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A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure whereby the eyebrows are elevated, the forehead skin is smoothed, and the frown lines are softened. Depending on a patient’s unique needs many different types of brow lift can be performed: endoscopic, mini-brow lift, coronal, direct incision, and trans-blepharoplasty. Dr. Rad specializes in highly sophisticated brow rejuvenation techniques which he developed while Director of Aesthetic Surgery at Johns Hopkins and which he continues to refine today. Dr. Rad utilizes the full spectrum of brow lift techniques, from endoscopic to short scar to coronal approaches, which Dr. Rad uses to tailor a unique solution to meet each patient’s unique needs.
People of all ages can benefit from brow lift surgery. With age or by genetics the eyebrows may droop or have an undesirable shape, crowding the eyes and giving the upper face a sad, aged or fatigued appearance. Hyperactivity of the forehead muscle, called the frontalis, causes forehead wrinkling which can lead to deep, permanent forehead furrows.
While Botox is the gold standard for temporary forehead smoothing, only surgical brow lifts can reposition the eyebrows, permanently smooth the forehead and frown lines, and brighten the eyes. In Dr. Rad’s hands brow lifting gives beautiful results at any age and so there is no particular age restriction. The most common reason to undergo brow lift is due to aging of the forehead.
However, genetics and anatomy play a strong role: from a young age some patients have low or heavy brows, asymmetric brow position, wrinkled forehead and frown areas, or a “sad” shape to their eyebrows. Everyone’s anatomy is different which is why it’s important to consult with Dr. Rad in person so that he can tailor the surgical approach to achieve your goals.
The brow lift approach depends on the technique being utilized. In the endoscopic technique, small, hidden scalp incisions are made through which instruments, and a camera for guidance, can be placed to release the forehead tissues and elevate.
The endoscopic technique is suitable for patients who desire eyebrow elevation and do not have excessively wrinkled skin. In the mini-brow lift (also called “short incision”), short incisions are placed along the hairline and allow targeted lifting of the outer eyebrows. Optimal for women who need focused elevation of the outer brows, this technique results in a hidden scar when the hair is worn as bangs.
In the coronal technique, a long incision is placed either along the hairline or at the top of the scalp through which the entire forehead skin can be elevated. Dr. Rad uses this approach for patients in their 60s or older, those who require significant elevation of the eyebrows and/or need corrective work.
If powerful frown lines are your concern and you desire a permanent “Botox effect” then investigate Dr. Rad’s “frown line reduction” technique. Here, Dr. Rad uses hidden incisions within the upper eyelid to access the corrugator muscles and weaken them. Read more about these techniques on their individual pages.
Dr. Rad’s approach is unique for each patient, and it combines sophisticated, state-of-the-art techniques to achieve natural and long lasting results.
Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While Dr. Rad’s surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant.
Actual Washington Brow + Forehead Lift Patient of Dr. Rad’s
See More Top Brow + Forehead Lift Results
Sherber+Rad cannot guarantee specific results.
Individual results may vary.
In Dr. Rad’s hands, brow lift surgery is effective in achieving the following goals: Elevating the eyebrows, Creating a natural arch and peak of the eyebrows (for women), Creating a masculine eyebrow configuration (for men), Smoothing the forehead skin, Eliminating forehead + frown wrinkles + furrows (a “permanent Botox” effect), Elevating upper eyelid skin, Restoring eyebrow symmetry, Lowering or raising the hairline
The ideal eyebrow shape for women is a gentle upward arch to the outer peak, and then slight arch downward, and the position should be at the eye socket edge (called “superior orbital rim”). Dr. Rad pays attention to these anatomical details to give each patient a harmonious result.
The ideal male eyebrow is horizontal and positioned along the eye socket edge (called “superior orbital rim”). The medial (inner) edge of the brow should be aligned with the inner corner of the eye and the outer aspect of the nostril. The outer edge of the brow should be aligned with the outer corner of the eye. These alignments form a triangle that shows proper proportion with the rest of the central face.
