Is there anything I can do to make sure my eyebrow isn't permanently raised and asymmetric? (photo)

Question

Two nights ago, I received a facial blow that split the area just above my eyebrow. At the emergency room that night, I got stitches that seem to be putting my left eyebrow in an unnaturally raised position. I will schedule a meeting with a cosmetic surgeon ASAP, but in the meantime I'd like to know if there is anything you would personally recommend to ensure that I don't have a perpetually angry/quizzical expression on my face.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

AS long as you didn't lose any skin and muscle with the accident you should be fine.  Initially the brow will appear elevated due to the swelling.  As that subsides it will fall and should be close to where it was pre accident.

Bhupendra C.K. Patel, MD, FRCS · Answer

As long as there was no significant loss of full thickness tissue above (or below) the brow, post-traumatic swelling can cause all sorts of facial distortion! If there is swelling, the upper lid or brow will be in a position that will give you asymmetry. The nerve can be traumatized (usually temporarily), resulting in asymmetry. The wise thing would be to ice the area and allow the swelling to settle. Nothing needs to be done urgently and there is no intervention or treatment needed. If you were to see a cosmetic surgeon, I would hope that the surgeon would treat you conservatively until all the swelling has settled. It is always wise to wait until there is no further change: often as long as several months. If you post in three months, I would predict that you will state "all is back to normal", without any intervention!Speedy recovery!Prof. Bhupendra C. K. Patel MD, FRCS

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe the left eyebrow is raised since the left eye is swollen with droopier left upper eyelid, so the eyebrow is lifting as a compensation, meaning it would relax later and come down once the swelling is gone. See an oculoplastic specialist.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to have some temporary alteration to the eyebrow after repairing a laceration to the area.  As the area heals, the eyebrow will most likely return to the normal location.  It may take 6-12 months for this to occur however.  The swelling in the area will also contribute to the difference in appearance and this will take a few weeks to resolve.

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

It is too early to recommend anything without a physical examination. Your plan to see a surgeon who deals with eyebrows and foreheads is a very good one.

Is there anything I can do to make sure my eyebrow isn't permanently raised and asymmetric? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Eyebrow raised after laceration repair

Answer: Eyebrow raised after laceration repair

Answer: Forehead trauma

Answer: Forehead trauma

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Is there anything I can do to make sure my eyebrow isn't permanently raised and asymmetric? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Eyebrow raised after laceration repair

Answer: Eyebrow raised after laceration repair

Answer: Forehead trauma

Answer: Forehead trauma

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brow Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.