Once it is determined that a brow lift is the appropriate course of action for you, your doctor will carefully explain the entire process to you from beginning to end. To ensure a smooth and successful process, your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow before, during, and after the surgery. These directions may vary depending on your case, but generally, there are pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing, and medications. Your plastic surgeon may have specific instructions for you to follow the day of the surgery including medications that you should take. He / she will provide you with details on the anesthesia used and the effects it may cause. You will also be given directions on post surgery care and follow-up.
Prior to moving forward with the brow lift procedure, you will be asked to sign consent forms. This assures your surgeon that you completely understand the surgery process that you have opted to undergo and that you are aware of any risks and complications that may occur.
As with any surgical procedure, it is important that you know there are risks associated with undergoing a brow lift. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you in detail, prior to your consent. Typically, risks related to the brow lift surgery include infection, blood clots, bleeding (hematoma), facial asymmetry, poor healing of scars, and areas of hair loss or numbness within the scalp. There are also risks associated with the anesthesia. Facial paralysis is extremely rare, but it is a risk to consider. An elevated hairline is another effect that may result from a brow lift.
It’s natural to feel nervous about getting a forehead lift. It’s a major procedure and individuals may be anxious due to stress or just excited for the results they anticipate. Whatever the case, it is important that you share these feelings with your doctor and make sure he / she addresses any questions or concerns you have. Your physician wants you to feel comfortable about the process so he / she can be sure to give you the best results possible.
Brow Lift – What to Expect
The brow lift surgery process can be performed in your plastic surgeon’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility, or a hospital. Depending on your particular case, you may choose to undergo anesthesia, or your surgeon may recommend it. Your plastic surgeon and his / her staff will be there every step of the way to ensure you have a comfortable and safe experience. After the procedure, you will be asked to follow up with the office to ensure that you’re healing correctly.
Brow Lift – Following Surgery
Once your brow lift surgery is complete, there are still some post operation steps you need to follow to ensure proper healing. After your procedure, your surgeon may tape your forehead and loosely wrap your head in order to minimize any swelling or bruising that may occur. It is natural for you to bruise, but your plastic surgeon may help minimize this for you by giving you a temporary tube that will help drain excess fluid from the affected area. For your safety, you will need an accompanying family member or friend to take you home after the surgery. Before your doctor can release you, he or his staff, will give you directions on how to care for your wounds for proper healing. You will be told how to care for the surgical site, what medications to take orally or to apply in order to help with the healing process and reduce any chances of infection. As this is an unnatural process that your body is not used to, your body may react differently. You will be instructed on what changes to look for in your overall health or any changes in the condition of your wounds that may require additional follow up. You will be asked to follow up with your doctor at a specific time following your surgery so he can check on the status of your healing.