Brow Lift Pre-Operative 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. It should be read alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment. If anything is unclear, please contact the rooms.

Read the full brow lift information page →

About Brow Lift Surgery

A brow lift — also called a forehead lift or browplasty — elevates the brows and smooths forehead lines to create a more rested and refreshed appearance. Several techniques are available and the approach selected for your surgery will have been discussed at your consultations:

Endoscopic brow lift — three to five small incisions within the hairline; endoscopic camera used to lift and reposition the brow. Minimally invasive with a shorter recovery. Best suited to mild to moderate brow descent.
Lateral temporal brow lift — small incisions at the temples to address the outer brow and upper lateral face. Often combined with facelift surgery.
Coronal brow lift — a longer incision across the scalp within the hair-bearing skin. More extensive correction, longer lasting. Less commonly used.
Direct brow lift — an incision directly above the brow. Used in selected patients where other approaches are not suitable. Visible scar, discussed at consultation.

Brow lift surgery is frequently performed in combination with blepharoplasty and/or facelift surgery. It is performed under general anaesthesia.

Before Surgery

Medications to Cease

Stop the following at least two weeks before surgery:

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

A full list is available on the Medications to Avoid page →

Smoking

All smoking and nicotine products must be ceased at least four weeks before surgery and not resumed during healing. Nicotine impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications.

Fasting

No solid food or milk for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery time
Clear fluids permitted up to two hours before — confirmed by the hospital the day before

Hair and Skincare

Do not colour or chemically treat the hair within four weeks before surgery — wait at least four weeks after surgery before doing so
Arrive with clean hair and no styling products
Do not apply makeup or skincare on the day of surgery
Remove all jewellery and nail polish

Practical Preparations

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the first night — this is a requirement
Prepare a comfortable recovery space with extra pillows for head elevation
Plan at least one week away from work; two weeks off strenuous exercise
Have prescribed medications ready before the day of surgery

What to Expect in Recovery

Day 1

Most patients are discharged the same day. Forehead swelling and bruising around the eyes will be present. Head elevation and cold compresses to the forehead and eyes help. The forehead will feel numb and tight — this is expected.

Days 2–5

Bruising and swelling around the eyes peak at 48–72 hours. Scalp may feel tender and itchy along the incision lines. Rest at home with head elevated.

Days 7–10 — sutures or staples removed

First post-operative visit. Sutures or staples removed. Bruising beginning to fade. Most patients are socially presentable.

Weeks 2–4

Bruising resolves. Forehead swelling improving. Return to work and light social activities for most patients. Scalp numbness may persist for several weeks to months.

Months 1–3

Residual swelling and scalp numbness gradually resolve. Incision lines fade from pink toward skin colour. Final result becoming apparent.

Important Post-Operative Instructions

Sleep with head elevated on two to three pillows for at least two weeks
Apply cold compresses gently to the forehead and eye area — not directly on incisions
Do not scratch the scalp along the incision lines even if itchy — this is a sign of healing
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending forward for two to three weeks
Avoid significant sun exposure on the forehead and incisions; use SPF 50+ from six weeks onward
Do not colour or chemically treat hair for four weeks after surgery
Do not drive while taking oxycodone
All smoking must remain ceased throughout the healing period

When to Seek Urgent Assistance

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

Sudden, rapidly increasing swelling on one side — may indicate a haematoma requiring urgent drainage
Fever above 38.5°C
Increasing pain not controlled by prescribed medication
Increasing redness, warmth, or purulent discharge from any wound

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

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

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