- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Ariel N. Rad, M.D., PH.D.
- Face Cosmetic Surgery
- Breast Cosmetic Surgery
- Body Contouring
- Breast Cancer Reconstruction
- Destination & Travel Package
- Gallery
- Testimonials
- Boutique
- PRESS + BLOG
TOP
TOP
Surgical forehead shortening is a procedure designed to reduce the height of the forehead and to bring the hairline forward.
This treatment should be performed only by Board certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Rad commonly performs surgical forehead shortening in combination with brow lift, frown line reduction, blepharoplasty and other facial rejuvenation procedures to give patients a brighter appearance to the eyes, a more alluring eyebrow shape, and overall better facial proportion.
Forehead shortening is performed in an operating room under anesthesia. With Dr. Rad and the helm, this routine procedure is safe and delivers permanent results. Recovery generally takes about one week.
Surgically reducing the area above the brow is a great choice for patients who have large foreheads, receding hairlines, heavy and wrinkled forehead skin, and/or heavy brows. Since forehead anatomy and receding hairlines are largely genetic and age-related, patients of all ages can enjoy an excellent result. There is no age restriction.
An in-person consultation with Dr. Rad is crucial to determine whether the frown line reduction procedure approach is right for you.
Dr. Rad’s technique is not “cookie cutter;” rather, he tailors his approach according to your unique anatomy and goals. The process begins first by assessing your forehead, hairline and eyebrow anatomy. Together you will determine the exact placement of your hairline in order to optimize brow, forehead aesthetics and overall facial proportion.
Dr. Rad considers eyebrow and facial asymmetry at rest. While you are standing upright with your eyebrows relaxed Dr. Rad takes precise measurements and makes markings while double checking to ensure symmetry. The incision is planned along the hairline, a “pre-trichial” approach, although some of the incision may traverse the hair-bearing scalp. The precise scar pattern is based on Dr. Rad’s thorough assessment of the ideal aesthetic appearance you’re seeking. Dr. Rad carefully “bevels” the incision so that hair follicles are preserved and hair growth occurs through the scar thus camouflaging it. He also identifies important sensory nerves and protects them to prevent numbness, and then dissects the posterior scalp to mobilize it forward. If the forehead skin requires smoothing and/or a brow lift is needed, then Dr. Rad elevates the forehead tissues, as well.
Frown muscle (Corrugator supercilii) muscle weakening can be performed simultaneously. Then the artistic aspect of the surgery involves advancing the scalp forward, elevating the brows and smoothing the forehead skin to the perfect position. Dr. Rad makes meticulous adjustments measured in millimeters and, since gravity influences brow position, he checks your brow and forehead symmetry multiple times while you’re upright. Dr. Rad then closes the incision precisely with fine suture.
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 DC 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.
Genetics, hair loss or wearing tight braids or bun causing tension on the hairline follicles can all be causes for a high hairline. While only the last cause is controllable, hairline lowering surgery, forehead reduction and brow lift can reverse the effects of uncontrollable factors like genetics. Patients of all ages can benefit from forehead reduction.
Patients can be very self-conscious about a high hairline or disproportionately large forehead. In these situations the forehead can be distracting because it dominates other very attractive facial features. This is an important concept in facial proportion and the forehead aesthetically should occupy about 1/3 of the entire face. Patients often report avoiding wearing hair in a ponytail, and trying to mask their foreheads by changing hairstyles, wearing bangs or hats, shaping or penciling the eyebrows higher in an effort to shorten the distance between eyebrows and hairline, thus giving the appearance of a smaller forehead. While this can improve facial proportions, this is obviously not a permanent solution and requires daily maintenance in addition to being a daily reminder of an anatomical feature that can make one feel self conscious. Hairline lowering surgery, forehead reduction and brow lift can all work synergistically to give patients a permanent solution.
This is not a commonly performed surgery due the expertise needed to perform it properly and skillfully with minimal risk. As a result many people who have a high hairline are unaware that this procedure exists for both women and men that reduces the size of the forehead and lowers the hairline. Known for his technical skill in facial aesthetic surgery and microsurgery, Dr. Rad is expert in the hairline lowering procedure and has performed the operation on patients from around the country and the world.
Definitely and Dr. Rad often combines hairline lowering and brow lift procedures. In these circumstances if the eyebrows are aesthetically too low then this is a powerful technique to give the best possible results. For women, the eyebrows show gently arch upwards over the brow bone and then slightly come down at the tail. For men, the eyebrows are horizontal and remain in a low set position. Due to the natural differences in anatomy, women most commonly benefit from simultaneous brow lift and hairline lowering.
No, hair transplantation is best for stable baldness rather than hairline lowering. However, the two procedures, hairline lowering surgery and hair transplantation, can work synergistically. Every patient is unique, and therefore a detailed consultation with Dr. Rad is necessary to discuss your goals and plan for your procedure.
