Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for this type of surgery?
The best candidate for a brow lift is a man or woman whose eyebrows have descended over time, leading to an unnatural appearance of sadness, tiredness or anger as a result of chronic muscle hyperactivity of the forehead. A brow lift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. It cannot give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth.
If certain chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity or respiratory illnesses are poorly controlled, or you are immunocompromised, require anti-coagulants (blood thinners), or you are an active smoker, you may not be a safe candidate for this procedure. See also: Smoking and BMI.
What kind of scars will I have and where will they be located?
If you have an endoscopic brow lift, there will be three incisions on the crown of the scalp as well as an incision in both temples. They are located within the hairline so they will be hidden once they heal. An open brow lift requires a larger incision extending from temple to temple. This allows for the removal of a strip of skin in patients with a significant drooping of the brow. Unfortunately, this may lead to some loss of hair on the scarline and/or numbness of the scalp.
The scars from your brow lift will be permanent, but if healing occurs as anticipated, they will not be noticeable. They are usually hidden by your hair or in your hairline.
It is a common misconception that plastic surgeons have some medical magic that prevents scars. Scars will be present but the aim is to place them in the most inconspicuous location possible.
How long is the operation?
A brow lift usually takes just over one hour.
How long is the hospital stay?
A brow lift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you can go home the same day once you have recovered from the anaesthetic.
How much pain should I expect?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively. Every patient has a different pain tolerance. Most patients experience very little pain after brow lift surgery, however, we will prescribe sufficient pain medication throughout your recovery period to ensure the discomfort you feel is manageable.
In the unlikely event that you experience severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face, you should report this to us immediately.
Most people feel tender and bruised after surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain. Some numbness of the skin is quite normal, and it will disappear in a few weeks or months.
What happens after the surgery?
You will be sent home with a light dressing on your forehead. You will be able to shower after your first dressing change one to two days post operatively, although you should avoid direct contact between the shower spray and your incisions.
Incisional care is minimal and involves gentle regular cleaning with a mild soap and water, and topical application of Vaseline or Aquaphor over the incision lines. Do not use harsh cleansers or hydrogen peroxide.
We frequently use staples for closure and these are removed 7-10 days post surgery. If screws are used to help fix the forehead in an elevated position they will also be removed at the same time.
You can expect some bruising and discolouration around the eyes. Most of this will be gone about ten days post operatively.
Will I need to wear a support garment?
Support garments are not usually worn following brow lift surgery.
Will I have drains?
Drains to remove excess fluid are sometimes used. If they are used, they will be removed within two or three days.
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When will I be able to go back to work and resume my normal activities?
You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb at first.
We encourage you to start walking almost immediately after your surgery to diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs, as a result of immobilization from the anaesthetic. Even while you are resting, you should be moving your feet and ankles frequently to promote circulation in your legs. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.
You will be able to shower after your dressing change although you should avoid direct contact between the shower spray and your incisions. Depending on the thinness of your skin, you will have a variable amount of bruising. Most of this will be gone ten days post operatively.
Social activity involving large amounts of alcohol and sexual activity should be limited for approximately one month. During this period, avoid bending over, lifting objects heavier than 5 kg and strenuous aerobic activity. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.
Sleep with your head and neck elevated until the majority of the swelling subsides. For example, use several pillows or a recliner. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.
How many times can I have this procedure done?
The vast majority of patients never need another brow lift. Various minor procedures are often performed with the aim of improving certain localized areas that do not require a complete brow lift.
When can I go in the sun?
Since your scars are usually hidden in your scalp, you will be able to tolerate moderate sun exposure after your incisions have healed, usually a week or two post operatively. You should, however, protect them from the sun with a hat.
If any of your scars are on your forehead hairline, you should avoid exposing them to the sun for at least six months or until they have matured well. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.
Exposure to ultraviolet light will irreversibly and prematurely age your skin in addition to increasing the chance of developing skin cancer. You should minimize exposure of your unprotected facial skin to prolonged sunlight.
How long do the swelling and numbness last?
Postoperative swelling is extremely variable. Several weeks are required for most of the swelling to subside. Most patients feel comfortable in a social setting within a month. There are individuals who require more time for the swelling to subside and if you have an important social or family affair, you should allow at least six weeks for the swelling and discolouration to completely subside.
The reduction in sensation in the operative site will usually correct itself in three to four months but can take up to a full year to resolve.
When can I use a hairdryer?
Hair dryers can be used 3 weeks after surgery. You should not apply excess heat to your incisions but should use a cooler setting and hold the dryer further away from your head till you are at least 6 weeks post surgery.
When can I colour my hair?
We prefer that you wait 4 weeks before using hair dyes, provided healing has occurred in a normal fashion.
Will a brow lift remove my wrinkles?
It is important to understand that when the skin is tightened in any brow lift procedure, this may reduce the effect of the wrinkles and creases but they are permanent in nature and cannot be completely eliminated.
How long will the results last?
This is difficult to answer. One answer might be that it will last forever in that the hands of the clock have been turned back. However, your lifted brow will also continue to descend with age.
For example if you had an identical twin, and we operated on you but not your twin, a certain difference in your physical appearance would result. This difference would probably exist for the rest of your lives. The twin having had the brow lift will always look younger than the twin who did not have the operation.
What is the best age to have a brow lift?
The average age for a primary brow lift has gradually moved downward over the years to approximately 50 years of age. Performing the procedure on people in a younger age group improves the long-term results. However, it is important to understand that while we can turn back the biological clock, we cannot stop it..