Recovery for minimally invasive brow lift procedure is 48-72 hours, whereas for full forehead and brow lift through a coronal approach the downtime can be about one week, possibly longer depending on the extent of the procedures performed. Dr. Rad always endeavors to achieve optimal results with the least down time and we are sensitive to your need to return to normal activities and professional obligations quickly. We recommend an in-person consultation to determine the optimal approach and Dr. Rad will review expectations for recovery time.
Dr. Rad performs corrective work on patients treated elsewhere and who’ve had unsatisfactory results. If the eyebrows are over-elevated, or asymmetrically elevated, then a number of problems can arise. The most common problem is a “surprised look” which occurs when the entire eyebrows are over-elevated. This is caused by exuberant release of the entire forehead tissues and uneven tension when the forehead is lifted. Dr. Rad avoids this by precisely controlling the degree of tissue release and tension. When Dr. Rad corrects this problem cause by another surgeon, he reverses the pull on tissues in order to restore normal eyebrow shape. Other problems that can arise is an angry look or the “Spock brow” caused by over-elevation of the outer brows. This can be a challenge to fix but Dr. Rad has addressed this by releasing the inner aspect of the eyebrows. Finally, a sad appearance can occur when the inner brow is higher than the outer brow. This is caused by exuberant release of the inner brow tissues and inadequate release of the outer brow tissues. This is a common error amongst inexperienced surgeons and which Dr. Rad has extensive experience treating. To correct this, Dr. Rad evaluates the overall position of the brows: if too low, then elevating the outer brows is the approach; if too high, then lowering the inner brow position is effective.
Experience is key: as a Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rad has performed thousands of facial cosmetic operations and while Director of Aesthetic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Dr. Rad instructed surgeons-in-training in complex surgical techniques. During your consultation Dr. Rad performs a detailed evaluation of your anatomy, both at rest and during animation (i.e. while engaging in conversation), with precise measurements, photography and aesthetic judgment. Together with you Dr. Rad customizes a highly specific operative plan to achieve the most harmonious, natural results with minimal down time. If you’ve had prior suboptimal results then you’re in the right hands: Dr. Rad routinely performs corrective work on patients who seek his experience following poor results performed elsewhere.
Our plastic surgery office in Washington DC is centered on your comfort and privacy. You’ll be received by our exquisitely attentive staff, and escorted to your own private cabana wherein you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable while consulting discreetly with Dr. Rad. First Dr. Rad will determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and during your consultation you should decide if Dr. Rad is the right surgeon for you. Credentials are crucial and, in addition to being Board certified in plastic surgery, Dr. Rad is Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and he enjoys an impeccable reputation as a top flight aesthetic surgeon. His facial plastic surgery expertise is sought out as one of the best surgeons in Washington DC, northern Virginia and the US.
Your safety is Dr. Rad’s primary concern and he will review your medical history. You should inform Dr. Rad of any medical problems or medications that may affect your healing. If you are medically appropriate to undergo surgery then Dr. Rad’s focus will be to understand what specific aesthetic concerns you have. Washington patients expect natural results with minimal downtime. Dr. Rad will spend time carefully listening to your concerns, asking clarifying questions and then masterfully guiding you, step by step, to understand how your unique anatomy can be improved to convey a rested appearance. Dr. Rad’s goal is to determine the most comprehensive approach for long lasting, natural results while minimizing downtime. Dr. Rad first needs to understand your specific concerns and you should prepare your thoughts prior to your consultation. Think of words that convey how you feel about your appearance. For example, Washington DC patients often say they look fatigued, tired or lackluster because of undereye bags or dark undereye circles, or they look sad, upset or disinterested such as from heavy eyebrows, excess skin above the eyes or downturned corners of the mouth. Patients often relate concerns of looking older than how they feel and this can be caused by jowls, nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, lines and wrinkles. Try to put into words how your appearance bothers you, and the priority you give to each area. Dr. Rad will then present to you his expert opinion about which procedures would be best to restore your anatomy to create a rested and refreshed appearance. In addition to surgery oftentimes patients can benefit from other procedures such as brow lift, eyelid lift, facial fat transfer, or rhinoplasty. And since surgery is intricate Dr. Rad will guide you through a stepwise approach of aesthetic analysis and he’ll deliver his recommendations in a clear and honest manner. Dr. Rad will present all options available in modern day surgery, both non-surgical and surgical.
