How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Brow Lift

Dr Scott Turner - FRACS (Plas)

Tips for a Faster Recovery after a Brow Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce horizontal wrinkles across the forehead and raise low-positioned brows. Like any plastic surgery procedure, a brow lift is associated with bruising and swelling. It can take a while before you get to enjoy the final results of the surgery as bruising and swelling can take a few weeks to subside. Thus, you need to follow post-care instructions to help reduce these side effects.

Reducing Bruising and Swelling After a Brow Lift

Here are some tips to help you in the recovery process:

Avoid Blood Thinners

It is important to understand that certain medications and herbal supplements can worsen bruising post-surgery. Hence, it is crucial to stay clear of blood thinners such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and other related products for a minimum of two weeks after the surgery. Avoid herbal supplements, medications, and teas as well. All of them can lead to blood thinning, which will worsen the bruising. Always tell your surgeon and anaesthetist what you are taking.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Rest is essential during your recovery. However, you cannot sleep in any position you like. It is critical to sleep on your back and keep your head elevated. You can either sleep in a recliner for the first few days or use a few pillows to prop up your head. This sleeping position will ensure that swelling won’t get worse at the surgical site. Make sure to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the incision sites.

Apply Cold Packs

Cold compression can help reduce bruising and swelling after a brow lift. Using a cold pack on your forehead will constrict the blood vessels which helps decrease swelling and bruising. Avoid putting ice directly on the skin to prevent cold burns. Always wrap the ice in a soft cloth or a towel. Place the covered ice in one place for 15 minutes at a time and then take a break for 15 minutes. Use this technique for the first three days after the surgery.

Avoid Intense Activity

Heavy lifting and strenuous activities are to be avoided post-surgery. Any form of physical activity might lead to delayed recovery by putting tension on your incision sites. The only activity you should be doing for the first two to four weeks of surgery is walking around the house.

Arnica Montana and Bromelain may help

Using Arnica Montana and bromelain can help minimise bruising. Although, make sure to consult with Dr Turner before using them. These can be purchased over the counter. However, it is crucial to discuss this with Dr Turner before taking any sort of over-the-counter medications or supplements.

Take Care of Your Incisions and Dressings

Make sure to take care of your incisions as per the instructions of your surgeon. Keep them clean and dry at all times, change the dressings regularly, take all the prescribed medication, and do not pick on your scabs.

Follow Up Visits

Follow-up visits give Dr Turner a chance to review your progress and help you avoid any possible complications. This also allows him to answer any questions or concerns you have. So, do not skip your post-op consultations.

Eat Well – Have a Balanced Nutritional Diet

It is crucial to feed yourself properly post-surgery. Keep a healthy and balanced diet with low sodium content. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables with high water content and drink plenty of water as well.

What You Shouldn’t Do After a Brow Lift Surgery

Now that we have discussed a list of things you should be doing, let’s explore some things you should avoid after the surgery.

  • Avoid caffeinated beverages as they can dehydrate your body and lead to water retention which translates into prolonged swelling.
  • Avoid energy drinks, packaged foods, and fast food items as they contain a lot of sodium which is your worst enemy if you are trying to get rid of bruising and swelling.
  • Do not skip follow-up visits as this allows your surgeon to assess your recovery progress and address any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Do not take any over-the-counter drugs without consulting Dr Turner first. Sometimes OTC meds work great for you, other times they can worsen the bruising and swelling.
  • Do not engage in any strenuous activities including workouts and heavy lifting.

FAQs about Brow Lift Surgery Recovery

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding brow lift recovery:

How long does swelling last after brow lift surgery?

Most of the swelling after the brow lift will subside in three to four weeks.

How do you reduce swelling after brow lift surgery?

It is important to understand that swelling will take some time to completely go away. However, there are things you can do to minimise the intensity: use a cold compress, avoid excess sodium and caffeine intake, take care of your incisions, take all the prescribed meds, avoid blood thinners, drink enough water, and keep a healthy diet.

How can I heal faster after brow lift surgery?

You can heal faster by following all the pre and post-surgical instructions given by Dr Turner.

Can you ice too much after brow lift surgery?

Make sure to follow Dr Turner’s recommendation regarding ice compress. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth or a towel and place it on your skin for only 15 minutes at a time and then take a break for 15 minutes.

When should I use scar cream after brow lift surgery?

Once your incisions are fully healed, you can start using scar removal creams on your incisions.

How do you stop bruising after a brow lift?

You cannot stop bruising from happening in the first place as it is a natural response of your body to surgical procedures. Follow these tips to help treat bruising: avoid blood thinners, use cold compressions, and take the prescribed medications.

What do you put on your scars after brow lift surgery?

You can use silicone gels and patches on your scars after brow lift surgery but make sure that your incisions have healed completely.

Does ibuprofen help with swelling?

It is not recommended to use ibuprofen or any other type of OTC drug post-brow lift surgery. Ibuprofen is a blood thinner that can worsen bruising. So, it is best to avoid it and stick to prescribed medications only.

When can I sleep on my side after a brow lift?

While the recovery timeline can vary from patient to patient, you can resume front or side sleeping after 2-4 weeks.

What can I put on my scars after brow lift surgery?

You can put topical vitamin E, silicone gel, and patches on your scars after a brow lift surgery.

How many days should you ice your forehead after brow lift surgery?

You can ice your forehead for three days after the brow lift surgery to minimise swelling and bruising.

How do you prevent scarring after brow lift surgery?

Here are a few tips to prevent scarring after a brow lift: take care of your incisions, do not pick on your scabs, wear sunscreen while stepping out, and use scar removal creams and gels once your incisions have fully healed.

Is bruising and swelling normal after surgery?

Yes, both bruising and swelling are a normal part of the recovery process and are the body’s response to surgery.

Can I drink coffee after brow lift surgery?

It is recommended to avoid caffeinated beverages after brow lift surgery. If you cannot do without coffee, limit the intake to one cup a day and drink plenty of water as well.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

  • Download a Procedure Guides to find out more about your surgery.
  • Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

  • A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
  • Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
  • Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.

Making The Most of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

How to Book Your Consultation

  • You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.

Book a Phone Call for More Info

To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.

Contact us or call 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information: [email protected]