Recovery After Endoscopic Brow Lift: A Week-by-Week Guide

By Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon | Sydney & Brisbane

Understanding what to expect during your endoscopic brow lift recovery helps patients prepare adequately and supports optimal healing outcomes. This comprehensive guide outlines the typical recovery timeline, practical care strategies, and important considerations for each phase of healing.

What Makes Endoscopic Brow Lift Recovery Different?

The endoscopic approach to brow lift surgery involves a 2cm incision in the temporal area and 1cm incision in the frontal area, hidden behind the hairline, rather than the longer incisions used in traditional coronal techniques. This means the recovery experience differs in several important ways compared to traditional open techniques.

Because the incisions are smaller and tissue disruption is reduced compared to open techniques, most patients experience less post-operative discomfort, reduced swelling, and shorter overall recovery times. The small incisions also mean scarring is generally inconspicuous once healed, as they remain hidden within the hair-bearing scalp. However, the fundamental healing process still requires patience and careful adherence to post-operative instructions.

Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, provides each patient with personalised recovery guidance tailored to their procedure and health status. The information below represents typical recovery patterns, though individual experiences may vary.

The First 72 Hours: Initial Healing Phase

The first three days following endoscopic brow lift surgery represent the most intensive period of your recovery. During this time, your body initiates its natural healing response, and you will notice the most pronounced post-operative effects.

What to Expect

Swelling and bruising typically appear within the first 24 hours and reach their peak between days 2 and 4. The forehead area will feel tight and somewhat numb, and swelling may extend downward around the eyes. This gravitational migration of swelling is entirely normal and does not indicate any complication with your procedure.

During the first few days, many patients experience migraine-type headaches. This discomfort is generally described as a sensation of tightness or pressure rather than sharp pain. Dr Turner will prescribe appropriate pain medication and antibiotics to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection during these critical early days.

Essential Care During Days 1-3

Rest with continuous head elevation remains the single most important factor in managing early post-operative swelling. Keep your head and shoulders raised above heart level at all times, including during sleep. Many patients find sleeping in a recliner chair or propped up on multiple pillows most comfortable during this period.

Cold compress application provides significant benefit during the first 48 to 72 hours. Apply cold compresses for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day, ensuring you wrap ice packs in a soft cloth to prevent cold injury to the skin. This constricts blood vessels, helping minimise both swelling and bruising. Take care not to overdo icing — alternating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off prevents skin damage while maximising benefit.

Dr Turner applies a compression bandage immediately after surgery to support wound healing. This dressing remains in place until your first follow-up appointment, typically scheduled for one week post-surgery.

Days 4-7: Transition Period

By the end of the first week, the initial swelling intensity begins to subside, though visible swelling and bruising remain. Many patients describe feeling significantly more comfortable during this phase as the acute post-operative sensations settle.

Milestone: First Post-Operative Appointment

Your first follow-up visit with Dr Turner typically occurs around day seven. During this appointment, your compression dressing is removed, and your incisions are assessed. Sutures in the hairline are dissolvable and will naturally absorb over 3 to 4 weeks, so they do not need to be removed.

Following dressing removal, you will receive detailed instructions regarding incision care. Proper wound care during the coming weeks plays an essential role in optimising scar appearance. Once incisions have fully healed, gentle massage with silicone-based scar treatments can help soften scars and promote optimal maturation.

Hair Washing Guidelines

Avoid washing your hair for the first week while you have a compression dressing on your forehead. After this is removed, you can wash your hair gently with a mild shampoo. Take care not to place direct pressure on your incision sites. Chemical treatments such as hair colouring or perming must be avoided for at least three to four weeks post-surgery to prevent irritation to healing tissues.

Weeks Two and Three: Visible Improvement

The second and third weeks bring noticeable improvement in your appearance. Bruising typically fades substantially during this period, and swelling continues to decrease, though some residual puffiness may persist. Most visible swelling resolves within two to three weeks, though subtle residual swelling may take several months to settle fully.

Returning to Work and Social Activities

Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk-based work within 10 to 14 days of their endoscopic brow lift. Those in physically demanding occupations may require additional time away from work, and specific guidance should be discussed with Dr Turner based on individual job requirements. Out of town patients should factor in travel considerations when planning their recovery. Light daily activities can generally be resumed during this phase.

If residual bruising or mild swelling remains, many patients find that makeup can help conceal these temporary effects, making social reintegration easier. Light walking is encouraged throughout recovery, as it promotes healthy circulation without straining healing tissues. However, avoid any activities that significantly elevate your heart rate or blood pressure during this phase.

Sensory Changes

Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation around the forehead and incision sites is common during the early weeks of recovery. These sensory changes result from temporary nerve irritation during surgery and typically resolve progressively over the following weeks to months. Some patients notice areas of the scalp or forehead feel different to touch — this is expected and generally improves as healing progresses.

Weeks Four to Six: Returning to Normal Activity

By the one-month mark, the majority of visible swelling resolves, and your results begin to take shape. The elevated brow position becomes more apparent as tissues settle into their new location.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous physical activity must be avoided for four to six weeks following surgery. These activities can elevate blood pressure, increase bleeding risk, and compromise your healing.

