Pre Operative Brow Lift Information

Dr Jason Roth (MED0001185485) — Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon, specialist registration in Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery.

All cosmetic surgery involves risks and individual results vary. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Decisions about whether to proceed should be made after careful consideration and following at least two consultations with a qualified medical practitioner.

This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for brow lift surgery with Dr Roth. Please read it alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment. If anything here is unclear or conflicts with instructions you have been given directly, please contact the rooms.

Full brow lift information → | Brow lift risks →

About Brow Lift Surgery

A brow lift — also called a forehead lift or browplasty — raises the position of the eyebrows and addresses horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the brows (glabellar lines), and the heavy or tired appearance that a descended brow creates. It is frequently combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or facelift, as brow descent often contributes to upper eyelid hooding.

Dr Roth performs a range of brow lift techniques and selects the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy, brow position, forehead height, skin quality, and specific goals. The technique planned for your surgery will have been discussed in detail at your consultations.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

Minimally invasive. Small incisions within the hairline; an endoscope allows visualisation of the deeper tissues. The brow is elevated and secured with absorbable fixation. Shorter recovery, minimal scarring. Preferred approach for most patients.

Trichophytic (Hairline) Brow Lift

Incision placed at the hairline, allowing the forehead to be shortened while lifting the brows without raising the hairline. Well-concealed scar. Suited to patients with a higher hairline or a long forehead.

Lateral Temporal and Direct Brow Lift

For specific anatomical circumstances, significant asymmetry, or revision cases. Provides precise, targeted elevation. Used selectively based on anatomy and patient goals.

Brow lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It is typically day surgery, though it may involve an overnight stay when combined with facelift or other procedures. Operating time is approximately 60–90 minutes for a brow lift alone.

Before Surgery

Medications to Cease

Stop the following at least two weeks before surgery:

Aspirin and any aspirin-containing products
Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) and all other anti-inflammatory medications
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprogesic)
Warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — discuss with Dr Roth and your GP before stopping
Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic tablets, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St John’s Wort

Full list: Medications to Avoid →

Smoking

Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications at incision sites.

Fasting

Solid food and milk

Nothing for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery time.

Clear fluids

Water, black tea or coffee permitted up to two hours before. The hospital will confirm your specific instructions the day before surgery.

Hair and Scalp Preparation

Wash your hair the night before or the morning of surgery — you will not be able to wash it for several days after
Do not apply any hair products, sprays, or dry shampoo on the day of surgery
Do not colour or chemically treat your hair for at least two weeks after surgery
Arrange comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head

Practical Preparations

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the first night
Purchase prescribed medications in advance
Plan one to two weeks away from work; four weeks off strenuous activity

What to Expect in Recovery

Days 1–3

Swelling, bruising, and tightness of the forehead peak. The brows and upper eyelids may appear very swollen — this is expected. Cold compresses (gently applied, not directly on the eyes) reduce swelling. Head elevation is important. Some scalp numbness and tingling is normal and resolves over weeks to months.

Days 7–10 — Suture or Staple Removal

Sutures or staples removed at the first post-operative appointment. Bruising beginning to resolve. Hair washing may be resumed gently from this point as instructed. Most patients are socially presentable by 10–14 days.

Weeks 2–4

Bruising resolved. Swelling improving. Most patients return to work and normal social activities. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for four weeks. The brows may initially appear higher than the intended final position — this is normal and settles as swelling resolves.

Months 1–12 — Final Result

Scalp numbness continues to resolve. Scars within the hairline mature and become inconspicuous. The brow settles into its final position at approximately 3–6 months. Scalp sensation typically recovers fully over 3–12 months.

Important Post-Operative Instructions

Keep the head elevated on two to three pillows for the first week — lying flat increases swelling
Apply cold compresses gently over the forehead and around the eyes for the first 24 hours
Do not touch, rub, or scratch the scalp incisions
Do not bend over or perform activities that raise blood pressure for two weeks
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sport for four weeks
Do not colour or chemically treat the hair for two weeks after surgery
Protect incision sites from sun exposure for at least six months — use SPF50+ or a hat
Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed
Take paracetamol for pain — avoid ibuprofen and all anti-inflammatory medications after surgery
Attend all follow-up appointments — scalp healing requires monitoring

When to Seek Urgent Assistance

Contact Dr Roth immediately or attend your nearest emergency department if you experience:

Rapidly increasing or asymmetric swelling of the forehead or scalp
Brisk bleeding from any wound site
Any change in vision
Fever above 38.5°C
Increasing pain, redness, or discharge from the incision sites

Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439
Out of hours: attend the nearest emergency department.

Brow Lift Surgery — Full Information → | Brow Lift Risks → | Contact the Rooms →

Dr Jason Roth — Specialist Otolaryngologist Sydney

Arrange a Consultation

Speak with Dr Jason Roth

Dr Roth consults from Dee Why on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. A GP referral is recommended. All consultations involve a thorough assessment — there is no obligation to proceed.

Request an Appointment
(02) 9982 3439

Dr Jason Roth (MED0001185485) — Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon. All surgery involves risks and individual results vary.

Dr Jason Roth | MBBS, FRACS (ORL-HNS) | MED0001185485
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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