Brow Lift Surgery (Browplasty) Before and After: Things To Know

A brow lift (browplasty) can focus on the skin on the forehead to adjust the position of the eyebrows. However, as a more targeted approach, the lateral temporal brow lift focuses on the outer portion of the brow.

A lateral temporal brow lift can help to adjust the brow arch and lift the skin at the corners of the eye. It can prevent the need to address the central forehead, which can be a suitable approach for those who only need to address the brow’s outer third area to achieve their personal goals.

Both before and after, all surgeris will involve following some steps to support the procedure process. Making sure that you’re prepared for surgery beforehand and taking care of the operated area afterwards helps to minimise surgical risks and support good results.

Keep reading to learn more about what to expect before and after a brow lift. When you’re ready to meet with an experienced plastic surgeon, your consultation with Dr Richardson will allow you to receive much more personalised advice.

How is a lateral temporal brow lift (browplasty) performed?

A lateral temporal lift is performed through small incisions that are made at or just behind the hairline in the temple region.

Through these incisions, the underlying temple, forehead and orbital rim tissues are freed and adjusted to modify the position of the outer brow. Excess skin can also be trimmed or repositioned, before the incisions are carefully closed.

Unlike older techniques that rely on simply pulling the skin, this procedure focuses on repositioning the deeper tissue layers, ensuring that the adjustments are made in a way that supports the structure of the forehead and brow area. Since the incisions are placed within the hairline, they should remain concealed as they heal.

During your consultation, Dr Richardson will explain your personalised procedure so that you can understand how it will be performed.

Before brow lift surgery (browplasty): What you’ll need to do

Before brow lift surgery (browplasty), you will need to have a consultation to assess whether the procedure is suitable for you.

Since the technique focuses on the outer brow area, it is generally best for those who require more targeted repositioning rather than full forehead adjustment. Dr Richardson will be able to explain this in more detail and suitable candidates also generally have a noticeable level of skin laxity around the brows and eyes.

At your consultation, Dr Jeremy Richardson will assess the position of your eyes and brows, assess the skin and tissue structure, and discuss your personal goals for the results of the procedure. He’ll also need to discuss your current health, health history and any previous procedures you have had, to ensure that surgery is the right option for you.

When your suitability for a brow lift has been confirmed, he can then plan the details of the procedure, including the incision placement, the technique that will be used, and how the tissues will be adjusted. Essentially, you’ll receive an outline of your surgical options, which will help you make a decision and feel comfortable about your choice.

Apart from having your consultation, you’ll need to prepare for your surgery. To prepare, you’ll typically have a set of instructions, based on your personal needs and factors like your general health and lifestyle. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications, quit smoking if you smoke no less than 2 months prior to your procedure,, and sometimes have tests performed before surgery to ensure that you’re able to undergo the procedure. Since the incisions are placed within the hairline, it’s also helpful to avoid any treatments or products that could cause irritation to the scalp before surgery.

Before your surgery, you’ll also be able to meet with Dr Richardson’s Patient Coordinator and team, who are there to support you throughout your surgical journey.

After brow lift surgery (browplasty): Recovery and what you can expect

In the first few days after surgery, rest will be the main priority. Some tightness or discomfort in the temples is common in the first few days, but this will gradually improve as the healing process progresses. Any initial discomfort can usually be managed with medication.

After a lateral temporal lift, there may be some swelling and bruising around the temples, outer forehead and upper eyelids. Swelling and discomfort typically start to subside after about one week. Since the incisions are concealed within the hairline, they are often not directly visible, but they will still need time to heal.

The first few weeks will be focused on allowing the tissues to heal properly. Our team will provide you with recovery instructions, which may include keeping the head elevated, avoiding putting pressure on the incision sites, applying a cold compress to help reduce swelling, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and taking care when washing or styling the hair near the incision sites.

While light activities and work can often be resumed after the first week or about two weeks, it’s important to avoid anything that could put a strain on the healing tissues, such as heavy lifting or intense physical activity. Typically, you can begin to resume your normal exercise routine after about six weeks, following Dr Richardson’s advice.

By four to six weeks, most of the swelling will have subsided, which will allow you to begin to see the final results of the procedure. Residual swelling can still take more time, and this can vary from patient to patient.

Schedule your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson in Melbourne

With a specific focus on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including brow lifts, Melbourne-based Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson uses modern surgical techniques and provides high-quality patient care.

Boasting extensive training and qualifications, Dr Richardson is a member of The Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) and Australian and New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons (ANZCPS).

He is a Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Plastic Reconstructive Surgery) (FRACS) and has completed a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery with Honours, a Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours and a Post-Graduate Diploma of Surgical Anatomy. Internationally, he completed cosmetic surgical training at the Harley Street Medical District of London.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact our friendly team.