Do friends often remark that you look, old, tired, or even angry? Sagging brows and eyelids could be the problem. Although facial aging affects the entire face, it’s often very noticeable on the forehead and around the eyes. Fortunately, a brow lift and eyelid lift are both excellent solutions for aging in the upper face. But which makes the most difference.
Brow lift surgery
A brow lift also known as a forehead lift, is a procedure that is done to elevate the eyebrows, to reduce forehead wrinkles and deep furrows. The combination of aging and gravity can cause the brows to droop and look heavy, or make the eyelids sag. Brow lift surgery will eliminate sagging brows, and refresh the appearance.
Brow lift surgery may be performed using different techniques, but the minimally invasive endoscopic brow lift is often preferred. The endoscopic brow lift is considered an improvement over the traditional brow lift, as it requires smaller incisions and has a quicker recovery.
An endoscopic brow lift is a very precise procedure that is done with the assistance of an endoscope. An endoscope is a medical instrument with a tiny camera attached, that allows the surgeon to see under the tissue.
During brow lift surgery the surgeon will remove excess skin on the forehead, and reposition the muscles to reduce sagging eyebrows, frown lines, and wrinkles. Patients are generally able to return to work about 10 days after the procedure, and results can be seen within 2-3 months.
What does a brow lift improve?
A brow lift improves the effects of brow descent. It is beneficial for people wanting to lift sagging brows, smooth deep forehead creases, and reduce the appearance of frown lines.
Eyelid Surgery
An eyelid lift known medically as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids, and defines the eyelid crease. Surgery involves removing excess skin and fat, to restore the natural contours of the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery removes redundant skin and fat that causes the eyelids to look droopy. The incision for surgery is made along the natural crease of the lids. This will refresh the appearance of the eyes, and create a more youthful appearance.
Lower eyelid surgery addresses bags and wrinkles beneath the eyes. Bags and puffiness under the eyes often occurs because of the build-up of fluid, or the bulging of lower fat pads. The surgeon will make an incision on the inside of the lower eyelids or just under the lash line, in order to remove or reposition the excess fat.
Eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 1 hour. Patients typically experience post-procedural bruising and swelling that lasts 3-5 days.
What does an eyelid lift improve?
An eyelid lift improves the excess skin that overhangs the eyelids. The best candidates for eyelid surgery are people with sagging skin and puffiness in the upper eyelids, and/or droopy lower eyelids and bags below the eyes.
Which makes the most difference?
A brow lift and eyelid lift are both excellent options for rejuvenating the upper face. However, patients are always advised to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation, so that a correct diagnosis can be made. The surgeon will consider the specific needs and aesthetic goals of the patient, to determine which procedure will provide the best cosmetic outcome.
A brow lift is the ideal procedure for people with sagging upper eyelids or heavy brows, caused by the downward shift of the brow. Lifting the brows can also indirectly improve the position of the eyelids. However, if there is excess skin over the eyelids but the brows are in their natural position, an eyelid lift may be the right option.
Some people have a combination of droopy brows and redundant eyelid skin, so they will need to have both procedures done to fully rejuvenate their appearance.
Are you ready to fix your droopy eyelid problems?
If you are in the Raleigh & Durham, NC areas, contact Stein Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adam Stein, double board certified facial plastic surgeon.
You can reach Dr. Stein at www.facialdoc.com, or by calling (919) 585-5777.