Have you noticed that your eyelids are looking very droopy lately, and making you look older than you are? Blepharoplasty is a good fix for saggy skin around the eyes, but there are times when a browlift may also be necessary. Before making a decision it’s important to consider all the facts, because it can be difficult to tell if you should get a browlift with your blepharoplasty.
Why is a browlift done?
A brow lift or forehead lift is a surgical procedure that is done to address forehead creases and wrinkles, and lift sagging brows. This is achieved by raising the level of the eyebrows, so as to lift droopy brows.
How it’s done
A browlift is performed on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia, and takes about 2 hours. Surgery may be done using the traditional approach, or with the help of an endoscope (endoscopic brow lift).
The endoscopic brow lift is a more accurate procedure as the endoscope allows the surgeon to clearly see the underlying muscles and tissues. Smaller incisions are required for the endoscopic browlift, which means scars are smaller and can therefore be easily concealed.
During a browlift the surgeon will adjust the underlying muscle and tissue, and elevate the brow.
Why is blepharoplasty done?
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is done to improve the appearance of the eyelids. An upper eyelid lift corrects droopy or sagging upper lids, and a lower eyelid lift addresses undereye bags and wrinkles beneath the eyes. Blepharoplasty not only makes the eyes more attractive, it also improves vision in cases where the upper eyelids hang so low that they interfere with vision.
How it’s done
Upper blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that removes excess skin and sometimes fatty deposits from the upper eyelids. It is usually done under local anesthesia. The incisions are made in the natural crease of the eyelids, so scars are virtually indiscernible. Surgery takes about 1 hour. There is generally some bruising and swelling after the operation, but recovery time is minimal.
The incision for lower blepharoplasty is made just below the lash line of the lower lid. The surgeon will reposition or remove the fat to get rid of puffiness and bags under the eyes, and tighten the skin if required.
Should I get a browlift with my blepharoplasty?
Whether you should get a browlift with your eyelid lift, will depend on the specific cause of your sagging eyelids.
If you have sagging eyelids as a result of excess skin in the upper eyelids, but your brows have not shifted down from their natural position, blepharoplasty may be all you need to refresh the appearance of your eyelids.
However, there are instances in which sagging upper eyelids may be the result of droopy brows. Since the position of the brows affects the eyelids, a browlift may be needed to rejuvenate the eyelids.
The brows often descend from their natural position over time, and this may be due to gravity or the downward pull of the facial muscles. If you have heavy brows along with excess eyelid skin, your plastic surgeon may recommend getting a brow lift with blepharoplasty. This will make the upper face look balanced, and ensure optimal facial rejuvenation.
If you have heavy brows and choose to have blepharoplasty alone, you’re not likely to get the rejuvenated outcome you desire. The brows and eyes are controlled by different muscles so correcting only the eyelids without addressing problems with the eyebrows, will give the face an unbalanced look. The procedures complement each other, so doing them together will create a balanced rejuvenation.
Would like to rejuvenate the area around the eyes, but you’re not sure if you need an eyelid lift, browlift, or both? It’s advisable to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. The plastic surgeon will review the dynamics of your forehead and upper eyelids, and determine if you need to have both procedures done.
If you are in the Bala Cynwyd, PA area, contact Dr. Anthony Farole of the Facial Cosmetic Surgical Center for more information.
Call (610) 679-8374 today to set up a consultation.