If you’re considering a brow lift to achieve a more youthful appearance, address drooping eyebrows, or restore a more rested look, understanding the recovery timeline is just as important as knowing the results you can expect. At FacesFirst in Denver and Lone Tree, we want every patient to feel prepared, confident, and supported from the moment they step into our office through the recovery process.

We’ll walk you through what recovery after a brow lift typically looks like, especially with the endoscopic brow lift, the most commonly performed method at our practice. Plus, we’ll share helpful self-care tips and complementary nonsurgical treatments that can elevate your results and keep your skin glowing long after surgery. 

Types of Brow Lifts

At FacesFirst, we offer a number of brow lift surgery procedures. Our skilled surgeons most often perform the endoscopic brow lift, which is a technique involving small hidden incisions in the hairline, minimal scarring, and faster recovery. Other types, such as lateral brow lifts (often paired with facelifts) or direct brow lifts (for significant drooping), are reserved for specific cases and needs. Our team will walk you through the best surgical plan for your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle, as well as discuss what to expect for a smooth healing process.

Brow Lift Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Rest, Ice, and Gentle Care

The first few days after your brow lift procedure, you may experience mild swelling around the eyes and forehead. This is completely normal and usually not painful. Most patients report only mild discomfort that can be managed with cold compresses, rest, and head elevation. The majority of patients get by with little to no need for prescribed pain medication. Over-the-counter pain relief, along with supplements like arnica and bromelain, can help reduce swelling and bruising naturally. You’ll also be wearing a dressing to minimize fluid accumulation.

Tips for recovery:

• Keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.
• Avoid aggressive combing or brushing near your incisions (typically hidden in the scalp).
• Use ice packs gently and limit screen time if you notice temporary blurry vision.

Days 7–10: Follow-Up and Getting Back to Routine

You’ll return to our office around this time for your first post-op appointment, where we’ll check your progress and remove sutures or staples. Most patients feel ready to return to work or social activities after 7–10 days, though you’ll want to wait a bit longer before hitting the gym.

Tips for recovery:

• Light walking is great to keep circulation moving.
• Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
• Continue gentle skincare and keep incisions clean and dry.

Weeks 3–4: Subtle Refinement and Skin Support

By now, you’ll notice that your brow position is lifted and more youthful. While some swelling may still be present, much of it will have subsided. This is also the ideal time to begin considering complementary nonsurgical treatments to enhance your results.

Treatments to consider include:

• Botox: Helps maintain your brow lift by relaxing muscles around the eyes.
• Fillers: For deeper forehead lines or volume loss that surgery doesn’t address.
• Laser Resurfacing or Microneedling: Stimulates collagen and smooths skin texture.
• HydraFacials or Specialty Peels: Improve skin clarity, tone, and hydration.

Our team can help you time these treatments properly, with some (like laser resurfacing) possible even within the first week post-surgery.

Months 3–6: Final Touches and Full Confidence

Most patients see their complete brow lift results between 6 and 12 months post-procedure. By this point, all swelling should be resolved, and your surgical scars will be softening and fading. For those preparing for a wedding, reunion, or special event, we recommend planning your brow lift at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure your results look and feel fully healed.

Treatments to consider to maintain beautiful skin:

• Renuvion Seamless Plasma Lift for subtle skin tightening
• IPL Photorejuvenation for discoloration or sun damage
• Monthly facials to maintain hydration and skin health

Schedule a Brow Lift Consultation

Whether you’re just beginning to explore facial rejuvenation or you’ve already booked your brow lift, the team at FacesFirst is here to guide your recovery with expert care and proven support. From surgery to skincare, our Denver and Lone Tree specialists can help you feel confident every step of the way.

Ready to begin your journey? Schedule a consultation today to learn more about cosmetic procedures, nonsurgical treatments, and the recovery plan that’s right for you.

Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno

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Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are board-certified facial plastic surgeons practicing in Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado. They have over 40 years of combined experience together in facial plastic surgery. Both Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno specialize in procedures like Facelift, Browlift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nose Surgery, and many other types of cosmetic procedures at FacesFirst.