brow lift removes sagging brow skin, to create a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. 

At The Landings Surgical Centre, Dr. Richard Bendor-Samuel and Dr. Louis Boileau offer the gliding brow lift technique to provide attractive results with minimal scarring and reduced recovery time. 

It’s important that patients have an understanding of what to expect with brow lift recovery. If you live in the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island-area, and would like to discuss your brow lift options and recovery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation. 

How Long Is Recovery?

Generally, the initial recovery period for brow lift surgery lasts 10 to 14 days with a full recovery around four weeks. However, the total length of time needed for recovery will vary by patient based on personal healing times and the type of brow lift performed.  

What to Expect During the First Few Days of Recovery

During the immediate recovery period after surgery, patients should be prepared for some swelling and discomfort. Pain medications will be prescribed to help patients manage discomfort and should be taken as instructed. 

Patients should keep their head elevated for the first 48 hours following surgery to help reduce swelling. This also means that patients should sleep upright for at least the first two nights after surgery.   

Strenuous activities must be avoided as well as bending down. Because it may be difficult to do some things during this initial phase, it is recommended that patients have a friend or family member stay with them for a few days. 

What to Expect One to Two Weeks After Surgery

Around 10 to 12 days after surgery, sutures are generally removed and pain and swelling should begin to subside. 

Patients should also expect some scarring as their incisions heal. Although incisions are placed so that they are hidden by the hairline or natural creases in the skin, scars often appear pinkish red but tend to fade over time. 

Around this time most patients feel well enough to return to work and may do so provided they are able to avoid strenuous activity. This also means that vigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided.  

Although strenuous activity should be avoided, it is beneficial for patients to take light walks. This helps with blood circulation and encourages healing. 

Three Weeks After Surgery and Beyond

During the next few weeks, patients should continue to heal. Most patients are cleared to resume strenuous activity around four to six weeks after surgery. 

Pain and significant swelling should diminish at this point but some patients may have some residual swelling. This swelling is typically minimal and tends to resolve with time. 

Brow surgery results will be visible at this time but may take several months to fully appear as the tissues adjust to their new contours and swelling fully resolves. Even with continued healing, patients should expect to see a noticeable improvement in their appearance and a more refreshed and rejuvenated look. 

Contact The Landings Surgical Centre

For more information about brow lift surgery, or to find out which treatments are right for you, call (902) 492-2007 to schedule a consultation at The Landings Surgical Centre.