After the four-week mark, and with Dr Turner’s approval, you may gradually reintroduce moderate exercise. Begin with low-impact activities such as walking, gentle stretching, or light cardio before progressing to more demanding workouts. Most patients can resume their regular fitness routines by week six. Contact sports and activities with high impact should be avoided for at least six weeks to protect healing tissues.

Sun Protection

Protecting your incisions from sun exposure is essential during this period and for at least three months following surgery. Ultraviolet radiation can cause hyperpigmentation of healing scars, making them more visible in the long term. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher once incisions have fully healed. Diligent sun protection supports optimal scar appearance over the long term.

Months Two to Six: Final Results Emerge

Complete healing from endoscopic brow lift surgery takes approximately six months, though the majority of visible recovery occurs within the first 12 weeks. During this extended period, residual swelling continues to resolve, incision lines mature and fade, and the final position of your brow stabilises.

Any lingering numbness or tightness typically continues to improve throughout this timeframe. By the six-month mark, most patients can fully appreciate their surgical outcome. While initial improvement is visible once swelling subsides in the early weeks, the actual final result only becomes apparent once all residual tissue changes have settled.

Strategies to Support Optimal Healing

Adjunctive Therapies

Some patients may benefit from additional supportive therapies during their recovery. LED light therapy, when performed under professional supervision, has shown promise in accelerating healing and reducing bruising following facial surgery. Clinical studies suggest that treatments initiated within 72 hours of surgery and continued over several sessions may help reduce bruising duration and support faster resolution of swelling. These treatments are non-invasive, painless, and require no additional downtime. Speak with Dr Turner about whether any adjunctive therapies may be appropriate for your individual recovery plan.

Dietary Considerations

A low-sodium diet helps reduce fluid retention and supports faster resolution of swelling. Aim for no more than 1500mg of sodium daily during the first two to four weeks of recovery. Limit processed foods, restaurant meals, and packaged items, which tend to be high in sodium. Instead, focus on fresh, home-prepared meals with limited added salt.

Adequate hydration with eight to ten glasses of water daily helps the body manage post-surgical fluid shifts and supports efficient lymphatic drainage. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine during the early post-operative period, as these can contribute to dehydration and may affect healing.

Supplements: Proceed with Caution

Supplements such as Arnica montana and bromelain (derived from pineapple) can help reduce bruising and swelling during your recovery. Many patients find these supplements beneficial when taken as directed, with bromelain helping break down inflammatory proteins and Arnica supporting faster bruise reabsorption.

These supplements should be discussed with Dr Turner before use. Patients on blood-thinning medications, those with bleeding disorders, or individuals with certain allergies should check suitability first. Bromelain works best when taken on an empty stomach, while Arnica should be used in homeopathic preparations as directed. Starting these supplements 48 hours after surgery and continuing for seven to ten days can support a smoother recovery.

Medications to Avoid

Blood-thinning medications and supplements increase the risk of bruising and should be avoided before and after surgery unless specifically approved by your medical team. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E supplements, and specific herbal preparations such as ginkgo biloba and ginseng. Always consult with Dr Turner before resuming any regular medications or supplements during your recovery period. Paracetamol is generally safe for managing discomfort when prescribed drugs are not required.

Recognising Potential Complications

Serious complications following endoscopic brow lift are uncommon. Contact Dr Turner’s practice if you experience severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication, signs of infection such as increasing redness or discharge from incision sites, unusual swelling, fever, or any sudden vision changes.

Temporary effects may include hair thinning along incision lines, which typically regrows over several months, and temporary changes in forehead sensation or movement. These generally resolve as healing progresses.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

Endoscopic brow lift results typically last many years, though the procedure does not halt the natural ageing process. Individual longevity varies based on factors including skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Many patients enjoy long-lasting improvement in their brow position and forehead appearance for a decade or more. Some patients also choose to address upper eyelid concerns as part of their overall facial enhancement goals.

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, and leading a healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results over time. Avoiding smoking is particularly important, as tobacco use accelerates skin ageing and can compromise long-term outcomes.

Some patients choose to maintain their results with periodic non-surgical treatments, such as muscle-relaxant injections into the upper face, which can reduce the downward pull on the brows and extend the longevity of surgical outcomes. These maintenance options can be discussed with Dr Turner during follow-up appointments.

Your Recovery Support Team

Recovery from any surgical procedure benefits from appropriate support. Dr Scott J Turner and his team remain available throughout your recovery journey to answer questions, address concerns, and ensure your healing progresses as expected.

Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr Turner to monitor your recovery, provide guidance on activity progression, and address any individual concerns. Maintaining open communication with your surgical team throughout the recovery period supports the best possible outcome.

Book a Consultation in Sydney or Brisbane

If you are considering endoscopic brow lift surgery, Dr Scott J Turner offers comprehensive assessments at his Sydney and Brisbane clinics. As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon specialising in facial aesthetic surgery, Dr Turner can evaluate your individual concerns and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach. Consultations are available at convenient clinic locations in Sydney and Brisbane.

To arrange your consultation, please contact us or telephone 1300 437 758.

Learn more about Dr Turner’s brow lift procedures.