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The brow lift recovery time depends on the procedure and the patient’s own body and its recovery rate. As soon as the brow lift procedure is over the patient may feel groggy from the anesthesia. His forehead may be taped and his head covered and there may be a thin tube to collect drainage from the injury. He will have to take it easy for at least a week. He will have to keep his head elevated. There may be some swelling or pain for which medicines would have been prescribed. He should take his temperature daily, as any fever is the result of infection. He should take the painkillers and antibiotics on time. The doctor would advise cold compresses to prevent swelling and bruising. If there is any pus or redness or excessive pain other than what the doctor had mentioned then it should be reported immediately. Any symptom, which does not look normal, should also be reported. Often the third day after the procedure is the worst as the swelling reaches its zenith. But it will soon come down. Bruising and swelling are normal and there is nothing to worry about. The cheeks and other parts of the face may also have some swelling. Ice packs can be applied to lower this. Some patients may need hot water bottles or heating pads for comfort.
The first postoperative visit would be the second day after the surgery. The surgeon may or may not change the bandages or may wait for a few more days, depending on the seepage, if any. The sutures would normally be removed after five or six days. If any staples have been used, especially in the hair, they may be removed only on the tenth day. The scalp takes longer to heal and may feel numb for a few days. If healing properly the patient may be up and about in a few days but there is nothing wrong if he prefers to stay in bed and relax longer.
The patient should take things easy for three weeks and he should not lift heavy things or bend too often. Strenuous exercises or sports should also be avoided for at least three weeks. Alcohol and aspirin have to be avoided for a few weeks. Smoking should not be resumed. There may be changes in the eyebrows, sometimes tightness may be felt, or tingling or sporadic pain, or burning or pulling sensation, or even cold. All this is perfectly normal. Soon the swelling will subside and the patient will look younger and rejuvenated. Some patients have bouts of depression. Some have an itching sensation even after a few months.
Most patients can resume work and normal activates by the tenth day unless there are any complications. Though these side effects are minimal they can be scarring, or infection or loss of sensation around the operated area. These are rare. If there is any shortness of breath or unusual heartbeats it is best to seek medical advice. Sometimes a single surgery may not get the expected response and a second one may be needed. |
