Preparing for Brow Lift Surgery: Here’s What You Can Expect

Brow lift surgery elevates a drooping brow and addresses forehead furrows. It’s an excellent surgery choice if you want a more youthful appearance. You can have brow lift surgery by itself or with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).

At H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Matthew Baker can elevate your facial harmony with a personalized brow lift. The results of your brow lift are largely permanent, but you might see new wrinkles appear over time.

Your first step in preparing for a brow lift is visiting H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery for a detailed cosmetic consultation. Here’s what you need to know:

Your brow lift consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Baker evaluates your overall health to make sure a brow lift is a safe option and that it aligns with your goals. You may be a good candidate for a brow lift at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery if you:

Are in good physical health
Don’t smoke
Have realistic goals and expectations
Have forehead wrinkles or frown lines
Can withstand a recovery process of several months

Brow lift surgery can reduce the appearance of creases across the forehead and vertical “11s” between the brows. It can also widen hooded eyes, but it won’t change the shapes of your eyes or fix sagging eyelids.

Preparing for brow lift surgery

Once you’re approved for a brow lift, Dr. Baker gives you instructions to follow leading up to the date of your surgery. Following your preoperative instructions sets the stage for a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

Common preoperative instructions for a brow lift include:

Quitting smoking at least six weeks before surgery
Avoiding certain medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
Arranging a ride to your appointment

You’ll also need to make arrangements for someone to take care of you for the first night and day after surgery. They can help you manage the surgical site and monitor you for any signs of a complication.

You’ll get a special set of instructions to follow after the surgery to prevent wound infections and other complications.

What to expect during brow lift surgery

Before your brow lift starts, you receive anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Dr. Baker tells you ahead of time if you’ll get local or general anesthesia, based on the type of brow lift you get.

During a brow lift, Dr. Baker makes incisions near the hairline so they’re easy to conceal once they’ve healed. He tightens the skin and tissue and may remove some muscle or skin to reduce forehead wrinkles. He then stitches or staples the incision closed.

You can expect the surgery to take 1-3 hours, with a short observation period afterward.