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, improve the look of frown lines, raise sagging brows and give you an overall youthful look. Like any plastic surgery procedure, a brow lift can entail significant bruising and swelling. It can take a while before you get to enjoy the final results of your surgery as bruising and swelling can take a few weeks to subside. Bruising generally fades away faster than swelling. However, you need to follow post-care instructions to help reduce these side effects.

Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Scott Turner is committed to providing a premium patient care experience during the surgery as well as the recovery phase. He and his nurse support team are available to answer your queries as they arise. Moreover, you will be provided with complete information to help you with recovery after the surgery.

Reducing Bruising and Swelling Post a Brow Lift

Here are some tips that will help the bruising and swelling fade away quickly to get an optimal result

·       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 others 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 as you are risking ice burn. 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 and you will notice a significant improvement.

·       Avoid Intense Activity

Heavy lifting and strenuous activities are to be avoided post-surgery. Any form of physical activity will increase your heart rate and blood pressure which puts you at a higher risk of bruising and might lead to delayed recovery. 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 prior to 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. If you follow all the right instructions, you will not only see an immediate improvement in swelling and bruising but will also inch closer and closer to complete recovery.

·       Follow Up Visits

A lot of patients are quite excited about the surgery but don’t understand the need for follow-up visits. Follow-up visits give Dr Turner a chance to review your progress and help you avoid any possible complications. 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. If your body is well hydrated, the recovery process will be shorter and smoother.

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 if you want faster recovery.

  • 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 you are stripping yourself of the chance to avoid any potential complications
  • 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 that increase your heart rate

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 brow lift will subside in three to four weeks’ time.

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?

  • You actually can. Hence it is important to be very careful. 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. Following these steps will give you maximum benefits.

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 the bruising fade away quickly: avoid blood thinners, use cold compressions, and take the prescribed medications and you will be good to go.

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, most people are generally able to 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 post a brow lift: take care of your incisions, do not pick on your scabs, wear sunscreen while stepping out, 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 very normal part of the recovery process post any kind of 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

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 slightly early for your in-person consultation with Dr Scott
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
  • Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
  • 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?

  • Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
  • Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation with Dr Turner

  • You can book your initial consultation with Dr Turner 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 on  1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney or Newcastle.

Email us for more information:[email protected].