Browlift post-operative care
These instructions apply to patients who have undergone brow lift surgery with Dr Jason Roth. Please read them carefully before your procedure so you are prepared for recovery. If you have any questions, contact the rooms on (02) 9982 3439 or [email protected].
Quick Reference
| Timeframe | What to expect / What to do |
|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Rest at home. Minor ooze from wounds is normal. Take prescribed pain medication. Keep head elevated. |
| 48 hours | Remove bandage if not already done at hospital. No hair washing for first 3 days — towel wash face only. Begin Chlorsig ointment twice daily. |
| Days 5–7 | Follow-up appointment with Dr Roth. |
| 2 weeks | Most bruising resolves. Resume gentle activity. No strenuous exercise, lifting, or air travel until this point. |
| 3 months | Residual swelling largely resolved. Scar still maturing. |
| 3–6 months | Brow scars fully settled. Scalp numbness continuing to improve. |
General Instructions
- Avoid bending, lifting, or vigorous activity for 2 weeks
- No strenuous work, exercise, or sport for 2 weeks — gentle walking is fine
- You will feel tired and run down over the first 2 weeks — this is normal and expected
- Avoid air travel for 2 weeks following surgery
- There are no dietary restrictions — eat as soon as food is tolerated
- Sleep with your head elevated (two pillows) for the first week to reduce swelling
Wound Care
- If not already removed at the hospital, remove your bandage 48 hours after surgery
- Avoid washing your hair for the first 3 days. You may towel wash your face gently
- Apply Chlorsig ointment to the wound twice daily for 2 weeks using a cotton bud
- Keep the wound dry and clean — avoid direct water spray on the wound for the first week
- Do not apply makeup over the wound until it is fully healed
Pain and Discomfort
- The maximum discomfort occurs in the first 48 hours after surgery
- Headaches are common in the first few days — take prescribed pain medication as directed
- You will notice numbness over the brow wound and across the top of the scalp. This is expected and typically resolves over several months as sensation returns
- Some patients experience temporary itching as sensation returns — this is normal
Bleeding
- Minor ooze from the skin wounds in the first 24 hours is normal
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if oozing occurs
- Call the rooms if bleeding persists beyond 24 hours or is significant at any time
Appearance — Bruising, Swelling, and Scarring
- Bruising and swelling around the eyes and face is expected and can be significant in the first week
- Swelling is typically worse in the mornings and improves throughout the day
- Most bruising resolves by 2 weeks after surgery
- Minor swelling can persist for up to 3 months
- Brow scars may initially appear irregular, lumpy, and red — this is normal and typically takes 3–6 months to fully settle
- The final position of the brow and the mature scar appearance should not be assessed until at least 3–6 months post-operatively
Medications
Take as directed:
- Chlorsig Eye Ointment — apply to brow with a cotton bud twice daily for 2 weeks
- Paracetamol (Panadol) or Panadeine Forte — 1–2 tablets as required, maximum 4 times per day
- Antibiotics — take the full course as prescribed, even if you feel well
Avoid:
- Aspirin and Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) — these increase bleeding risk and should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery
When to Call Dr Roth’s Rooms Immediately
Contact the rooms urgently on (02) 9982 3439 or attend your nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following:
- Extreme or rapidly worsening swelling or bruising
- Persistent pain not relieved by prescribed medication, or pain that is increasing rather than decreasing
- Any change in vision — deteriorating vision, double vision, or persistent blurred vision
- Elevated temperature above 38°C
- Persistent bleeding or separation of wound edges
- Any other concern that is worrying you
Out of hours contact: If it is outside business hours and you require urgent care, please attend your nearest emergency department or GP.
If your surgery was performed at Wyvern Private Hospital or North Shore Private Hospital, you may also contact the ward nursing staff who are available 24 hours a day. Please note that these hospitals do not have an emergency department and cannot provide emergency assistance in person once you have been discharged. You cannot return to the ward you were discharged from for re-admission.
Follow-Up Appointment
Your follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 5–7 days after your surgery. Please call the rooms if you have not received confirmation of this appointment. Contact us on (02) 9982 3439 or [email protected].
Brow Lift Surgery → |
Brow Lift Risks → |
Pre-Operative Instructions → |
Contact Us →
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
Suite 4205, Level 2, 834 Pittwater Road, Dee Why NSW 2099 | (02) 9982 3439 | [email protected]
