PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on a brow lift, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you. You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together.

You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

With a brow lift at Caolín, the surgery is tailored to your individual needs and desires.

A brow lift is a procedure designed to raise the position of the eyebrows and reduce sagging skin, giving the face a more youthful and rested appearance. It can also help to smooth forehead lines. There are different surgical techniques available for a brow lift, and the surgeon will determine the best approach based on your facial structure and goals. These techniques may vary in terms of incision placement, which can affect scarring.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely. If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



ANESTHESIA

The brow lift surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases, local anesthesia may be used. You will discuss these options with your surgeon during the pre-examination.

If general anesthesia is chosen, you must fast for 6 hours before the surgery (this includes no eating, chewing gum, or smoking). You may drink water or clear juice up to 2 hours before the operation but avoid milk or other thick liquids.

It is crucial to adhere to the fasting rules, as anesthesia can be dangerous if you are not fasting, and the surgery is canceled, if you are not fasting.



SURGERY

On the day of the surgery, you will arrive at the clinic at the agreed time. A nurse will greet you and guide you to the preparation area, where you will change into a surgical gown. An intravenous drip may be inserted into your hand, and the anesthetist will discuss the anesthesia with you. Finally, the surgeon will mark the areas for surgery and ensure you feel safe and informed.

The incisions are usually made along the eyebrow to minimize visible scarring. Dissolvable stitches are often used, and a bandage will be applied after the procedure.



AFTER THE SURGERY

If the surgery was performed under local anesthesia, you can go home immediately afterward. You may drive if you can safely operate the vehicle.

If the surgery was under general anesthesia, you will be taken to the recovery room where the nurse will monitor you. You will receive something to drink and eat and pain reliefers if needed. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged after a few hours.

Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

DAYS AFTER SURGERY

For the first few days after the surgery, it’s important to rest and avoid activities that could increase swelling or risk of complications. Keep your head elevated while sleeping and avoid any sudden movements or bending forward.



PAIN

Most patients experience mild discomfort following a brow lift, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is normal to experience swelling and bruising, particularly around the forehead and eyes. These symptoms should subside gradually over the first 1-2 weeks.

You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day. Additionally, you may receive a stronger painkiller, a synthetic morphine tablet, which you can take if you experience severe pain.

The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.



ACTIVITY

For the first week after surgery, avoid strenuous activities that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. This includes exercise, heavy lifting, or bending forward. Gentle walking is usually encouraged to promote circulation.



WORK

You may be able to resume light, sedentary work within a few days after surgery, but if your job involves physical activity, you should wait at least 2 weeks before returning. Swelling and bruising may persist for 1-2 weeks, so keep this in mind for any public appearances or work engagements.



SLEEPING POSITION

You should sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling. Use extra pillows to keep your head above heart level.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after the surgery or when there is no longer any discharge from the wounds. Before showering, remove the compressive bandage and the absorbing dressing. The brown plaster must remain until your follow-up appointment. It can withstand water. Take a gentle shower, rinse the wounds to wash away soap residues (do not wash or scrub the wounds), and pat dry with a clean towel before putting the compressive bandage back on.
You should avoid taking baths, swimming in the sea, or going to a swimming pool and sauna until the stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed.



CREAM AND MAKEUP

Do not apply any creams, lotions, or makeup to the surgical area until it is fully healed and there are no visible scabs. You may be able to resume the use of cosmetics after your follow-up appointment with the doctor.



BLEEDING

Slight discharge, bruising, and swelling around the wound are entirely expected.
Minor bleeding can usually be stopped by resting and applying a firm, constant pressure with something cold for about 15 minutes.

Symptoms of bleeding include severe or sudden swelling, discoloration, and intense pain. If you experience this, you should contact the clinic.



SCARS

At discharge, you will be given a phone number to contact the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency. Additionally, a nurse will call you the day after your surgery to answer any questions and ensure that you are doing well.



CONTACTING THE CLINIC

At discharge, you will be given a phone number to contact the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency. Additionally, a nurse will call you the day after your surgery to answer any questions and ensure that you are doing well.



FOLLOW-UP

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled 7-10 days after surgery. During this visit, the nurse will check the healing process, remove any stitches if necessary, and provide further instructions for your recovery. You will also have a follow-up consultation with the surgeon 3-6 months after the procedure to evaluate the results.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms typically appear after 3-5 days and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary greatly from person to person. Most scars become nice and white over time, but some people tend to develop red and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years.

Hematoma: A blood accumulation that can occur within the first 24 hours after the surgery.

Bruising and Swelling: This is completely normal and subsides over the first few weeks.

Reduced Sensation: Sensory disturbances and reduced sensation can occur in the operated area. This usually disappears within 6-9 months, but in some cases, it may be permanent.

Tissue Death: Means that parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this occurs, it will require surgical removal or waiting for the body to heal the area from within, as assessed by the surgeon. If you are overweight or smoke, there is a higher risk for this.

Unevenness and Asymmetry: The skin may become uneven, and asymmetry can occur. Asymmetry is naturally common, and although the surgery can smooth it out, there is always a small risk of an uneven result. The worse the skin quality, the greater the risk that the skin will loosen again over time and the asymmetry may recur.

Nerve Injury: In rare cases, nerves that control the movement of the forehead muscles may be affected, leading to temporary or permanent changes in facial expressions.