How Painful is an Endoscopic Brow Lift?

An endoscopic brow lift is not typically associated with significant pain. Alternatively, the brow is usually numb and remains so for a variable period (4-12 weeks). This is because the brow is lifted away from the underlying structures and the major nerves of sensation are slightly stretched. A return of sensation is usually heralded by a sensation of itching, and or a mild shooting discomfort known as a paresthesia. This signals return of sensory nerve function. Special care is required while using a curling iron and/or a hair dryer for this period.
The first night after surgery, some patients describe a mild headache which resolves within 24-48 hours. The forehead will be smooth and with very little motion for up to 3 weeks. Part of this finding is related to swelling. I typically use an absorbable device known as an Endotyne to help keep the brow in the desired position while the healing process occurs. The Endotyne is positioned under the skin (behind the hairline) and represents a slight bump for about 3 months.

Endoscopic brow lifts are generally associated with some discomfort over the first few days after surgery (similar to a headache). This can be treated with pain medication, and is not usually severe - definitely manageable. Bruising and numbness are the issues associated with brow lifting that may be more concerning to most patients, but will almost always completely resolve with time. There are many different techniques used to fixate the brows in place during an endoscopic brow lift, some of which involve drilling into the skull. I use a suture technique that does not involve any drilling or other artificial devices and can help to reduce pain and make for an easier recovery.All the best,

Pain following endoscopic brow lift varies from patient to patient. In the vast majority of patients, most of the pain is gone within 2 to 3 days and patients are usually pain free in 10 to 14 days.
Sometimes patients complain of a severe headache in the first 24 hours following surgery. In many cases this is due to muscle spasm following manipulation during surgery. This typically is a self limited phenomena that resolves on its own.
Patients are given narcotic pain relievers for the first 2 to 3 days following surgery. After this, they are usually switched to a double strength Tylenol.

The pain associated with an endoscopic brow lift is really no greater than any discomfort felt from other procedures in facial cosmetic surgery.  The incisions are very small and well hidden. The method of brow suspension can be a factor and occasionally people will have less complaints when a temporal lift is performed only with suture as opposed to the full brow lift with muscle resection and suspension of the brows with screws or endotines.  Swelling occurs in and around the eyes and usually subsides in 3-5 days. Ocasionally patients may experience post operative headache and nausea yet this can be well controlled with adequate pain and nausea medicines. In my opinion this procedure often results in the most bang for your buck. Hope this helps!

Endoscopic browlifts are usually not that painful—that is what most of my patients report. Occasionally a significant headache occurs which in my experience is more likely if you suffer from migraines.

Recovery from an endoscopic brow lift is likely to be less painful than your facelift recovery. Generally speaking, a skilled surgeon should be able to perform an endoscopic brow lift without requiring you to be on pain medication after the first week (many patients only use them for a few days).

With a "wet" or tumescent technique, the pain after a brow lift is usually quite mild.  It is generally not a problem at all for my patients.