Your skin around the eyes is a delicate, easily wrinkled and thinned area that seems to age faster than most other areas of the body. As collagen and elastin are lost, the eyes are often the first area to be affected. We see sagging and loose skin around the eyes, above the eyes, and under the eyes. Above the eyes, we notice drooping, sagging brows that make us look tired, unhappy, bored and older than we are. So, what can we do? Two options for a more youthful appearance involving the eyes and brows are a brow lift and blepharoplasty. Let’s look at both options.
Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift surgery, also known as a “forehead lift,” is a cosmetic procedure that addresses signs of aging by lifting and reshaping the brow area. Over time, sun exposure, gravity and the natural aging process can lead to sagging brows, forehead wrinkles, and drooping skin around the eyes. Brow lift surgery counteracts these effects by repositioning the eyebrows upward to a more elevated position. Different techniques are employed in brow lift surgery, tailored to the specific needs and goals of the patient. The traditional or “classic” brow lift involves an incision along the hairline, allowing the surgeon to lift and reshape the underlying tissues. Endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive approach that uses smaller incisions in the hair and a tiny camera to guide the procedure. This results in shorter recovery times and reduced scarring. Some surgeons also offer temporal brow lifts that allow the surgeon to focus on the outer portion of the eyebrow only. For men, a common technique is a direct brow lift, hiding the scar on the upper portion of darker, thicker eyebrows.
Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyes by fixing sagging eyelids and excess skin or fatty deposits around them. Over time, factors such as aging, genetics, and sun exposure can contribute to the development of droopy or puffy eyelids. This can also impact vision and create a frustrating aesthetic look. Blepharoplasty surgically enhances the contours of the eyelids to create a more youthful, rested appearance. During an upper blepharoplasty, incisions are typically made along the eyelid’s natural crease, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and reposition or remove fatty deposits. Lower blepharoplasty involves incisions just below the lash line or inside the lower lid, addressing under-eye bags, loose skin, and wrinkles.
How Do You Choose Between Brow Lift Surgery and Blepharoplasty?
The choice between brow lift surgery and blepharoplasty can feel difficult because both procedures address similar facial issues. The best way to determine which procedure suits you is to schedule a consultation at Charlottesville Plastic Surgery. However, there are a few general guidelines that can be helpful when making our decision. Most people with hooded eyelids and a good brow position will benefit from a blepharoplasty. People with bags under the eyes or obstructed vision because of eyelid droopiness will also benefit most from a blepharoplasty. On the other hand, people with dropping or sagging eyebrows and fine wrinkles and fine lines above the brow will do best with a brow lift. Brow lifts can also fix heavy eyebrows that alter patient vision. A good rule of thumb is, if you you have to constantly raise your eyebrows to see better, or if your brows are below the upper orbital rim (you can palpate this), then you will likely need a brow lift.
Combining Brow Lift Surgery and Blepharoplasty
You might not have to choose between a brow lift and a blepharoplasty. In some patients, the two surgical options can be combined. Sometimes, patients have cosmetic concerns on multiple areas of their faces, and a single procedure won’t address all concerns. However, combining both surgeries may not be suitable for all patients. It’s important to bring your facial cosmetic concerns to your plastic surgeon during a consultation. The plastic surgeon should be able to tell you if you will need both procedures, as occasionally, excess upper eyelid skin can be due to the lids and the sagging brows. This is the best way to determine which treatment is most suited to you and whether multiple treatments are needed to accomplish your goals.
Schedule a Consultation
Visit Charlottesville Plastic Surgery to learn more about brow lifts or blepharoplasty and which would be the best option for you. Our team has an eye for unique beauty and we will work with you to enhance your natural beauty and move toward your desired aesthetic look. Our doctors are board-certified and have decades of experience with graceful aging treatments. Contact us today by filling out the online contact form to schedule your consultation for your brow lift, blepharoplasty, or other delicate eye plastic surgery.
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