How long do you have numbness in your scalp after a brow lift?

I routinely perform endoscopic browlifts in my practice and I see that most patients experience numbness initially due to neuropraxia (temporary numbness) due to the proximity of the surgical instruments to the nerves and tugging of the nerves during surgery.  Most of these patients experience improvement after 2-3 months but some may take 6-9 months for full recovery.  It'd be best to follow up with your surgeon closely after your procedure to monitor the progress.  Goretti H. Taghva MD FACS

Hello lisagSome  patients usually have numbness after the surgery, i would advice you visit or contact your plastic surgeon about your concern.

Some patients may develop numbness in the forehead and up over the top of the head after a browlift.  The nerve for this area is located at the bone above the eye, which can be affected during the surgery.  It can take anywhere from a few days to a year for the sensation to return.  You may feel some odd sensations as it does - like pins and needles, or itching.     

With an endoscopic brow lift the incisions are small and numbness is less of an issue. When it occurs it can last anywhere from 2 weeks to one year with most areas of numbness resolving by 2 to 3 months. With the open brow lift technique (older technique) the incisions are larger which means many of the small sensory nerves are cut in the procedure and virtually everyone will have numbness of the scalp which can last a year or longer and may even be permanent in some areas. This is one of the reasons endoscopic, small incision brow lifts have become much more popular as they significantly reduce the risk of prolonged numbness of the forehead and scalp.

Hi and thanks for your question. This is usually unpredictable in each individual. I have patients that say they notice it for a few weeks and others notice it months after surgery. As the others mentioned, it is not uncommon to have numbness and tingling in your scalp after this procedure,  but it is always good to check with your surgeon when concerned. Best of Luck 

Thank you for your question,  it is not uncommon to have numbness or scalp sensitivity following a brow lift surgery.  Multiple nerves, tissues and skin are involved during the surgery.  Every patient differs on when sensation returns.  It can take up to one year following surgery, and on occasion, full sensation does not return.  Your board certified plastic surgeon should guide you through your recovery.    Best of luck.