Brow lift

Weeks before the procedure:
· During the consultation with our surgeon, your health and suitability for the procedure will be assessed. Discuss your wishes and expectations with the surgeon. You may be asked to undergo various laboratory tests and other examinations to confirm your health. Discuss with the surgeon about the medications and nutritional supplements you are taking. Certain medications (e.g. blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen), and some nutritional supplements (e.g. omega) may increase the risk of bleeding. Their use should be discontinued according to the surgeon’s instructions.

· Smoking impairs blood circulation, slows down wound healing and increases the risk of infection. We recommend that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure and continue to be smoke-free after the procedure.

· Eat a varied and healthy diet and exercise regularly. Good general fitness promotes recovery.

On the day of your procedure:
· Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure, as alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding.

· Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off.

· Take the medications your surgeon has prescribed in the morning.

· If you are given sedatives, you will not be able to drive yourself. Please arrange a ride home.

During the consultation, you will be given an appointment time for the procedure. Arrive punctually. A nurse will greet you and go through the procedure with you. If necessary, you will receive sedative premedication and pain medication and you will be prepared for the procedure.

In a procedure performed under local anesthesia, the eyebrow can be lifted either from the entire eyebrow area, in which case the opening is at the top of both eyebrows, or only from the lateral side of the eyebrow, in which case the opening is at the temple to the hairline.

In an open eyebrow lift, an opening is made above the eyebrow edge on the forehead skin, from which an appropriate amount of forehead skin is removed. After this, the eyebrow is lifted to its new position. The lift is quite effective and stays in place quite well, but the downside of an open eyebrow lift is the scar left at the top of the eyebrow, which usually heals quite unnoticeably.

If the eyebrow drooping is mild, the eyebrow can also be attached to the bony edge of the eye socket through an opening made in the upper eyelid during upper eyelid surgery. In this case, the scar on the upper eyelid usually heals almost invisible, but the procedure is not suitable for a situation where the eyebrow drooping is already advanced.

After the procedure, you can recover in peace in the aftercare room, where the operating room nurse will go over the aftercare instructions with you and make an appointment for a check-up.

Aftercare instructions and recovery time depend on the chosen technique. Mild swelling and bruising are common in the first few days, and they usually disappear within 1–2 weeks. Most patients can return to normal daily life within 1–2 weeks.

After surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. The surgical area is usually covered with wound tape, which is kept in place according to the surgeon’s instructions. The surgeon will also give instructions on support bandages, if needed. Minor pain may occur, if necessary you can take painkillers. For two days at home it is good to continue cold therapy, about every two hours while awake. Rest is recommended and a semi-sitting resting position is beneficial. Hot drinks and food are avoided.

Keep the treated area clean by washing your hands carefully before touching the area. You can usually take a shower after 1–2 days, but avoid rubbing and dry the area with pressure. Sauna, swimming and bathing should be avoided until the wound has healed, about 1–2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed about 5–7 days after surgery.

Scars can usually be red for 6–12 months. Scars should be well protected from the sun, a fresh scar is easily pigmented. If the scar itches and thickens, it may be a case of scar hyperplasia, in which case silicone gel (e.g. Kelo-Cote) is recommended.

Contact a doctor if the wound starts to become red, swollen, hot, or oozes pus, or if the pain gets worse or is not relieved by painkillers.