Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. There isn't usually significant discomfort after surgery but if there is, it can be lessened with the pain medication we will prescibe. The next day the tubes will be removed and the large dressing will be replaced with a much lighter dressing. You will be able to begin showering and washing your hair the next day.

You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb, and may not respond normally at first.

We will give more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They're likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy work, for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine). Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing. You can start gentle exercise in two weeks but strenuous aerobics or weight lifting should be avoided for a month.

You will need to take one week off work. Most of our forehead lift Toronto patients are back at work in about ten days to two weeks after surgery. Endoscopic patients may feel ready to return even sooner. If you need it, makeup can mask most bruising that remains.