Most people are comfortable socially around two weeks after a brow lift, once the bulk of bruising and swelling has settled and stitches or clips have been removed. Numbness or itching of the scalp can take several months to resolve, and the final result is typically judged at around six to twelve months. The timeline below is a conservative guide; your own recovery will depend on the technique used and whether other procedures were combined.
The first 48 hours
You will usually go home the same day or after one night, depending on the anaesthetic and whether eyelid surgery was performed at the same time. A light head dressing or band may be in place. Expect a tight feeling across the forehead, mild to moderate discomfort that is generally controlled with regular simple painkillers, and swelling that often increases over the first two to three days.
Keep your head elevated on two or three pillows, including when sleeping, and use cool compresses (never ice directly on the skin) around the eyes if advised. Someone should stay with you for the first night. Avoid bending, lifting and straining, which can raise pressure in the head and neck.
Week one
Swelling and bruising commonly track downwards under gravity, so the eyelids and even the cheeks can look puffy or discoloured although surgery was higher up. This is normal and fades progressively. You will be told when you can first wash your hair, typically after around 48 hours, using a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water, patting rather than rubbing the incisions. Stitches or clips in the scalp are usually removed at around seven to ten days. Avoid hairdryers on a hot setting, straighteners and curling tongs, because scalp sensation is reduced and a burn could go unnoticed.
Weeks two to six
- Work: many people return to desk-based work at around 10 to 14 days; physically demanding roles may need longer.
- Driving: only when you are off strong painkillers, can see clearly without swelling affecting your vision and could perform an emergency stop; often around one week, and check your insurer’s requirements.
- Exercise: gentle walking from the first days; avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and inverted positions for around four weeks, building up gradually after that as advised.
- Hair colouring: avoid dyes, bleach and chemical treatments for about four to six weeks until the incisions have fully healed.
- Make-up: light make-up away from the incisions can usually be used once any eyelid wounds have healed and you have been advised it is safe.
By the end of this period most visible bruising has gone, although some tightness and residual swelling are common.
Three to twelve months
The brow continues to settle as swelling resolves and the tissues heal in their new position. A little initial over-elevation, if present, often softens over the first weeks. Numbness of the forehead and front of the scalp is common after brow lifting because small sensory nerves are stretched or disturbed; sensation usually returns gradually, often with tingling or itching along the way. Incision lines within the hair mature over 12 to 18 months and are generally concealed by hair growth.
Scar and scalp care
Keep incisions clean and dry as instructed, and avoid picking at scabs. Once healed, gentle massage and silicone gel may be recommended for any scars that are not hidden in the hair, such as after a direct brow lift. Protect the forehead and any visible scars from sun with a hat and high-factor sunscreen. Some temporary hair thinning around incisions can occur and usually recovers over a few months.
Warning signs and who to contact
Contact the surgical team the same day if you develop a fever, increasing redness, warmth or discharge from an incision, or pain that is getting worse rather than better. Rapidly increasing swelling on one side of the forehead or around one eye, particularly with firmness or severe pain, needs urgent contact with the team as it may indicate bleeding. Any change in vision needs urgent assessment. Sudden one-sided calf pain or leg swelling needs same-day advice from a GP or NHS 111, and chest pain or breathlessness requires a 999 call.
Planning your time off
Most people plan two weeks away from work and social commitments, and longer if a brow lift is combined with eyelid surgery or a facelift. Arrange help at home for the first few days and avoid booking important events within the first month. Mr Nassab will give you written aftercare instructions and review you at follow-up appointments. For the full procedure details see the brow lift page, and read about potential complications on the brow lift risks page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the downtime after a brow lift?
Most people take around two weeks off work and social activities. Residual swelling and numbness can persist for several weeks to months.
When can you wash your hair after a brow lift?
Usually after around 48 hours, using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water, but follow the specific instructions given at discharge.
Why are my eyes bruised when surgery was on my forehead?
Swelling and bruising drift downwards with gravity, so the eyelids often become puffy or discoloured for the first week or so. Sleeping with your head raised helps.
Is numbness after a brow lift normal?
Yes. Numbness of the forehead and scalp is common and usually improves gradually over months, sometimes with itching as sensation returns.
When will you see the final result?
The brow is usually settled by three months, with the final result assessed at around six to twelve months.
