Brow Lift Aftercare
Recovery guidance following a direct lateral brow lift, based on Waterfront Private Hospital's patient information. This online guide should be used alongside the specific instructions given to you by your surgical team.
When to get help — your traffic light guide
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you have:
These can be life-threatening. Do not wait to call the hospital first.
- •Bleeding that will not stop
- •High temperature (over 38°C) with confusion or unusual drowsiness
Contact us now — do not wait — if you have:
- •Increasing pain, redness, swelling or discharge around the incision (possible infection)
- •Fever
Office hours (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm): 0131 376 3785
Evenings and weekends during your early recovery: Out-of-Hours Nurse Advice Line 07405322689 — our nurse can advise you, contact your surgeon, or direct you to NHS services.
After your early recovery period: call the hospital in office hours, or NHS 24 on 111.
Had your surgery at Spire Shawfair Park (overnight stay)? Contact Spire directly using the number on your discharge paperwork — not the Waterfront advice line.
Tell us at your next appointment:
- •Delayed wound healing
Anything else that is niggling or worrying you — no concern is too small. Mention it at your next appointment, or call us during office hours.
Emergency Contacts
Life-threatening emergency
999Urgent medical advice
NHS 24: 111
Out-of-Hours Nurse Advice Line
For the first days after your surgery only
07405322689Our nurse can advise you, contact your surgeon, or direct you to NHS services. Waterfront is a day surgery hospital and is closed overnight. Once your early recovery period is over, please call the hospital during office hours instead. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
Had your surgery at Spire Shawfair Park (overnight stay)? Contact Spire directly using the number on your discharge paperwork — not the Waterfront advice line.
| Contact Type | Contact |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 999 |
| Urgent medical advice | NHS 24: 111 |
| Hospital Office Hours (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) | 0131 376 3785 |
| Out-of-Hours Nurse Advice Line (for the first days after your surgery only) | 07405322689 Our nurse can advise you, contact your surgeon, or direct you to NHS services. Waterfront is a day surgery hospital and is closed overnight. Once your early recovery period is over, please call the hospital during office hours instead. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999. Had your surgery at Spire Shawfair Park (overnight stay)? Contact Spire directly using the number on your discharge paperwork — not the Waterfront advice line. |
| hello@waterfronthospital.co.uk |
Reviewed 4 July 2026 · v1.0
Your information leaflets
Related Information Leaflets
These are separate information leaflets about the procedure itself — not the aftercare instructions below.
How to Use This Information
The advice below is based on Waterfront Private Hospital's direct lateral brow lift information. It is general guidance and may be adapted by your consultant for your individual circumstances.
Always follow the specific instructions given to you on the day of surgery. If there is ever a difference, follow your consultant's written or verbal instructions and contact us for clarification.
Before You Go Home
Before you leave, the nurse looking after you will make sure you have everything you need, including:
- Your painkillers — the nurse looking after you will go through them with you
- Suture-removal appointment (5–7 days) arranged
- Transport home arranged
- Emergency numbers saved to phone
Recovery Timeline
Follow-Up Appointments
Week 1 — nurse appointment
Wound check, dressing care and any suture removal; a chance to ask questions about your recovery.
Further nurse reviews — as needed
Some patients need further nurse reviews. If so, the nurses will arrange these with you and will discharge you from nurse-led care once they are happy your wounds have healed.
Around 6 months — surgeon review (final follow-up)
Your surgeon will usually see you at around 6 months to assess your final result. Your surgeon is always available to review you sooner if required, and in some circumstances may wish to see you before your final follow-up.
Note: Your appointment schedule may vary. Always follow the specific dates and times given in your appointment card. Contact us if you need to reschedule.
Source: hospital aftercare leaflet · Last reviewed: 4 July 2026 · Version 1.0
Your emotional recovery
How you feel matters too
An emotional dip in the first weeks after surgery is common and usually passes. We've written honestly about what to expect, what helps, and where to find support.
Post-Operative Checklist
- Pain relief collected
- Follow-up appointment for suture removal (5–7 days) arranged
- Transport home arranged (same-day discharge)
- Emergency numbers saved to phone
Wound Care Instructions
- The incision is placed along the hairline for discretion
- Keep the incision clean and dry as advised by your surgical team
- You can shower from the day after surgery — keep the incision itself dry until your team confirms it can be wetted; hair washing is usually fine once they do (often after suture removal)
- Sutures are typically removed at 5–7 days
- Makeup can be worn over the healed incision once the sutures are out and the wound has sealed
- Protect the scar from the sun with SPF 30+ for the first year — a forehead scar is very sun-exposed, and UV can darken immature scars
- Scar support and recovery advice are provided by our team; a fine scar softens and fades over time
Pain Management
- Discomfort is usually mild and managed with simple pain relief
- Bruising is usually minimal after a direct lateral brow lift, though some patients notice bruising spreading towards the eyelid for a few days; some swelling is normal
Activity Restrictions
- You are usually discharged the same day from our day surgery suite
- Many patients find it comfortable to sleep slightly propped up for the first few days — it helps swelling settle
- Most patients resume light activity within 3–5 days
- Avoid strenuous activity until advised by your surgical team
FAQs
What can I expect after surgery?
You are discharged the same day. Most patients have minimal downtime and resume light activity within 3–5 days. Sutures are typically removed at 5–7 days, and swelling and bruising subside within 1–2 weeks. Our team provides full aftercare, including scar support and recovery advice.
Will I have a visible scar?
A fine scar is unavoidable, but it is placed in a natural crease or at the hairline. Over time the scar softens and fades, and scar refinement treatments are available if needed.
Can this procedure be combined with others?
Yes. Many patients combine a brow lift with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), non-surgical rejuvenation such as Botox or fillers, or skin treatments for overall facial harmony.
How long do the results last?
Most patients enjoy long-lasting results — often 5 to 10 years or more. While ageing continues, the brow generally maintains a more open, lifted contour following the procedure.
Download Guide
Download Brow Lift PDFPDF, 43 KB
Need Help?
Emergency Contact
Life-threatening emergencies:
999After-Hours Advice Line (Post-Surgery Patients Only):
07405322689For advice only. Day surgery hospital - closed overnight. For emergencies, call 999.
General inquiries:
0131 376 3785For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 immediately. For urgent medical advice, call NHS 24 on 111.