Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift or Browplasty) – Arlington, VA*

A brow lift takes about one hour. Excess skin is removed in precise amounts, the eyebrows are lifted, and the muscles are repositioned or adjusted, as necessary. If your eyebrows have lost their natural arch, Dr. Munasifi can also reshape them so that they are no longer as straight or flat. If the endoscopic technique is used, an endoscope attached to a camera is inserted into the incisions so that Dr. Munasifi can adjust the skin and muscles without the need for a long incision. Stitches or staples are then used to close the incisions. The exact incision technique used during a brow lift is determined based on the severity of sag, if the forehead is affected, and the position of the hairline. There are many approaches to consider:

• Traditional Incision
  Also called the open brow lift incision, this places the incision at the top of the head behind the hairline. This incision not only hides scarring, it provides a certain degree of controlled lifting during the procedure. This type of incision works well for those with both a sagging brow and frown lines. This is the preferred method if you are at risk for having a receding hairline.
• Endoscopic Forehead Lift
  This is a more modern technique used in brow lift surgery. It places several tiny incisions in the hairline and inserts a tool known as an endoscope, which travels down to the area of the eyebrow to release its attachments. Through the camera of the endoscope, the brow tissue is suspended using stitches to lift the brow in its higher position.

When the procedure is completed, a bandage is placed around the forehead to minimize swelling and bruising. After some time in our recovery room, you will be free to return home. The stitches or staples are removed in about 7 – 10 days. After 4 – 5 days, the large bandage is removed. For the majority of the bruising and swelling to subside, however, recovery usually takes about 1 – 3 weeks. Pain medication can be taken to help ease these symptoms. Dr. Munasifi advises patients sleep upright for the first several nights following their surgery. It is important to avoid any movement or activities that may place stress on the face. With that being said, you should refrain from strenuous exercise for about six weeks with light exercise resuming after about two weeks. Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding your recovery process. 

What cosmetic surgeries complement a brow lift?
Many patients opt to combine an eyelid lift with a brow lift to correct a tired or sagging-looking profile. If you have more extensive signs of aging around the eyes, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) can provide more dramatic results. A brow lift can also be performed in conjunction with a facelift to create an overall more youthful appearance.

Can this be combined with laser treatments?
Yes. For fine surface lines and wrinkles that are caused by sun damage, laser skin rejuvenation is a wonderful nonsurgical add-on procedure to a brow lift.

How long does a brow lift last?
Although a brow lift produces fabulous results, it will not stop the natural aging process. The longevity of the results will vary from patient to patient but can be prolonged with proper skin care. Brow lifts have been known to last for 10 – 12 years.

What kind of anesthesia is required for a brow lift?
General or local anesthesia may be used, and a brow lift is usually an outpatient procedure. Anesthesia is administered by a certified and highly trained anesthesiologist. Patients will need an adult to drive them home or ride with them in a taxi. We are happy to arrange transportation for an additional fee.

When can I return to work after a brow lift?
Most patients return to work within 4 – 5 days but swelling and bruising may still be visible. For optimal cosmetic, we recommend allotting a 1 – 2 week recovery period before returning to work and attending special events.

Don't let your sagging brow make people think you're mad, sad, tired, or angry — schedule a consultation to learn more about a brow lift with plastic surgeon Dr. Talal Munasifi at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Arlington, VA. By lifting your sagging brow, you can rejuvenate your entire appearance and look younger and more refreshed. Dr. Munasifi strives for natural-looking results; your brow lift will have your friends saying you look very refreshed rather than thinking you had surgery.