What is it?

As aging proceeds you may see its signs in the forehead and brow area as well.   There may develop deep wrinkles or "frown lines" which give the patient an angry look.   One may also develop sagging of the eyebrows, which can aggravate the sad, tired expression of the face and eyes.   The brow lift procedure is designed to counteract these signs of aging and thereby giving the patient a more youthful appearance.

What does it accomplish?

The purpose of brow lift is to remove the signs of aging in the forehead by pulling the forehead skin and the structures underneath the skin in an upward direction, thereby counteracting the effects of gravity.   The beneficial effects of a brow lift can vary depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle.   The role of heredity is also important on the effect that the brow lift will have on the your overall appearance.

What happens during the first consultation?

In the first consultation you will get a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will tell you what you need to know about your procedure and will help you determine what is best for you.   You will receive information booklets, review before and after photographs, and receive pricing on the procedures.

How is it done?  

We usually perform this operation in an out patient surgical facility under general anesthesia.   The skin of the forehead is lifted and the tissues underneath are fixed in their proper position. If necessary the muscles of the forehead that cause frown lines are weakened to help soften the appearance of the forehead skin. The excess skin is pulled and trimmed. The suture line is hidden in the hair bearing skin and therefore not seen.   If possible, the surgeon may elect to perform this operation using Endoscopic techniques.   With Endoscopic surgery the entire procedure is done with the aid of video technology, through small incisions that are placed in inconspicuous areas.  

What can I expect after surgery?

There will be a moderate amount of swelling and bruising with brow-lift. You should take off of work for at least 1 week. This would give you adequate time to recover sufficiently from surgery and to be seen without drawing attention.   Although most of the evidence of surgery has disappeared by the end of the week the ultimate result of the brow lift operation will not be evident until at least five or six months have passed.   You should expect a moderate degree of overcorrection of the brow immediately after surgery. Much of this initial overcorrection will settle down and the brow will

descend after several weeks.   You may have some swelling in the eyelids due to the surgery. This will subside shortly after surgery. Sometimes a small amount of bruising in the eyelids may be present up to 2 weeks after surgery. You can cover this with makeup within a few days. Having temporary numbness in the scalp is also common but after a few weeks normal sensation will return.

When are the sutures removed?

Most sutures are removed within a week. However there may be sutures or staples that remain up to 2 weeks in order to provide additional support in critical areas.

How many visits do I have after surgery?

We like to see our patients frequently after surgery. You are seen by the doctor or nurse within 2-3 days of surgery. Then the normal routine after surgery is 1 week, 1month, 3 months, 6months, and 12 months. Of course if there is a need, you are seen as many times as necessary. We encourage our patients to come for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.

When can I cover my bruises with make-up?

You should be able to put makeup on your bruises after one week. However, we do not recommend your putting makeup on your incisions until the skin is completely healed because this may result in tattooing of the skin by the pigments of the makeup.

Am I a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for a Brow-lift is a person who has eyebrow ptosis (lowering of the eyebrow), or heavy forehead frown lines. There is no definite age category when the surgery should be done.

In general, the ideal candidate for plastic surgery is a self-motivated patient who has realistic expectations about the results.   Generally the younger you are the better a candidate you are for surgery. But the physiologic age of person is more important than the chronologic age. That is to say you may be 60 years old, but your skin and general health could be better than most who are 50 years old.

What does the surgery cost?

The cost of surgery varies but here are some guidelines that will help you determine roughly what you could expect. Remember that these are only rough estimates . These estimations include the cost of the operating room and the anesthesia. The fee may be subject to change without notice. The best way for you get an accurate cost analysis is to see a doctor.

Brow lift Cost Range: $4,150 - $4,900

How do I pay for surgery?            

You can pay for surgery by certified check, Credit card, or cash. Payments for cosmetic surgery are expected prior to the procedure. If you are scheduling several weeks in advance of surgery you can pay by personal check.

Are there scars?

Yes. The extent of the scars depends on the type of Brow-lift you are having. If you have an Endoscopic Brow-lift the scars are quite short and inconspicuous. The traditional Brow-lift incision is located in the scalp about 2 inches above the hairline. In those who have high foreheads the incision may be placed at the hairline. In either case the incisions heal very nicely and are not noticeable.

Does it hurt?

Yes. However, the pain involved in Brow-lift procedures is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as 'discomfort' or 'soreness'. For some reason, injuries to the face (including those surgically induced) do not hurt as bad as they look. Many patients do not finish the pain medications prescribed to them for pain relief. But having said that remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict how you will react to the discomfort.

Will I be awake during surgery?

If you are having a regular Brow-lift operation you will be asleep. It is to your advantage to be comfortable and have an anesthesiologist monitor your heart and lung. This would also help the surgeon because he can concentrate on his work and accomplish what he wishes to do with expediency. Although Dr.Marefat prefers to have his patients asleep during this procedure, you could have it done under local sedation if you do not wish to be under general anesthesia.

Where is the surgery performed (i.e. office suite or hospital)?

The operation is performed in an out patient surgical facility under general anesthesia. Only in rare situations in which the patient may have medical risk factors does Dr.Marefat suggest the hospital environment for surgery.

Are medical photographs taken?  

Yes. Photographs are mandatory for all cosmetic and reconstructive cases. Photographs are the best way to compare your before and after results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

Date Revised:1-23-07

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