7 Recovery Tips During Brow Lift Healing

A brow lift is a procedure some individuals choose to address changes in their facial appearance. As with any surgery, the recovery period plays an important role in the healing process. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions can help support recovery, minimise discomfort, and reduce the risk of complications.

It’s natural to have concerns about downtime, pain, or the recovery process. While experiences vary, understanding what to expect and preparing accordingly can help you feel more at ease during the healing period.

1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions Carefully

Your surgeon is your best resource for specific instructions regarding post-operative care.

They’ll provide detailed advice on medication schedules, how to care for your incisions, when to remove bandages, and what activities to avoid. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding medication, incision care, bandage removal, or specific activities to avoid.

For example, you may be asked to sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights to minimise swelling. 

You may also be asked to wear a compression bandage around your head and forehead. During this time, make sure you apply ointment to your incision sites to aid in healing and scarring.

2. Prioritise Rest and Sleep

Sleep is essential for any healing. It allows your body to ramp up the production of growth hormones and cytokines, which are vital for healing. 

Your body also produces more white blood cells and antibodies during sleep. This is crucial, especially since the surgical site is vulnerable to infection.

Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, and take naps during the day if you feel tired. Keep your head elevated by sleeping with two pillows underneath. This also reduces the chances of swelling.

3. Manage Swelling and Bruising

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising post-op. Apply a cold compress (do not apply ice directly) to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes each time. 

Your surgeon may also recommend certain medications or supplements, such as arnica or bromelain, to help manage swelling. 

Arnica is often recommended due to its historical healing properties. It stimulates blood circulation and triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Meanwhile, bromelain, which naturally occurs in pineapples, breaks down proteins that contribute to inflammation and fluid buildup.

While these strategies can help manage swelling and bruising, it’s important to monitor the area for any signs of complications, such as excessive swelling, severe pain, or infection. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to contact your surgeon promptly to address potential concerns.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration

Even without brow lift surgery, eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is essential for your body’s natural healing process.

Go for more lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish. Eggs, legumes, tofu, nuts, and seeds are also rich sources of protein and provide the amino acids needed for tissue repair.

Consider incorporating more vitamins and minerals during this time. Vitamin C is vital for wound healing, collagen synthesis, and immune function. Meanwhile, vitamin A (in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and eggs) promotes healthy cell growth and skin regeneration.

Keep your body hydrated throughout the after-brow-lift healing process. Aim for approximately 2 litres of water daily. Dehydration can impede healing, so follow your surgeon’s advice regarding hydration. 

5. Protect Your Incisions

Keep your incision sites clean and dry according to your surgeon’s instructions. Refrain from picking or scratching, as these can set back healing and increase the risk of scarring.

Additionally, be careful when showering or washing your hair. To protect the incision area from water, try wrapping a small cloth or towel around it. 

If the surgeon permits light showering, tilt your head back away from the showerhead to minimise direct water contact with incisions. Use lukewarm water and gentle water pressure.

6. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting can increase blood pressure and bleeding. You want to avoid doing anything that requires significant effort. Light exercises like going on short walks or house chores are possible. Just don’t strain yourself.

Typically, your surgeon may give the go-signal to resume normal activities after the 6th week. 

However, it entirely depends on your healing rate, the type of brow lift procedure you underwent, any complications during your recovery, and your overall health and fitness level. 

Your surgeon is the best person to determine when you’ll be able to resume your usual activities, so be sure to follow their instructions and advice.

7. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Healing from a brow lift takes time, and it’s important to allow your body to recover at its own pace. Avoid overexerting yourself, as this can impact the healing process. Rest when needed, and follow your surgeon’s guidance closely.

At Artiste Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jack Zoumaras provides personalised post-operative care instructions to guide you through the recovery process. 

While he has extensive experience as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon registered under the AHPRA system, he cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results. 

Each patient’s recovery experience is unique, and results may vary based on individual factors such as anatomy, healing, and overall health.

Dr. Zoumaras can provide information and support throughout your recovery, helping you understand what to expect and how to manage any potential challenges that may arise. 

His focus is on ensuring that you are well-informed and comfortable with each step of the process, but it is important to keep in mind that no surgical procedure is without risk, and complications can occur despite careful planning. If you’re considering a brow lift or any other procedure, Dr. Zoumaras will work with you to explore your options and provide a thorough consultation, allowing you to make the most informed decision for your situation.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.