A period of recovery is standard after any type of facial plastic surgery. But, the recovery process is slightly different for different types of surgery. For example, after rhinoplasty, you can expect to be asked to avoid activities that can injure your nose for an extended amount of time. You can also expect to be asked to watch what you eat and to adjust your wardrobe choices slightly. If you’re considering a brow lift, or forehead lift, to help raise a droopy brow or smooth the lines on your forehead, there are a few things you can reasonably expect after the procedure.
Slight Changes in Diet
You might be a bit hungry right after the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off. But, you probably won’t want to have a full, chewy meal immediately after surgery. It’s usually recommended that you start out enjoying liquid foods first thing after a brow lift. Try a bowl of not-too-hot soup or a smoothie if you feel very hungry after you wake up or after the sedative wears off. Wait until the next day or so to enjoy a big meal.
Lots of Bathroom Breaks
IV sedation is common when a endoscopic brow lift is performed. While sedation can have benefits over general anesthesia, there might be one curious side effect you notice. The increase in fluids given to you during the procedure can mean that you need to take a lot of bathroom breaks during the first few hours after surgery. You might want to situate yourself near a bathroom at home, so that you don’t have far to go when the urge strikes.
It might seem counterintuitive, but it can be helpful to drink plenty of water or other fluids in the hours after surgery. You’ll be losing a lot of liquid from the constant bathroom breaks and will want to get make sure you’re getting enough water to replenish what you’ve lost.
Some Swelling and Bruising
In many cases, it takes swelling and bruising a few days before it is the most noticeable. You might look in the mirror two or three days after a brow lift and notice that your swelling looks a lot more pronounced than it was the day of your surgery. Don’t worry, as the swelling will start to diminish around the fourth or fifth day. Many patients notice a dramatic decrease in swelling, so that they are able to get a good sense of their final results, about 10 to 14 days after the surgery.
There are some ways to minimize swelling. Keeping your head elevated, even when sleeping, can help. Using cold compresses on the area will also help minimize swelling, but only if you apply them regularly during the first few days after surgery. Usually, it’s recommended that you put a compress on the area around your eyes for about 20 minutes, then take a 20 minute break from using it, before applying another cold compress.
Your surgeon may recommend supplements to help control bruising or swelling after your brow lift. Arnica might help reduce bruising, while bromelain can help with swelling. Talk to your surgeon about the ideal time to start taking such supplements to get the most benefit from them.
Some Discomfort and Itching
Many surgeons are quick to note that discomfort is at a minimum after a brow lift. It usually is, but you still might experience a bit of it. A prescription pain reliever from your doctor can be helpful when it comes to reducing any discomfort. You might also have some itching in the scalp, especially as the anesthesia wears off, and near the incision sites. Resist the urge to scratch, so that you don’t accidently open the sutures or mess up the incision areas.
Limited Activity
Take it easy after surgery for at least two weeks. That doesn’t mean you need to stay in bed or limit yourself to a chair or couch in the living room. It just means that you should avoid exercise or doing anything that requires a lot of effort around the house. You might feel well enough to take short walks or do light chores, such as folding the laundry or washing the dishes, a few days after your brow lift.
Schedule an Endoscopic Brow Lift Consultation Today
To learn more about your endoscopic brow lift surgery options, contact Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a facial plastic surgeon that can provide the guidance you need. Please contact us either by email or calling 845-863-1772. Dr. Rubinstein’s practice, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, has two locations in New York, one in Newburgh and one in Manhattan.
Dr. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 15 years and specializes in esthetic laser producers, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
