How long does it take a classic browlift scar to look good enough to go out public?

Question

I had my surgery two days ago and I look like Frankenstein. The incision is red, red. I am very fair and it have been told that the scar should heal nicely. I just don't remember the doctor saying how long it will take the scar to "heal nicely".

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#browlift-incisions, and healing of a  #classic-browliftDepending on where your brow lift incisions are placed,

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

With an increase in popularity and the effectiveness of the endoscopic approach to brow lift surgery, the open or classic approach for a brow lift is used for very specific indications, namely preventing raising the hairline during a brow lift.  The incision can be quite long but when well performed, scalp incisions actually heal very nicely.  It will definitely take some time but within two weeks your hair should cover the incision and even grow through the incision so that it will become considerably less noticeable.  Not many incisions in the scalp look good after only two days, but most heal without any sequela.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

The classic brow lift, where an incision is made in the scalp from one ear to the other, is much less commonly performed nowadays. This brow lift approach is still appropriate for some patients, but the healing might take a little longer as compared to more minimally invasive brow lift techniques. Most bruising and swelling after a classic brow lift may resolve within the first 1-2 weeks, while it will take several weeks or months for the last bit of healing to resolve. Most patients feel good enough to go out in public after 1-2 weeks. If you haven't already, then speak with your plastic surgeon regarding any concerns you have. Best,Dr. Chaboki

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are likely to be "socially unacceptable" from an open brow lift for 1 to 2 weeks.To be sure, return to see your plastic surgeon and follow all of his or her instructions.I hope this helps.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Not sure what you mean by classic browlift.  You may have had a trichophytic or pre-trichial browlift where the scar is at the front of the hairline.  This is done in people with a large forehead to reduce the size of that at the same time.  If you are fair, it will be red for awhile.  There are creams that can be used to help with the healing which can also help the red.

Elliott B. Lavey, MD · Answer

Brow lift scars are usually located just above the eyebrows.  Healing takes about 12-18 months.  Using a sunscreen will help the scar heal more quickly.  Silicone-based ointments may be helpful.

Allen M. Doezie, MD · Answer

Two days after surgery is incredibly short to be worried about your scar at this time.  It will take a few months for the red, or pink, line to diminish to a fine white line.  If you developed a large area of redness around the scar on the normal skin, you should be evaluated for a possible infection.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask a good question.  I am not sure where exactly your incision is on your head, but by "classic brow lift" I assume you are describing either an incision running from ear to ear either over the top of the head or right in front of your hairline at the top of your forehead.The most important thing for you right now is to be patient.  You are less than 1 week out from surgery, and you have a big incision that needs time to heal.  It will take many weeks for your incision to settle, flatten, and lose its redness.  After a few weeks you can approach your surgeon about the possible use of some silicone ointment or silicone sheets if it appears that the scar is not calming down.  Follow your postop instructions carefully, and stay out of the sun at all costs, especially since you are fair-skinned -- this can cause permanent discoloration of the scar.Best of luck!

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

Many brow lifts are performed endoscopically with incisions that are concealed within the hair. Aside from some swelling on the forehead and potential bruising, you typically are able to return back to normal activities after one week.

How long does it take a classic browlift scar to look good enough to go out public?

Answers (9)

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