Depending on the type of brow lift performed, recovery can last from as little as several days to as long as three to four weeks. Assuming the most invasive form of brow lift was carried out; the sequence would include a possible overnight stay. In either instance, assuming an uncomplicated course, immediate recovery from anesthesia takes from one half to a full hour. Patients go may go to a private suite prior to discharge, or when staying overnight, to an appropriate room. Drains would likely be present, and be removed the following day. Swelling is worst at 48-72 hours, and should gradually subside thereafter. Sleeping with the head elevated on several pillows will do much to aid in drainage and diminish facial puffiness. Pain begins to improve significantly after 3-4 days. Oral pain medication will do a lot to alleviate most of the discomfort. Numbness about the central forehead does not affect the majority of patients, but it is not rare. Numbness behind the hairline incision in the case of open or coronal brow lifting is a drawback to this type of procedure. This is why endoscopic brow lifting is preferred to the coronal approach. If loss of sensation is present, parenthesis may take from six to twelve months to resolve. Bruising is normal, and may change color over days. Uneven swelling and bruising are not normal, and may signal a bleeding problem, early on, and infection later in the course. Both of which are not very common. In any case, notifying Dr. Gerzenshtein as soon as possible is essential to a good outcome. Other findings that may merit the same action are loose sutures, cloudy drainage, fever, or redness. Visible sutures are removed within 5-7 days. Sutures or staples behind the hairline and ears are left in for 10-14 days.
Make-up may be applied after one week. Light exercise may begin 7-10 days after surgery, while more strenuous activity should wait until after one month has passed.