Patients are ideal candidates with no history of progressive hair loss. Men and women of all ages can benefit. Usually they have a high hairline from a young age which speaks to the genetic nature of this anatomical feature which aesthetically causes the forehead to look disproportionately larger than the rest of the face. Generally speaking patients should be in good health with no heart, lung or kidney disease. In order to achieve optimal results with a single procedure, potential candidates must meet specific preoperative criteria.
Dr. Rad will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions, prior surgeries and your aesthetic vision for your results. To determine your treatment options and candidacy for hairline lowering surgery, Dr. Rad will examine your face to determine overall symmetry and balance, take photographs for surgical planning, and discuss what improvements you can expect from surgery. Dr. Rad spends time with you so that you have accurate expectations for the results, recovery and planning.
After a forehead reduction procedure, swelling and mild bruising in the forehead, eyelids and upper cheek regions are common and temporary. Most swelling diminishes over the first several days and resolves in about 2 weeks after surgery. Numbness or reduced sensation should be expected and will resolve with time. Many patients are healed enough to go back to work after about 1-2 weeks.
Dr. Rad considers safety to be the highest priority, and thorough preoperative assessment with medical clearance by your primary care physician are mandatory. If you take nicotine products (all tobacco, nicotine gums and patches, etc.), Dr. Rad strongly recommends that you stop consuming nicotine at least 4 weeks before surgery and then 4 weeks after surgery because the nicotine causes blood vessel constriction which decreases blood flow in the skin and impairs healing. We will provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions. Certain medications will need to be avoided both before and after surgery such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, all of which can increase bleeding. You should also make arrangements for a family member or friend to bring you to and from the surgical center. You’ll need a responsible adult to stay with you the first night. If you prefer to have a private duty nursing and private recovery at The Jefferson hotel in downtown DC, a 5- star luxury boutique hotel located 2 blocks from SHERBER+RAD, then our office staff will be happy to help make arrangements. Our patients, family and friends enjoy ultimate privacy, comfort and dining, as well as 20% off best available rates. Please phone us at 202.517.7299 and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Surgical forehead shortening is an outpatient procedure and recovery lasts about 1-2 weeks. The results of surgical forehead shortening are immediate and minor discomfort, bruising and swelling resolve after a few days. Sutures are removed after 1 week. You should avoid heavy lifting, such as at the gym, or inverted positions, such as yoga head stands, for about 4 weeks but otherwise you may return to normal activities quickly.
Surgical forehead shortening is very safe. The most common complications that can occur are slight asymmetries, visible scar and numbness. Dr. Rad is extremely meticulous in surgery and the chance of these problems occurring is extremely low. Patients who have had suboptimal results from other surgeons often seek Dr. Rad’s experience for corrective work.
The eyebrow and upper eyelid are intimately related, and for optimal aesthetics, it’s important to address both. If the eyebrow is in a properly elevated position with arched contour, and upper eyelid skin excess is a concern, then upper blepharoplasty is indicated. If, the eyebrows are low, then excess upper eyelid skin may be relieved partially or completely with brow lift. If excess upper eyelid skin is only partially relieved by brow lifting, then combining the two is best. Keep in mind that correct diagnosis is essential and the right approach requires in person evaluation with Dr. Rad.
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 DC 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. 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 DC’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.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY CONSULTATION WITH DR. RAD?
“Had a facelift with Dr. Rad. Not only did he do a magnificent job, but he was extraordinarily attentive and caring when I experienced an acute complication from surgery. He has an outstanding bedside manner. In his office, he never makes you feel rushed. Explains everything carefully. And is all around extremely kind and very talented. I have referred several people to him.”
Louise | November, 2016
Dr. Rad’s credentials speak for themselves: Princeton (B.S.E, Magna Cum Laude), Duke School of Medicine (M.D.) and University of London (Ph.D.) educated and Johns Hopkins Plastic Surgery trained, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and long-standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rad is considered an expert in facial plastic surgery and microsurgery. He is ranked the #1 plastic surgeon in Washington DC based on aggregate ratings from all independent ranking websites: “top rated local“, “three best rated” top plastic surgeon and “top plastic surgeon reviews“. SHERBER+RAD have never engaged in paid advertising, and all rankings, reviews are from vetted and respected sources.
The cost of a surgical forehead reduction depends on many factors: At Dr. Rad’s Washington DC practice, the cost of this surgery ranges from $9,000 for primary (first time) procedures to $15,000 for complex 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
Enjoy a unique experience centered on your privacy and on unhurried attention to your concerns
Or Send a confidential inquiry and our staff will be happy to reach out to you
Sherber+Rad1101 15th St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20005
