"Sinus" pain/pressure after brow lift. Do I have an infection?

Question

I am three weeks post-brow lift and lower eyelid surgery. For the past two weeks I've had what appeared to be sinus pressure and pain, mostly on the left side of my face/forehead. PCP prescribed antibiotics and prednisone, but these have only helped slightly. A sinus scan today showed no issues. About a week after my surgery, not thinking, I plucked an errant eyebrow from the area between my brows. It hurt a bit. Is there any chance that resulted in some sort of infection or inflammation?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question about brow lift.For a question like this, it is best to consult with your surgeon directly.Best wishes.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

From the description of your pressure/pain after your brow lift, it does not sound as though you have an infection or inflammation.  Plucking the eyebrow should not have caused any problem.  It is not unusual to have some feeling of pressure after a brow lift, and this can take several months to resolve completely.  I would be sure to let your surgeon know about your issue though, so that your progress can be monitored.

Zain Kadri, MD · Answer

If you had a negative sinus scan the pain is not likely from your sinus. It is  probably  due to spasm or injured sensory nerves of your frontalis muscle on the left side.As it is not obviously an infection antibiotics are not helpful. Anti inflammatory steroids Like prednisone , NSAIDs like Motrin may help. The most effective relief of pain may be obtained by  infiltration of long acting local anesthetic or Botox into to the muscle ( same principle as Botox for Migraine head aches). What is your surgeon saying?

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

The pressure and pain you are experiencing are likely as a result of the brow lift. This is common after brow lift surgery. There can be headache and feeling of pressure after surgery which may take several weeks to months to resolve. If you have any concerns return to your surgeon.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Dv_owl,With a negative CT scan you clearly do not have a sinus infection.  What you are likely experiencing is the tight sensation following the brow lift caused by swelling.  If this is the case, it should get better and eventually disappear.  Unless there is redness where you plucked that eyebrow hair then it is unlikely you would have an infection, especially since you were treated with antibiotics by your PCP.  I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon but it appears your symptoms are more likely related to the healing from your brow lift.I hope this helps and good luck.

Jawed Tahery, FRCS · Answer

Dear DV_OWl,Very unlikely to have sinusitis after brow lift! Possible associated symptoms with sinusitis would be nasal blockage, nasal discharge and temperature!I would advise you to see your surgeon for a consult!best wishesJ TaheryOtolaryngologist/Facial Plastic SurgeonChesterUK

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

If your sinus scan is negative, it is unlikely that you have an infection in your sinuses.  At just 3 weeks post brow lift your pain/pressure may be due to normal post op swelling and the prednisone may help.  Avoid plucking your eyebrows because this can cause a cellulitis which can cause the symptoms you are describing. You may want to ask your surgeon if it would be safe to try a non-steroid anti-inflammatory agent such as Motrin or Aleve.  If the problem is inflammation this may help.  But give things time, this problem should resolve in the coming few weeks.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

"Sinus" pain/pressure after brow lift. Do I have an infection?

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