Dr. Rad and Board certified dermatologist Dr. Sherber often collaborate to optimize patients’ results and to minimize invasiveness. As such Dr. Rad’s modern approach to surgery harnesses the power of both dermatology and plastic surgery as both specialities address different aesthetic challenges. For example, plastic surgery is effective to lift, tighten and volumize loose, atrophied tissues, whereas dermatologic treatments such as laser, radiofrequency tightening and skincare are best to improve skin texture, pigmentation and tone. Dr. Rad can address any concerns regarding skin quality and how to obtain and maintain optimal results.
Dr. Rad will review with you photos of his patients’ results (many of which you’ll not find online due to privacy concerns) to highlight his aesthetic approaches and skill. He will take your photographs, which remain confidential, to assist with the planning of your surgery. For your safety Dr. Rad performs surgery in a hospital-based operating room, considered to be the safest environment, rather than in the office. Anesthesia is delivered by a board certified anesthesiologist (MD) and you’ll be under light anesthesia which is important for your safety and comfort.
You will receive a customized quote for the procedures in which you’re interested. Once approved we may then move forward with pre-operative preparations and you will meet with Dr. Rad again at your final in person consultation prior to surgery. Dr. Rad’s reputation as one of the most technically gifted surgeons attracts patients nationally and from around the world. We cater to patients from across the globe by arranging virtual consultations, luxury accommodations at The Jefferson hotel, Washington’s most luxurious 5 star boutique hotel, as well as private nursing care. Your privacy, comfort and safely achieving exceptional results are our top priorities.
“Dr. Ariel Rad is the finest physician I’ve ever met! I’ve worked with Dr. Rad over the last five years and he encompasses everything you’d hope from a physician and much more. He possesses the highest intellect, sophistication, dedication, and compassion. I can’t say enough about Dr. Rad. Every appointment I’ve had with him has exceeded my expectations. He’s the absolute best! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr. Ariel Rad to my family and friends for medical care.”
Esther A. | May, 2018
Dr. Rad’s credentials, results and patient reviews speak for themselves. Princeton (magna cum laude) and Duke University educated, Dr. Rad is a Johns Hopkins trained board certified plastic surgeon and Assistant Professor of plastic surgery there. Dr. Rad has performed thousands of aesthetic facial surgeries and he specializes in minimally invasive, scarless approaches featuring minimal downtime. He is ranked in the top 3 plastic surgeons in DC, has the highest patient ratings across all doctor review websites and has been an invited expert in international conferences teaching his techniques to surgeons from around the world. Dr. Rad’s patients seek to look refreshed and rested with natural results, minimal scars and the least downtime. He has innovated scarless techniques due to his patients’ needs for discretion and hidden evidence of surgery. Dr. Rad has membership with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Through rigorous written and oral examinations, these national societies have vetted Dr. Rad’s education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct as having met the highest standards in the world.
The cost of a brow lift procedure depends on many factors: the type of brow lift, whether it is performed in-office or in a hospital-based OR, and the quality/skill of the surgeon. At Dr. Rad’s Washington DC practice, the cost of brow lift surgery ranges from $3,500 for in-office direct incision brow lift to $14,000 for complex brow lift, reconstruction or corrective work after prior unsatisfactory work. While total cost increases when combined with other procedures, surgery is cost-effective when multiple procedures are combined. Cost is a reflection of the skill and experience required to obtain excellent results. Under Dr. Rad’s care your experience is guaranteed to be the highest quality.
We look forward to welcoming you for your private consultation with Dr. Rad
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Sherber+Rad1101 15th St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20005
