The first areas that show noticeable signs of aging are the eyes and forehead. Aging in this area can leave you looking tired, stressed, or angry. A brow lift with Dr. Sandra Margoles can help restore a youthful radiance to your forehead. Before you schedule your consultation, take note of the things you can do to make your recovery period safer and faster.
We’ve gathered some frequently asked questions about brow lifts and tips for smoother healing.
What Pre-Operative Steps Can Ensure a Smoother Brow Lift Recovery?
You can take several steps before your surgery for a smooth surgical experience and swift recovery.
- For two weeks, stop taking medications and supplements that increase bleeding risks, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, other NSAIDs, vitamin E, or herbal supplements.
- Avoid chemically treating your hair for two weeks.
- Refrain from smoking, vaping, or using nicotine products for at least six weeks before and after surgery. Smoking and nicotine can negatively affect your recovery.
- Steer clear of sun exposure or tanning beds for at least two weeks.
- Schedule time off work, purchase necessary supplies, fill pain medication prescriptions, and set up a comfortable area where you can rest when you feel fatigued.
- Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure and assist you with household management or child care.
- The night before surgery, avoid eating or drinking after midnight.
Managing Post-Brow Lift Swelling and Bruising
While some swelling and bruising are common, a few steps can help you minimize their impact on your brow lift recovery. Swelling peaks around the third day after surgery and will improve significantly in two weeks.
- Rest with your head elevated.
- Take pain medication as directed.
- Apply cold compresses to minimize swelling.
- Avoid pressure or motion to your incisions.
- Eat a low-sodium diet.
- Do not bend over, lift heavy objects, or do strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
The Best Sleeping Positions for Brow Lift Recovery
After a brow lift, do not put pressure on your incisions, even in your sleep. The best sleeping position is in a recliner or on your back with your head elevated on several pillows. Elevation helps reduce swelling while you rest.
Foods and Supplements to Support Faster Healing After a Brow Lift
Your diet can directly impact your body’s healing efforts.
- Eat fresh produce with antioxidants to promote collagen production.
- Choose high-protein, low-fat meals.
- Limit processed foods, takeout meals, sugars, and sodium.
- Decrease inflammation with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Drink plenty of water or electrolyte beverages daily.
What to Avoid After a Brow Lift to Ensure Safe Recovery
After a brow lift, focus on resting with your head elevated. Do not do any strenuous activity that may elevate your blood pressure until Dr. Margoles clears you to.
Other activities to avoid following your brow lift surgery include:
- Bending.
- Lifting more than five pounds.
- Exercises that increase your blood pressure – you can take light walks starting on the third day of recovery.
- Any housework that takes a lot of effort.
- Driving while you are taking pain medication or cannot move your head comfortably.
Identify and Address Brow Lift Complications Early
Choosing a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon is a significant step in avoiding brow lift complications. However, like any surgery, a brow lift has potential complications and risks like bleeding, anesthesia reactions, or infections. Follow all post-procedural instructions for your safety. Contact Dr. Margoles immediately if you experience sudden swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
The Role of Hydration in Your Brow Lift Recovery Process
It’s crucial to stay well-hydrated before and after any plastic surgery procedure. Water flushes out toxins and reduces inflammation to minimize swelling and bruising.
How Important Is Following Your Surgeon’s Aftercare Instructions?
After your brow lift, do everything you can for a smooth recovery, including thoroughly following Dr. Margoles’ aftercare instructions. Here are a few of our favorite aftercare tips.
- Minimize swelling by using iced gauze pads on your eyes and forehead for the first 48 hours.
- Elevate your head in a recliner or with an extra pillow to minimize swelling.
- Use caution when applying ice packs or using hot hair tools.
- Apply ointment to your incisions as directed.
- Wait three days after your brow lift to gently wash your hair. Use baby shampoo or clarifying shampoo.
- Avoid coloring or perming your hair for at least one month after surgery.
- Do not wear makeup for five to seven days after surgery.
- You may resume light walking three days after surgery. Gradually resume other exercises, activities, or heavy lifting in three weeks.
- Optimize the healing process by keeping your face calm for two weeks.
- Absolutely no sun exposure or tanning beds for at least six weeks after surgery. Wear an SPF 45 or higher sunscreen every day.
- Take medications as prescribed.
When Can You Expect to Return to Normal Activities After a Brow Lift?
The initial healing period following a brow lift surgery is 10 to 14 days. After that, you should feel well enough to resume working and many daily activities. While your initial swelling will reduce significantly at this point, residual swelling may take up to six months to resolve.
Most people can do light activities, such as light walking, around three days after surgery. Dr. Margoles will help you determine how quickly you can return to your typical workout routine.
How Can You Maintain Your Brow Lift Results Post-Recovery?
While a brow lift produces long-lasting results, it does not stop your skin from aging. As skin ages, it loses elasticity and resilience, allowing wrinkles to form. However, if wrinkles return after a brow lift, they are typically not as deep or severe.
Protect your skin from damaging UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunblock. Dr. Margoles can also recommend other rejuvenation procedures, such as laser skin tightening or neuromodulators, that may prolong your results.
Schedule Your Brow Lift Consultation Today
Restore your more youthful appearance and boost your confidence when you partner with board-certified Dr. Margoles, one of the best brow lift surgeons in Connecticut!Contact Dr. Margoles at (203) 869-2939 or complete our online form to book your consultation.